In Luke 5:27-32, the story of Jesus calling Levi (also known as Matthew) unfolds:
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What did Jesus say to Levi? Jesus simply said to Levi, "Follow me."
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How did Levi respond to the call of Jesus? Levi immediately left everything he had, including his position as a tax collector, and followed Jesus.
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What did Levi do for Jesus? After following Jesus, Levi threw a great feast at his house for Jesus and invited many tax collectors and others to come and eat with them.
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Mention another group of people who were his guests. The guests at Levi's feast included other tax collectors and sinners.
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State two groups of people who complained to Jesus' disciples. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law (or scribes) were the two groups that complained.
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What did these people say? They asked the disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"
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What was Jesus's answer? Jesus responded by saying, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
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What two lessons do we learn from this passage?
- Embrace of the Marginalized: Jesus’ willingness to associate with marginalized individuals, like tax collectors and sinners, teaches us about inclusivity and the heart of His mission to reach those who are often ostracized by society.
- Need for Repentance: Jesus highlights that everyone, regardless of their social status or past mistakes, is in need of repentance and His grace, encouraging us to recognize our own need for redemption and to extend grace to others.
These lessons emphasize Jesus' message of love and acceptance, as well as the importance of repentance and the transformative power of following Him.