Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Casting Crowns' frontman, Mark Hall wrote "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" to address the idea that the world knows those who follow the Christian faith more for what they oppose than what they support; he stated that the song is a "reminder that we need to do something about that". ==Composition==

Musically, "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" has been described as a "pop hymn". Lyrically, it "admonishes the church to show compassion" and "laments how the world knows many Christ followers more by what they are against than what they are for". The opening verse of the song, "Jesus Friend of Sinners/we have strayed so far away/we cut down people in Your name/but the sword was never ours to swing/... The world is on their way to You/but they’re tripping over me/always looking around, but never looking up/I’m so double-minded", has been described as an example of the "bold lyric" that has been a "trademark" for Casting Crowns. ==Critical reception==

"Jesus, Friend of Sinners" received positive reviews from critics upon the release of Come to the Well, with many critics praising the song's lyrical content. Tom Lennie of Cross Rhythms stated that the song "effectively illustrates the true message [Jesus] Christ came to deliver" and called it "a veritable musical sermon". and a "thoughtful pop hymn". and praised the song's "bold" lyrical content". ==Chart performance==

"Jesus, Friend of Sinners" began going for radio adds on the Christian AC, Christian CHR, and Soft AC/Inspirational formats on March 3, 2012. It has so far peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart, No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Christian AC chart, No. 2 on the Billboard Christian AC Indicator chart, No. 21on the Billboard Soft AC/Inspirational chart, and No. 20 on the Christian CHR chart. ==Other uses==

Casting Crowns has released a music video for the song. ==Charts==