Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

In today’s reading, Luke brings before us the difference between what the Lord Jesus came to do, and what the empty religion of the scribes and Pharisees stood for, vv. 21, 30.

Firstly, it is seen in His power, vv. 17-26, in the healing of the paralysed man. The religious leaders are indignant that a man could tell another man that his sins are forgiven, vv. 20, 21. However, the fact that the Lord could make a paralysed man walk, vv. 24, 25, shows that He has power not only to ‘heal’, v. 17, but also to ‘forgive sins’, v. 24.

Secondly, we see it in His purpose in coming into the world, vv. 27-32. He states that He ‘came, not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’, v. 32. This is amply shown by the call of Levi, a despised tax collector, vv. 27, 28, and by the meal in Levi’s home, where the Lord and His disciples eat with those whom the scribes and Pharisees despise, vv. 29, 30.

Thirdly, it is evidenced by His presence with His disciples, and the effect it has on them, vv. 33-35. The Jewish leaders cannot understand why Jesus’ disciples do not fast, v. 33. The Lord points out that it would be unreasonable to expect His disciples to fast when they have the joy of His presence, just as one would not expect people to fast at a wedding, vv. 34, 35.

Finally, it is shown in His parable, vv. 36-39. The righteous character (pictured in a new garment, v. 36) and the joy (pictured in new wine, vv. 37, 38) which He gives are new and distinct from miserable, worn-out Judaism. But the Jewish leaders, in opposing what the Lord is offering, show that they prefer to hold on to their old religion, considering it ‘better’, v. 39.

These verses show us how blessed we are in having trusted the Lord Jesus Christ. We belong not to an empty religious system, but to One who has the full authority and ability to forgive sins. Our Saviour came to us sinners in all our need, that He might call us and cure us, making us righteous in God’s sight, and filling us with joy. His presence with us means that our service is a delight, not a duty, so that life is like a feast, and not a fast! How thankful to Him we should be!