After a huge miracle, JESUS is not absorbed by the glory of men but goes out and continues what HE came to do for the glory of GOD. This time, JESUS sees a tax collector sitting in his tax booth named Levi (who is also known as Matthew), someone who is treated as an outcast and despised by the people because he was serving the Romans. He was in a society, where instead of pointing their fellow brothers towards GOD and repentance they despised sinners. Levi should have heard about JESUS and never in his lifetime would he have thought that JESUS would ask him to follow HIM. Levi was without hope, when people despised and rejected him it made him find more comfort in what he was doing (tax collecting). But when HOPE called him, he no longer sat at his booth but rose up, left everything behind and did not just talk with JESUS for an hour but followed HIM for the rest of his life.
The result of following JESUS, made Levi unselfish like JESUS. He could have followed JESUS for himself, but no! He invites his other outcast friend to come and eat and drink with JESUS. The presence of JESUS in his life made him leave behind his sinful nature which includes selfishness.He is filled with so much joy that he makes, as Luke puts it - a grand feast for JESUS. On the other hand, we find the Pharisees murmuring of JESUS’ association with the people. Probably they were unhappy with the fact that the outcast has found true joy than them! JESUS tells them the secret - that the physician has come only for the sick not for those who think are healthy. Real joy comes only from knowing the truth, that we are sinners who are in ultimate need of a SAVIOR.
Yes, it cost Levi everything to follow JESUS, but it cost JESUS more to make Levi his own!
The true BRIDEGROOM ultimately paid the price for Levi (which means joined) to join him with HIMSELF.!
HE is still calling for sinners, come be joined with the greatest bridegroom ever!!
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