Thematic Bible: Association with publicans and sinners

When the Pharisees saw it, they kept saying to his disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with the tax-gatherers and sinners?" "It is not those who are well," said Jesus, when he heard this, "but the sick, who need a doctor. "But go and learn what this means, "It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice; for I am come not to call just men, but sinners."