The Response. Luke 5:29-32. Not only did Levi follow his Lord immediately, but he also wanted those he knew needed salvation to come to Jesus. He didn’t hide his new faith and life from those around who knew him. He wanted them to have what he had – forgiveness of sins and a new life. To reach out to them, he made a special meal with invitations given out so that he could testify audibly and visibly as to his faith in Jesus and to have them personally meet Jesus Himself. Each of us has those we know personally, and what better way to witness to them what we believe than to have a meal with them where we can sit and converse with them at a table loaded with good things?
This is the first time in the Gospel of Luke that he uses the word “disciples,” indicating that the Pharisees and scribes knew of their association with the Lord Jesus Christ. It was to them the question was asked, “Why do you eat and drink with publicans and sinners?” The questioners took the position that they would have nothing to do with tax collectors and added their opinion – “sinners” to emphasize their point. When asked controversial and “loaded” questions, we need to give answers from the Bible. God’s word is the authority, and the answers must come from the highest Source.
Jesus knew what had been asked of His disciples, and without hesitation, He turned their question into a teaching moment. His reply was immediately directed to them in a personal way. Doctors will get their hands dirty when they help the sick. He was here on earth to heal those sick in sin and save them from the consequences of their sins. There are contrasts made again: the self-righteous, self-satisfied people are contrasted with the repentant sinner. He only forgives those who recognize their need for His grace.
Like so many people in our day, the scribes and Pharisees didn’t know anything about the grace of God. They had their own rules to live by and would only accept what they think is right without regard for God and His unchanging word. Even some Christians will reject written scriptures in the Bible as being irrelevant and not applicable to life today. Comments like, “That was old Paul,” “That was for them, not us,” and “Surely you don’t believe that means people living now?!” are not uncommon. These and many other such comments have been made by professing Christians who want to adapt to the ways of the modern world. They can only do that by rejecting the moral, social, and spiritual teachings of the Bible. If we reject one part of the scripture as not for us today, that leaves the way open to reject any part of the Bible if it suits me and my agenda.