Levi filled with joy

At that time, tax collectors were regarded as traitors. Levi (Matthew) was likely employed in collecting toll taxes. To him, Jesus called out, “Follow Me.” That call changed Levi’s life. If you also realize that there is One who is calling out to you, “Follow Me,” your way of life will be transformed. “And he left everything behind, and got up and began following Him.” Levi was likely the wealthiest among Jesus’ disciples. Yet he gave up both his wealth and status in order to follow Jesus. A fisherman, if things went wrong, could always return to fishing. But once a tax collector gave up his position, it was impossible to return to it. Levi paid a great price, not with a sense of pain, but filled with joy. That joy was expressed in the form of a banquet. The source of Levi’s joy was that he had come to know Jesus. Paul also says, “But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ” (Phil. 3:7). Have you recently tried to fill your heart with something other than Jesus? There is no greater joy than knowing the greatness of Jesus.

Pharisees outraged

The Pharisees and the scribes were outraged and protested to the disciples, asking why they ate with sinners. For the Jews at that time, touching a sinner meant defiling oneself. Moreover, sharing a meal signified deep fellowship, so for religious Jews, it was unthinkable to attend a banquet with sinners. In response, Jesus said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners.” Of course, there is a touch of irony in this statement, which is unique to Jesus. The Pharisees, being self-righteous, could not admit that they were sick. Had they acknowledged it, they themselves would have gladly joined that banquet. Do you acknowledge that you are of those who are sick being invited by Jesus? Jesus is now calling you and leading you into deep repentance. Entrust everything to Jesus, the true physician.