27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Guilt by association. Jesus was hanging out with those considered to be the most corrupt members of society. Levi also known as Matthew, was one of those tax collectors who had government authority to back him up. He had overcharged people and had the poor thrown into prison for back taxes. But when Jesus comes his way, there is an immediate response of faith and reverence. Jesus was his honorary guest. By Jesus' last statement here, Levi was a repentant sinner. His lifestyle and purpose in living had changed. It was no longer about getting, but giving. What kind of changes have taken place in your life since Christ has come in? Once again, have you made your home, and your circle of friends a place for ministry? Would people be able to describe you as one who has experienced God's grace and who now is generous?
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