LUKE 5:27-39 THE CALL TO SINNERS The Lord Jesus Christ moved out from Capernaum to meet those He knew were in their sins and had need of Him even if they didn't realize their need at the first. Publicans were despised by most people because they were making personal gain at the expense of others while being under the guise of authority from the rulers. Some people know they are sinners and live with a sense of guilt without hearing a message of conviction from one who preaches the Gospel. Levi (Matthew) was one such person. He did not have to have a long period of time to repent and respond to the call of the Lord to follow Him. He was already a convicted sinner. There are those in the world around us who are ready for the saving message of the Gospel even though they don't know it. The Holy Spirit has brought conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment in ways that are most suited to the need of their soul. That is a great encouragement to soul- winners to keep reaching out. In the case of Levi, he immediately left everything behind. It didn't take him long to leave all and follow the Lord.
The great feast he made was not to honor himself and draw attention to the sacrifice he made in giving up the lucrative position he had. This feast was to bring honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. The people who came were those like himself who had the same background, the same issues in their lives to deal with in their lives, and could identify with him. We may not go to a celebration with those who are ungodly but when the Lord is there and the reason is right, then we are right to be there with the life-changing power of the Gospel. Often when a person is first saved that is the best opportunity to reach their old friends and fellow-workers. That opportunity soon passes and the old acquaintances soon drop off from one who chooses to follow the Lord.
When criticized at that time by those religious people who felt they were all right the way there were, the Lord used that opening to tell why He came into the world. He was here to reach those the religious people overlooked and wanted nothing to do with. The rejoicing of those at the feast seemed inappropriate to the self-righteous people who were attracted to the long-faced approach to spiritual things. Joy and happiness seemed to them to not go along with the law of the traditional Jews.
There are many who trust in their religion with its ordinances and demands they seek to keep. They would like salvation to go along with what they already have in case there are one or two areas of their life they are convicted about. They wouldn't consider their sins too serious, but in case God thinks they are, they will confess them and ask for forgiveness from Him. The Lord Jesus Christ made it clear that was not His purpose in coming to earth. Repentance is not just acknowledging a need. It involves the admission of personal guilt and wrong thinking, action and living. It is calling a halt in life, turning from sin and turning to Christ alone for salvation. Much preaching today, even among evangelical churches leaves out the need of repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead they appeal to a casual admittance of need by asking a few questions that are easily answered without conviction of sin, and then put words into people's mouths in the form of a prayer asking "Jesus into their heart."
Salvation is not patching up an "old garment" that will tear at the first temptation. It is not putting a new work of God into an old accepted "wineskin." "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation). Old things are passed away, Behold, all things are become new." Any sinner who comes to Christ for salvation and receives Him has come from the condition of being "dead in trespasses and sins," and has come to the
Savior by putting their faith in Him alone. It is not adding to a perceived acceptance by God based on one's life, religion, sincerity and good works. The Holy Spirit does not only bring true conviction of sin, He also reveals Christ to the lost soul and brings about regeneration and that brings new life focused on the Lord, not on one's own self.
They are coming from all over the world Wherever the banner of the Gospel is unfurled. The truth of the Gospel brings sinners to face Their own guilt of sin and their deep need of grace To meet their awareness of sin and of guilt Previously covered but under preaching is felt Within the soul that has grown used to sin, But under the Holy Spirit's power conviction begins.
When Christ is preached and the work of the cross upheld, Conviction makes one aware of the dangers of hell. The need of repentance follows as the Gospel reveals Sin's awful consequences, that no good works can heal. The one who has faced up to what he truly is, Finds God has a message for a sinner like this. There is light in the darkness and hope for the lost When they finally admit to their sins' awful cost.
Following repentance spiritual healing can come. People are ready to respond to what Jesus has done When on the cross He the full price has paid - And satisfied God when on Him our sins were laid. Sinners can identify themselves as those who need to be healed - The Spirit of God to those guilty ones reveals They are the sick who need the healing of the Physician - And they pay attention to the Gospel when they listen.
Self-righteous people want to patch their old clothes. Foolishly they think it is up to them to choose What they want to believe and what they are willing to reject - So to the conviction of sin and to grace, harden their neck. Adding to their old wineskin, they accept or spurn Those things that please them and refuse to learn What God intends for them to understand and know. The results point to the futility of life without faith that shows.
"Father in heaven, I thank Thee for the grace that Thou hast shown to self-centered, self-righteous people who have heard the Gospel and still have rejected Christ. May there still be a move of repentance and faith in this place where the Gospel has been preached so long. Use Thy servant to speak for Thee as the way opens up for conversation with those around. In a special way please add Thy blessing to the word to be spoken at the funeral of our brother. May those in his family be caused to seek for Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."