by:
08/26/2025
0
“Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them” (v29). Jewish tax collectors like Levi (Matthew) were hated because they collected taxes on behalf of the Roman Empire and often overcharged people. Yet Jesus invited Levi to be his disciple, and Levi accepted (v27-28). Levi then celebrated Jesus and introduced him to others. But religious leaders protested Jesus’ friendship with a “sinner,” just as they questioned his whole ministry (v21, 30, 33).
“I am a sinful man” (v8). Levi was an obvious sinner, and Peter recognized his own need, too. Only those who insist they are already healthy miss out on healing, forgiveness, and abundant life Jesus offers (v31).