Greek · fee-LOS te-lo-NON kai ha-mar-to-LON
Friend of Sinners
φίλος τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν
The Friend of Sinners — the One who eats with, touches and saves the unworthy
Symbol: The empty chair at the table — a place set for the one nobody wanted
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
Matthew 11:19
His enemies meant it as an insult. We wear it as a title of grace: He is the Friend of Sinners — the one who came for the sick, not the well.
What the name means
Religious people were scandalised that Jesus ate with the unworthy — table fellowship in that culture meant acceptance.
He did not befriend sinners to become like them; He befriended them to make them like Him.
If you feel too dirty to approach God, this is your name: He chose the company of the broken on purpose.
How to pray this name
- Pray it when shame keeps you away: 'Friend of Sinners, I come — You invited me first.'
- Pray it for someone far from God: 'Friend of Sinners, go and befriend them as You did me.'
Friend of Sinners, You came to the table for people like me. I come as I am — befriend and change me. In the Mighty Name of Jesus! Amen.
Declaration
Jesus is the Friend of Sinners — I was never too dirty for Him; He came for me on purpose.
Study further
Luke 15:1-2 · Mark 2:15-17 · Romans 5:8 · 1 Timothy 1:15