PT-3 “Calling A Wretched Sinner” (Luke 5:27-29)

 

MORNNING SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 6/4/2026 9:48 PM

My Worship Time                                                        Focus:  PT-3 “Calling A Wretched Sinner”

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                                Reference:  Luke 5:27-29

Message of the verses:  “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.” (ESV)

            “A significant indication of the reality of Matthew’s transformed life is that he gave a big reception for Jesus in his house.  That it was able to accommodate a great crowd suggests that Matthew’s house was a large one, and is a further indication of the lucrative position he was walking away from.  Having experienced the joyous, liberating experience of having his sins forgiven and his heart transformed, he wanted to expose everyone he knew to the Savior.  Matthew did not invite the proud, elite, religious leaders (who would never have accepted an invitation from a tax collector), but his companions—the outcasts of society with whom he worked and lived daily.  There were, of course, many of Matthew’s fellow tax collectors, along some whom Luke tactfully referred to as other people (Matthew called them ‘sinners’ [Matt. 9:10]).  This group undoubtedly included thieves, thugs, enforcers, drunks, prostitutes—the very people whom the “Son of Man came to seek and save (Luke 10:10).  They had probably all heard of Jesus, and perhaps some had receptive hearts like Matthew’s.

            “Luke’s not that they were reclining at the table indicates that this was a lengthy meal, with lots of time for extended conversation among friends.  No self-respecting Jew would eat a meal with the likes of this crowd.  Meals were important social statements of acceptance in Israel, and Luke describes several in his inspired record of Jesus’ ministry (cf. 7:36; 10:38-40; 11:37; 14:1; 22:14; 24:30).  This one not only celebrated the end of Matthew’s old life and the beginning of his new one, but was also an evangelistic outreach, with the Savior as guest of honor.  It is an amazing picture of Jesus receiving lost sinners.”

6/4/2026 10:00 AM