“Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large company of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees … complained …, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’”
Luke 5:29-30
As Jesus prepares to journey to Jerusalem and bear the cross of Calvary, an interesting smorgasbord of passages is placed before us, often featuring meals as the setting or the topic. In many of these passages, Jesus is pictured as a guest who is welcomed by sinners and rejected by the self-righteous. At other points, He breaks the bread and plays the part of host.
We see this contrast in Luke 5 where Jesus feasts with sinners and receives the scorn of the religious leaders. He explains why one group welcomes Him and why the other slams the door in His face. He has come for sinners, not for the righteous (v. 32). The image immediately flips when the disciples ask Jesus about fasting, and Jesus encourages their continued feasting while He, the Bridegroom—the host—is with them (vv. 33-34).
This theme of Jesus as guest and host will continue through the book of Luke—all the way through to the cross and resurrection. We are in the privileged position of knowing Him as our hospitable and generous host but also as our treasured, welcomed guest.
We see this contrast in Luke 5 where Jesus feasts with sinners and receives the scorn of the religious leaders. He explains why one group welcomes Him and why the other slams the door in His face. He has come for sinners, not for the righteous (v. 32). The image immediately flips when the disciples ask Jesus about fasting, and Jesus encourages their continued feasting while He, the Bridegroom—the host—is with them (vv. 33-34).
This theme of Jesus as guest and host will continue through the book of Luke—all the way through to the cross and resurrection. We are in the privileged position of knowing Him as our hospitable and generous host but also as our treasured, welcomed guest.
Scripture Focus
Luke 5:27-39
Insight
Is Jesus a welcome guest in your own heart? As His guest, enjoy your fellowship with Him!
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 27-28
- Psalm 14
- Matthew 22