And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican,named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them,They that are whole
need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 3:27-32
Explanation
This story is a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover.This is because according to the Jewish tradition, Publicans are classified as sinners, which was why it was quite surprising to Levi that Jesus would visit him in his work place. Levi was not only a publican but also a tax collector hence he could not have been the most liked person. As stated in our text, Jesus told Levi to follow him and immediately he left all, rose up and followed him. I will like to assume that for the fact that they ended up in Levi's house, he must have persuaded Jesus to come to his house and Jesus honoured his request. Levi makes a great feast in his house in honour of Jesus and invited other publicans this is a reflection of the desire in his heart towards the things of God. Even though he was a sinner, he had a desire or a hunger for God. The Pharisees witnessing what was going on began to condemn and complain wondering why Jesus would eat and drink with the sinners. This is an example of how Christians today look down at unbelievers. We are too quick to judge, yet we are not without sin. Jesus came to save sinners not to condemn. I believe deep down in everyone's heart, there is a longing for God, we need to show love to unbelievers not judge them by the things we see them doing, so that they may all come to the saving grace of Jesus. Do you have friends who are on drugs? Do you have friends who live reckless lives? You are not supposed to judge them by what they do, but called to show them love.
Prayer
Father I repent from condemning people and being self-righteous.I ask that YOU teach me how to show love to people around me,no matter what I see them do,I will not judge them again and from today I purpose in my heart to show love to everyone around me in Jesus Name
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