Luke 5 - 4.9.24

SCRIPTURE:  Luke 5:27 – 31

27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

29 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. 30 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

31 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

OBSERVATION

Jesus had just healed the paralyzed man that was lowered down through the roof. When he walked out of the area, this is when Jesus sees Levi the tax collector. I wonder if Levi saw what happened with the paralyzed man because when Jesus says “Follow me”  he just leaves his tax collector booth and walks away to follow Jesus. No matter what, Levi showed great faith in following Jesus.

Levi properly wanted to celebrate Jesus so he threw a big party. He invited lots of people including many other tax collectors. Imagine the scene with Jesus lounging and doing life with all of these very unliked people. Jesus knew these people needed him but the Pharisees had other thoughts.

Tax collectors back in Jesus’ time were considered corrupt, like thieves, who worked for the Roman government. To the Jews, tax collectors were seen as traitors and especially not someone other Jews should be seen with or sit down to a meal. The fact Jesus would even be seen with them was crossing the line. But Jesus sees this as an opportunity to break bread and bring the salvation message.

When the Pharisees complained to the disciples about Jesus hanging out with such hated people, Jesus’ response was priceless: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

APPLICATION

Jesus knew that the “righteous” people (Pharisees and others) felt they had no need to repent because they were righteous. Their hearts were hardened and self-righteous. That’s why Jesus said “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” These “righteous” people had no need for Jesus but we ALL need Jesus. We need to recognize our sin and need for repentance.

Jesus gives us a wonderful example: doing life together as a way to reach others with the salvation message. We have the same opportunity Jesus had – to share the Gospel message as we do life. It’s nothing forced, or an act, but just loving on people.  Whether it’s at the park, grocery store, school, or work, we can reach others by showing God’s love and acceptance for who they are – sinners in need of Jesus. No one comes to the throne of God as a righteous person but as a sinner who recognizes they need Jesus.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to have your eyes and heart for the unsaved. Guide me to share your love and acceptance to those willing to listen. Give me your strength and boldness to share the salvation message. I pray for those people who feel they have no need for you. Soften their heart and open their eyes.  I pray for those (family / friends) who continue to say “no thanks” to your free gift of eternal life. Help them to see they need you! In Jesus name - Amen

- Mary Oberg