Luke 5: 27-28 “After this, Jesus went out and saw a Tax Collector named Levi sitting in the tax collector’s booth.  Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me!‘   So Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi gave a big dinner for Jesus at his house…“

What was it about Jesus that compelled this worldly tax collector to just get up and leave his booth with his valuable collection of payments and follow Jesus?  Then, he turns around and gives a big party for Jesus – to celebrate what?  Their new friendship?  To show off Jesus to his friends.  Or was there a more profound reason for Levi to celebrate his newfound relationship with Christ?

I don’t know the specific reason for this dinner.  I do know that the Scribes and Pharisees were disdainful of Jesus’ association with tax collectors and sinners.  They challenged Him and asked him why He would choose to hang out with these bad characters. 

Jesus points out that the sick are the ones who need a doctor.  These are the ones for whom Christ has come. He came to empower them to change their hearts and change their lives.  Did He think that the Scribes and Pharisees would also have a change of heart upon hearing these words?   

Perhaps, Levi gave this party for Jesus because he did have a change of heart.  Perhaps, he wanted to celebrate the new freedom and joy that came with that change.  Perhaps, he wanted to share this wonderful event with others that they might also have this change of heart.  But most importantly, I think that he wanted to celebrate the divine Instrument of his change – Jesus the Savior of all.  Jesus who loves us, tax collectors and all sinners unconditionally.  He celebrated the presence of God.

 Terri