“Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:29-32 NLT
Luke writes about Jesus calling the first followers, his disciples. Luke says Jesus “horáō” – saw Simon, James and John (vs 2), he perceived them with inward spiritual perception. Then Jesus also saw “theáomai” (to observe intently) Levi (vs 27). When Jesus sees someone he really SEES them.
How did he know the men would follow? Did Jesus use his Son of God ways or his Son of man ways? Did God, the Holy Spirit, play a role in Jesus seeing people in a much deeper way rather than just looking at their outward appearance – their clothes, their footwear, their hair? We have a phrase about judging a book by its cover, because that’s all we’ve got to see! That’s what a book cover is for! Jesus was able to flip to page five and fifty-five to see the content of human hearts. He saw past their past! He saw beyond perceptions, first impressions and the “birds of a feather” effect we normally judge by. Jesus didn’t just see Simon or Levi, he saw their friend groups. Even knowing their past, Jesus saw their potential future – probably even their literal future.
Luke compares the way Jesus sees people to the way the religious leaders see people. When the religious critics spoke their own perceptions, of Jesus having dinner with very public sinners, it caused Jesus to also see Levi’s guest as well! Then he addressed the heart issues he saw in them. In general, healthy people have no need for constant doctor appointments! But, sick people do. New Living Translation inserts too much editorial content here. Jesus did not say “those who think they are righteous,” He said, He has not come to call the righteous! Why would Jesus need to call the righteous, they are just fine. Jesus calls those who are active and aware SINNERS to repent. The righteous have no need to repent.
What a dilemma when one thinks they ARE righteous, but are told they are actually regular ol’ sinners like everyone else. No sin, no need for a savior! Ah, but what if they are wrong in their disordered self-awareness? Jesus looks over the sea of humanity and knows we are broken, sinners in need of forgiveness, grace and salvation. Religiously motivation looks at how far we’ve come, but cannot see how far we’ve yet to go! The gap, the void, between us and perfection is impossibly wide. The Law was supposed to teach the religious leaders that it would never be enough to allow them a face to face meeting with a Holy God. Isaiah told us that our righteous acts are like filthy rags! (64:6).
In this story, who is really the scum? Those who can see themselves in need of a doctor, or those who are really sick and just don’t recognize it? I think it’s amazing that many who find life and freedom in Jesus can’t wait to invite their friends to meet him!
Prayer
Dad,
It’s interesting but sad to see the contrast between individuals in religious leadership and those who are just normal individuals, going through life. Understandably, Levi, being a public tax collector, would have rougher edges and more of a questionable reputation than most. However, it’s also true that his influence with those who need you is far greater as well. If we could only see the effects of our own relationship with you as well as our influence on others. Both the religious and irreligious have the opportunity for people to see You through their own life!