Jesus: A Friend of the Sinful

“You’ll never guess who’s in church today!” I’ve heard people make that statement dozens of times through the years. They then tell me of some person whom they thought would never darken the door of the church. But Christ welcomed all people. Let’s look at how he befriended a very sinful woman. And as we do, be reminded that there is no sin so heinous that Christ cannot forgive. He wants to befriend you.

I. He elicits

guilt.

A. Psychologists speak a lot about the

consequences of guilt – what they call “

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guilt.”

1. Toxic guilt may be feeling guilty for things that are perfectly

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   .

2. Toxic guilt is feeling guilty for things that God has

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   you of long ago.

3. Toxic guilt is feeling guilty for things because other people

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   of them.

4. Toxic guilt is feeling guilty for things that aren’t really

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   .

   B. What is often overlooked today is that there is a

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   guilt, a
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   guilt.

   C. Jesus is a friend of sinners because he

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   this healthy guilt in us, usually in one of four ways:

5. Through

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   . (Romans 2:15)

6. Through

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   . (2 Kings 22:13)

7. Through corporate

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   . (Matthew 18:20)

8. Through

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   . (2 Samuel 12:1-14)

II. He encourages

repentance.

A. This woman

genuine repentance.

B. Jesus always

genuine repentance—which involves three steps:

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   — “I was wrong. I have sinned against God.”

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   — “I am sorry. There is brokenness and tears.”

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   — “I will stop rebelling against God and walk in his will.”

   C. Jesus is a friend because he encourages that kind of

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   repentance.

III. He offers

forgiveness.

A. A good friend

offenses.

B. Jesus is a

friend of sinners because he forgives their sins though they cost him his life.

IV. He promises

peace.

A. This woman left in peace for two reasons:

1. She

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   that her sins were forgiven.

2. Her life was going to be

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   .

   B. Jesus is our friend because he grants an inner peace.