Words of Grace 10/14

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

After the healing of a leper in a man with the palsy, the people were made that what Jesus was able to do. Filled with fear, they glorified God, saying, “We have seen strange things today” (Luke 5: 26).

Jesus was doing amazing things that no ordinary man could do. The crowds followed him just to see what he would do next.

As Jesus was moving on to another place, he saw a publican named Levi sitting at a table. We know this man to be Matthew the tax collector.

When Jesus said to him, “follow me,” Matthew rose up, leaving everything behind, and follow Jesus. He had just been called to become one of the twelve disciples.

Concerned for his fellow publicans, Matthew invited them to his house for a great feast. He wanted them to meet Jesus and his disciples.

The scribes and Pharisees were also there. They complain to Jesus’ disciples, asking, “Why do you eat and drink with publicans and sinners?”

Jesus reminded them that it is not the well but the sick who need a doctor. Then he said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:3)2.

Later on, as Jesus was speaking, all the publicans and sinners drew near to hear him. Again the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2).

We can be glad that Jesus still receives sinners who come to him to be saved.