A proverb from Jesus’ time brings the reputation of a tax collector into perspective: “Bears and lions might be the fiercest wilds beasts in the forests, but publicans (tax collectors) and informers were the worst in the cities.”

To the Jews, tax collectors were traitors of God who were lumped in with thieves and prostitutes. The unclean. The unwanted. The unwelcome lot rejected from synagogue. As one commentary said, “No help would be offered to such men, and they were often viewed as beyond the help of God as well.” Ah! But for Jesus, who goes after the lost sheep, the sick, the lonely, and lost. Our Savior “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth” (1 Timothy 2.4). With this truth, will we accept His gift and be healed of our sin? Will we invite others to dine with Our Great Physician?

Embrace Him! Embrace that He came for all and that all includes you!

Luke 5.27-32

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.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ How shocking would Jesus invitation to Matthew have been to the other disciples? Have I ever had a similar reaction to God’s grace being poured out on a fellow sinner? How should I respond?

+ If He came for “tax collectors” and spoke truth to “Pharisees,” take time to praise God because He healed you.

+ What cost did Matthew bear in his obedience to the invitation (reputation, wealth, comfort, control)?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Have you received the invitation, “Follow me”? Am I willing to leave everything behind to follow Jesus, if He asks?

+ If you don’t think you need a physician, why not? “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast” [Ephesians 2.8-9]

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Will you pray for God to bring a “tax collector” or a “Pharisee” to mind? Pray for them and seek them out to share the healing truth of Jesus.

+ Who will you invite to come and dine with the King?