Jesus Eats with Sinners at Matthew's House

Bible Study Lesson from Luke 5:27-32

In these verses we will learn how one man, Matthew gave up everything he had to follow Christ. And, he introduced all his friends and business contacts as well. Let's examine why he followed and learn a bit about the Pharisees in this Bible study lesson from the New Testament.

28 And he left everything behind, and got up and began to follow Him.

29 And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them.

30 The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?”

31 And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick.

32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Jesus, Matthew, Tax Collectors and Sinners

Who Was Levi?

The man called Levi who is mentioned here is actually Matthew the tax collector, who followed Jesus, became an apostle and writer of one of the most well known books of the Bible.

"Follow Me"

When Christ called, Levi immediately left his tax booth and obeyed. And, not only did he follow Jesus, he invited many other people he knew to a reception honoring Him.

These are people known throughout the land as cheats and swindlers as tax collectors would collect for Rome, get a percentage of the gross - not counting what they kept by tipping the scales in their favor. In other words, these were some of the lowest and worst sinners in the eyes of Pharisees.

Why Was Jesus Eating with Sinners?

To refresh our understanding, the Pharisees were the religious leaders, the interpreters of the law - who, by the way considered themselves above sin because they were busy pointing out the sins of others. Although they were present at many of Jesus' teachings, Christ did not make a big effort to associate with them.

".. Those Who Are Sick .."

The people Jesus most contended with were those who recognized they needed him. The Pharisees were almost beyond help for the most part as they did not recognize sin in their lives.

Are We "Good Enough" for God?

The tax collector knew he was a sinner. He admitted that he needed to follow Christ. How about us? Are we good enough for God if we do good deeds, donate to charities, spend time serving in the soup kitchen? In a word, no - we all do things that displease God and all the good things we do cannot make up for the sins we commit. To be forgiven, we have to see sin for what it is and turn it over to Christ.

The good news is that forgiveness is a gift from God. We can't pay for it because Jesus already did on the cross. In your prayer today, give your sin over to Him - He will forgive.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Luke 4:38-44 - Jesus Heals and Preaches in Galilee