Luke 5:32 - Repentance And Righteousness

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:32 (KJV)

Here Jesus was not concerned about discussing who were "the righteous." His
point was simply that His mission was to those in need of "repentance"-a
change of heart and a change of life (cf. 3:7-14). The Pharisees sensed no
need for such a change. [Bible Knowledge Commentary]

Although the Pharisees thought so highly of themselves, they were really in
a worse condition than the ones they despised. The publicans were less
bigoted and self-sufficient, and thus were more open to the influence of
truth. DA275-8

Jesus implied that he could do nothing for the "righteous" Pharisees, who
were sure of their own perfection. He wanted to reach those who recognized
and acknowledged their need. [Wycliffe Bible Commentary]

The Pharisees wrapped their sin in respectability. They made themselves
appear good by publicly doing good deeds and pointing at the sins of others.
Jesus chose to spend time not with these proud, self-righteous religious
leaders, but with people who sensed their own sin and knew that they were
not good enough for God. In order to come to God, we must repent; and in
order to renounce our sin, we must recognize it for what it is. [Life
Application SB]

It was a wonder of his grace that he would not only admit a converted
publican into his family, but would keep company with unconverted publicans,
that he might have an opportunity of doing their souls good; he justified
himself in it, as agreeing with the great design of his coming into the
world. Here is a wonder of grace indeed, that Christ undertakes to be the
Physician of souls distempered by sin, and ready to die of the distemper --
that he has a particular regard to the sick, to sinners as his patients,
convinced awakened sinners, that see their need of the Physician-- that he
came to call sinners, the worst of sinners, to repentance, and to assure
them of pardon, upon repentance. These are glad tidings of great joy indeed.
(Matthew Henry's Commentary)

It would be well if we were to regard the sinner not as a criminal but as a
sick man; and if we were to look on the man who has made a mistake not as
someone deserving contempt and condemnation but as someone needing love and
help to find the right way. [Barclay Commentary]

Levi not only followed Jesus, but he invited many of his "sinner friends" to
meet Jesus. This is a good plan for new believers to follow: introduce your
old friends to your new Friend before they drop you. [Wiersbe Expository
Outlines]

"No man ever went to Heaven alone; he must either find friends or make
them." It is a Christian duty to share the blessedness that we have found.
[Barclay Commentary]