Call of Levi

The gospels show a progressive revelation of Jesus' person and work. Until this point his miracles have been mainly of physical healing. Here we see his saving mercy. Till now others have taken the initiative in coming to Jesus. Here Jesus takes the initiative in calling Levi. Tax collectors were classed with the moral delinquents; but Jesus called him into fellowship. In providing a feast in Jesus' honour he made a statement to his friends about the new direction his life was taking - but he also called his friends to share in Jesus' teaching. The Christian needs wisdom in dealing with the company of the world. The Scribes thought Jesus should put a barrier between himself and those people. But their reasons were not all good, and they showed a misunderstanding of what holiness means. 'There is no difference for all have sinned', and those who receive Christ's mercy are welcoming towards their fellow sinners. Jesus got close in order to save - as close as bearing our sins in his own body on the tree. That does not imply approval of sin - he came to call sinners to repentance.