Friend of Sinners

We don’t like to think of death. In fact, we’re enslaved by the fear of it. In these devotions, Elyse Fitzpatrick teaches us how to remember death without fear—by remembering the one who tasted death so that we never will. Friend of Sinners is a lavish feast for your Lenten fast.

Endorsements must be brief, which means I cannot share all the ways this devotional impacted me, but let me just say there were many moments when it was impossible to read Elyse’s depiction of Jesus with a dry eye. You will be impacted again and again in unforgettable ways as the season of Lent takes on deeper meaning with each page. I will be sharing this with many.

I love how Elyse kindles our imaginations enough to enable us to step into the sandals of those we’ve perhaps glossed over during our Bible readings. As you read this book, I’d wager you might find yourself pausing to pray, repent, and sometimes just say, ‘Wow!’ I know I did.

I loved these Lent devotions. Elyse writes beautifully about our beautiful Saviour, and her words helped me see more of his humility, grace, and unspeakably great love for undeserving sinners. At times, I was moved to tears. She also helped me see myself more clearly, in a way that drove me back to my Lord with an increased awareness of my need and his mercy. What a wonderful gift!

“Elyse Fitzpatrick combines faithful biblical reflection, compassion, and profound gospel clarity. With her characteristic warmth, she invites readers into the Lenten season as a fresh encounter with the crucified and risen Christ, who befriends sinners, bears shame, and gives himself fully for us. Deeply comforting and theologically rich.”

"Holy days and seasons can become boring and bland. If you would like to change that this Lent, this is your book. Friend of Sinners captures the pathos, the tears, the laughter, and the reality of Lent. You will go on a journey that just might change your life."

"Elyse helps us look at interactions Jesus has on his journey to the cross and draws our attention to the love and emotions Jesus has all along the way. Elyse asks us, ‘Can you hear the Savior as he pleads for mercy for us all?’ What a grace. I loved how this book helped me to again delight in all Jesus came to do for the world."

"I loved this book, which helped me slow down and reflect and meditate on what it really means for Jesus to be the friend of sinners—to be my friend. Elyse has a wonderful way of taking us by the hand and leading us beyond what is happening on the surface so that we can truly see and identify with the hearts of the real, ordinary people who encounter Jesus in the Gospels. I was deeply moved and humbled, and left marvelling afresh at both how incredibly costly and incredibly precious Jesus’ love for needy sinners like me is."

“In a time of immense loneliness, Elyse’s devotional is a welcome return to a season that connects us to Christ and each other. Friend of Sinners gently invites us to the rhythms of our faith. I look forward to sharing it with others during this Lenten season.”

“Elyse masterfully guides us through the somber, reflective season of Lent while always reminding us that Easter Sunday is coming. Each devotion holds the tension of the now and the not-yet as we march together to the agony of the cross and the jubilation of the resurrection.”

“This wonderful companion for the Lenten season will demand your attention, affection, contemplation, and hope. Elyse writes with warmth, humor, vulnerability, and faithfulness, and she tells the stories of Jesus’ life with curiosity and passion.”

“A beautiful invitation to encounter the Jesus who welcomes the weary, the wounded, and the wandering. With her signature blend of gospel depth and pastoral warmth, Elyse Fitzpatrick lifts our eyes from shame and striving to the Savior who calls us friends. These daily reflections are soaked in grace and grounded in Scripture—an encouraging companion for anyone who needs a reminder of his relentless kindness.”

“Elyse helps us look at interactions Jesus has on his journey to the cross and draws our attention to the love and emotions Jesus has all along the way. Elyse asks us, ‘Can you hear the Savior as he pleads for mercy for us all?’ What a grace. I loved how this book helped me to again delight in all Jesus came to do for the world.”