The Tax Collector Hosts a Dinner for Jesus

~~~ Isaiah 58:9b-14 ~~~ Psalm 86 ~~~ Luke 5:27-32 ~~~

 

When the tax collector hears the call from Jesus to Follow him,

he immediately leaves his money table.

He walks away from his well paying job.

Later that same day he calls his friends together for a banquet in honor of Jesus.

Who knows this could have been equivalent to a political fund raiser

in today's environment.

 

"...leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,
and a large crowd of tax collectors
and others were at table with them..."

 

Little did the tax collector know that he was exposing his unsavory friends

 to the presence of a holy and righteous man...Jesus.

The Pharisees and the scribes were well aware that tax collectors

 were not considered to be among the holy.

They were not known for keeping the Jewish laws or rituals.

 

 

Jesus on the other hand accepted the invitation from the tax collector.

Jesus did not try to judge the intentions or the tax collector's friends.

 

Jesus had a stronger personality.

He could not be influenced by their potential corrupt ways.

Perhaps the presence of Jesus coupled with the conversion of the tax collector

 made an impact on these guests.

Perhaps they were affected for the better.

The Bible does not provide for us every detail of those who were influenced by Jesus.

 

All who come in contact with Jesus, however, leave as a changed person...

some more than others.

Some walked away from their former life immediately.

Some were changed in ways less obvious,

but all were changed.

 

We have the same situation.

We too are changed whenever we come into contact with Jesus...

especially through receiving the Eucharist in Communion.

 

Jesus came to earth for everyone...he does not discriminate. 

We have much to learn from just this one dinner.

 

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.

 

We follow Jesus because he is loving, kind, and

accepting of all who come to him.

Jesus was all inclusive;

 there were no private exclusive parties.

Lord, help me to be more loving of others and less judgmental.

I choose to be more aware of your presence today, Lord.