Over and over again Jesus drew attention to the fact that he was not accepted by the religious people of his time.

Luke 5 paints a very vivid picture of two different groups of people interaction with him.  Matthew was not the kind of guy you would expect to be called by Jesus but he didn’t hesitate to leave everything and follow him.  Matthew didn’t hide his new found faith rather he threw a party for his friends to meet Jesus.

The religious people were confused by Jesus’ choice of Matthew and why he would want to spend time with Matthew’s friends.  Jesus is quick to let the religious leaders know that he came to save anyone who was willing to admit their need for him.

I’m not sure about you but I don’t find myself associating with the outcasts like Matthew.  In fact, most would describe me as a religious rather than an outcast of society.  BUT I am not religious, I am a forgiven sinner. 

This story goes on to tell how Jesus was asked by the religious leaders, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”³¹ Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ³² I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5: 30-32.

Romans 3:23 tells us “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”  Even those religious leaders have fallen short.  The sad part is they were not willing to admit it in order to find the lifesaving repentance Jesus had to offer.

I am challenged by this recount of Matthew’s calling.  I am especially challenged to tell others about how I met my savior and offer them that same forgiveness.

How likely of a disciple are you?  Have you accepted the calling of Jesus to follow Him?  What do you do to share the truth of Jesus’ forgiveness with others?

Originally written for the “Come with Me” Book Chat & Facebook Community.