“And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.”(Luke 5:29 KJV).
In this passage we see grace manifest in our Lord Jesus Christ, joining a feast together with people ostracized by their fellow Jews. Levi, also known as Matthew, was a tax collector used by a colonial power to collect taxes from his fellow country men. Tax collectors mostly collect more than what the Romans levy to enrich themselves. Hence, they are considered sinners and hated by many, especially by the religious priests.
Here, Levi a “sinner” after having been called by the Lord Jesus to follow Him, tendered a big feast together with his fellow publicans and others who are declared sinners by the religious Jews. And the Lord Jesus is their honored guest, along with His followers. This is such a great sight to watch - a party of people labeled as sinners by religion, with the Lord Jesus in their midst dining together. This is a very reassuring display of the Lord’s love for you and I. We can be in His presence, as we are!
Unlike the religious Pharisees, the Lord Jesus didn’t require people to change before coming to Him. He sought them out, met them where they are, and extend grace to them in their state of being and circumstances. Change would come to those who accepted Him, from the inside out. God’s kindness leads sinners to repentance (Romans 2:4), and the Lord Jesus is full of kindness. He is full of grace (John 1:16). By grace He saves us, as it is written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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