Read: Luke 5:27-39
Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others. (v. 29)
He was at home here, with these people, and they enjoyed his company. There was laughter, eating, listening, and speaking, along with thoughtful questions and answers. While a few grumbled about the company he kept, Jesus frankly didn’t care about their attitude. He was a physician among the sick, a shepherd seeking out his sheep. He was God among lost sinners.
One day Levi (also known as Matthew) left everything behind, including his tax booth, to follow Jesus. His first act as a disciple was to invite his friends to a great feast in his home so that they, too, could meet Jesus. Evidently Levi had friends in “low places”—a scandalous group of tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees wondered why Jesus would associate with such people. But Jesus knew exactly who these people were; “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (v. 32). He explained that he wasn’t merely repairing their old system of worship, “patching up” what was old and worn out. Jesus was making everything new! Sadly, the Pharisees didn’t want the change; they liked the “old wine” better (see v. 39).
The Pharisees didn’t realize that they, like Levi’s friends, were spiritually sick and needed a physician. Jesus loved to spend time with those who knew they were sinners and were genuinely seeking a savior. Is that your condition today? Don’t be afraid or ashamed or embarrassed; Jesus is the friend of sinners.
As you pray, confess that you are a sinner who needs Jesus.
About the Author
Laura Sweet
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
