For Sinners Only

Jesus continues to sovereignly call people to himself as he brings Levi, who is the same person as Matthew, to join his apostolic band. In this passage we see that Jesus thus calls people to his service and that he also socially mixes with people, many considered by the Pharisees to be despicable sinners. In answer to their question as to why he associated with such "low life" people he responded that he only came to save those who know they need help, not those who are self righteous and self-satisfied with their standing before God. He came to save those who know they are unworthy, not those who think they are worthy.