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Jesus’ goal is to call sinners to repentance. In this way He demonstrates great love for them.

BibleGateway: Mark 2:13-17

ESV Text: Mark 2:13-17


KJV Text:

The section starts at about 1:32 and ends at about 2:31

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     13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. 15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? 17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.(KJV)


Hymn: TLH 386 :
My Savior Sinners doth Receive

Hymnary.org
— Organ Audio

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1. My Savior sinners doth receive 
Who find no rest and no salvation, 
To whom no man can comfort give, 
So great their guilt and condemnation; 
For whom the world is all too small, 
Their sins themselves and God appal; 
With whom the Law itself hath broken, 
On whom its judgment hath been spoken,– 
To them the Gospel hope doth give: 
My Savior sinners doth receive. 

2. A love more deep than mother-love, 
With which His heart was overflowing, 
Drew Him to earth from heaven above, 
On sinners boundless grace bestowing, 
He in their stead a curse became, 
He bore the across with all its shame; 
Brought full atonement by His suffering, 
Gave up His life for them an offering. 
This comfort doth the Gospel give: 
My Savior sinners doth receive. 

3. His loving bosom still remains 
A haven for the heavey-laden; 
Christ frees them from their guilty stains, 
Their burdened heart doth ease and gladden. 
He casts into the unfathomed sea 
The load of their iniquity; 
He gives assurance by His Spirit 
That they are saved through His own merit. 
Yea, they shall live who this believe: 
My Savior sinners doth receive. 

4. Say not: “My sins are far too great, 
His mercy I have scorned and slighted, 
Now my repentance is too late; 
I came not when His love invited.” 
O trembling sinner, have no fear; 
In penitence to Christ draw near. 
Come now, though conscience still is chiding; 
Accept His mercy, e’er abiding. 
Come; blest are they who this believe: 
My Savior sinners doth receive. 

5. Oh, draw us ever unto Thee, 
Thou Friend of sinners, gracious Savior; 
Help us that we may fervently 
Desire Thy pardon, peace, and favor. 
When guilty conscience doth reprove, 
Reveal to us Thy heart of love. 
May we, our wretchedness beholding, 
See then Thy pardoning grace unfolding 
And say: “To God all glory be: 
My Savior, Christ, receiveth me.”