Why do you eat with such scum?
The full video of this teaching is available at the bottom of this post and this link.
BARUCH IS A TRAITOR
The shadow his presence cast over the daily lives of the locals was a constant reminder of his betrayal. He had grown up playing with friends on these very streets, who now passed his booth with disdain.
As a local tax collector, Baruch had turned his knowledge of the community into a tool for exploitation. He knew who had the means to pay and who could be intimidated into silence. His booth and those of his tax-collecting friends became a symbol of the Roman Government’s oppression in their small town of Capernaum, a town of no more than 3,000 people situated up against the Sea of Galilee.
Each day, he burdened the locals with arbitrary taxes. Weary from their night's labor, Fishermen grumbled as Baruch charged them for each axle of their fish carts and the basket of fish their carts contained. Pedestrians heading to the market with goods to sell or trade were not spared. He would invent new taxes on a whim: a tax for crossing the bridge and a fee for entering the market. The more creative he got with his taxes, the more the townspeople seethed in silent anger.
There was also Miriam, a widow who sold fabrics in the market. She felt the sting of Baruch's extortion more than most. When she couldn't afford his exorbitant fees, he would threaten to bring false charges against her. The fear of losing what little she had due to his corruption kept her awake at night.
He often heard people complain as they walked away from his booth, "How could one of our own do this to us?" Each overcharged shekel, each false accusation of evading taxes, deepened the rift between Baruch and the community.
Fictional Baruch accurately represents local tax collectors to whom the Roman Empire had given jobs. Their world was one of numbers and coins, a life detached from the hardships they inflicted on their fellow locals. They were shakedown artists—traitors to their very own people.
ALSO IN CAPERNAUM
In Luke 5:17-26, it was in Capernaum, where Jesus was teaching in a packed house when a paralyzed man was lowered through the ceiling by his friends. Jesus, witnessing their faith, not only healed the man but also forgave his sins. This remarkable display of compassion and divine authority right in the heart of Capernaum set the stage shortly before the encounter we explore in today’s teaching.
MEET LEVI
Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. - Luke 5:27-28
Levi knew how much it would financially cost him to follow Jesus. He knew that leaving his tax-collecting booth guaranteed his joblessness. His choice was a leap into a future devoid of the security his current profession provided.
But this decision brought with it a profound transformation. The first change was internal and deeply personal. Jesus offered Levi not just a new path but a new identity. He was not only accepting a different way of life; he was now accepted. For a despised tax collector, that had to be amazing!
The second change was in purpose. Levi carried with him from his former life a vital tool – his pen. This tool, once used to keep records of taxes and transactions, was now to become an instrument of a higher calling. Under Jesus' guidance, Levi's keen eye for detail and his meticulous record-keeping skills found a new outlet. He became an observer and chronicler of the events unfolding around him. The Gospel that later bore his name (Matthew), a testament to his witnessing, was the culmination of this newfound purpose. In it, he meticulously documented the life and teachings of Jesus, utilizing his skills to serve not the Roman Empire but the unfolding narrative of redemption found in the Son of God.
LEVI HOSTS A DINNER
Luke 5:29 starts with the Word “Later,” which does not specify the time between Jesus calling Levi and the banquet being held. It could imply anything from a few hours to several days or even longer.
In the context of biblical narratives, it's not uncommon for specific details about time intervals to be omitted, as the primary focus is often on the theological or moral significance of the events rather than their chronological precision. In the case of Levi's banquet, the emphasis is on the immediate impact of Jesus' call on Levi's life and his response to it.
“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?”
Scum! Sinners! Despised! Reviled! These words can't be overstated in describing how the people felt about tax collectors. Yet, in a remarkable twist of irony, Levi, a former tax collector, filled his house with a gathering of 'Baruchs.' Remember, many of Levi's dinner guests were the same individuals who had rummaged through the locals' personal effects, charged them taxes on items never meant to be taxed, and falsely extorted them.
A CONVERSATION OF PHARISEES
Oh, I can imagine two of the Pharisees talking to each other! Nathanael and Eli are standing with their robes slightly brushing against the walls. They watch with a mixture of disdain and disbelief as the laughter of Jesus ripples across the room. The smell of roasted lamb and fresh bread did nothing to soften the deep lines of judgment on their faces.
Nathanael leaned in. "Look at him, Eli. The collector of Roman coins is now the host of the Rabbi from Nazareth. Can you believe the audacity?"
Eli answered, "It's a mockery, Nathanael. That Rabbi claims to speak of God's kingdom. What sort of kingdom includes the likes of Levi?" Eli added, his voice laced with suspicion, "He speaks about forgiving sins. Blasphemy! He claims to be a Rabbi, yet he dines with human garbage!”
SEEKING THE BROKEN, CHALLENGING THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS
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 5:30-32
To the Pharisees, Levi and his kind represented the antithesis of righteousness. But Jesus is saying that the very people they dismiss are the ones he seeks out. The question then arises: how often do we overlook or dismiss the very people to whom Jesus is calling?
Jesus' message is clear: He came for the lost, the broken, and the outcast. His mission was not to affirm the self-righteous but to offer healing and hope to those who recognize their brokenness.
LEVI’S MOTIVATION
Having experienced firsthand the transformative power of Jesus' message and acceptance, Levi wanted to share this newfound hope with others. Jesus' mission became Levi’s mission. So, he started with the simple act of hosting a dinner at his house. The dinner was not merely a social gathering but a deliberate bridge between his friends and an introduction to Jesus. He wanted his friends and former co-workers to experience the same acceptance he had received. By inviting Jesus into his home, he showed his allegiance was no longer to himself or Rome but to Jesus.
In the last 30 days:
Have you created relational opportunities for others to meet Jesus through your hospitality and conversation?
When did you intentionally make someone who feels marginalized know they are welcome in your home and church?
When did you take your conversation to a place of sharing Jesus' message of forgiveness, hope, and acceptance?
FRIEND OF SINNERS
Think about it: Jesus eventually got labeled as a “friend of sinners.” Isn't that something we should be striving for, too? It's so easy to get caught up in our circles. Jesus's time in Capernaum reminds us of something crucial. We're here to connect with others and provide a way for them to meet Jesus.
Being a friend of sinners isn't about condoning the wrong; it's about recognizing that everyone deserves grace, no matter their backstory. It's about seeing the person behind society’s labels.
Are we siloing ourselves from acquaintances who think differently than us about politics, government health policies, guns, or climate change? Are we reaching out to those who feel left out or judged? Are we creating homes and churches where everyone can feel seen and valued? It isn't just about a feel-good factor; it's about actively participating in people's lives, showing genuine compassion, and introducing them to Jesus.
So, let's take a moment and reflect. How are we doing in this area? Do people see us as someone approachable who brings them closer to a sense of community and belonging, much like Jesus did? It's not just about being “nice”; it's about being honest, present, and light in the sometimes overwhelming darkness.
Yeah, this isn't an easy road. Jesus faced pushback, and so will we. It's about stepping out of our comfort zones, facing criticism, and maybe even misunderstanding from our peers. But here's the thing – we're truly living out our calling in these moments and connections.
Let's be known as friends of sinners, not just in our words but through our actions. Let's be the ones who bridge gaps, who offer a listening ear, and who guide others to the hope and transformation that Jesus offers. Let’s make a real impact. Let us embrace this role and make it our mission to be a friend of sinners.
So, you don't host dinners? Many relational activities serve the same purpose. The following ideas provide opportunities for relational connection and to introduce our friends and family to Jesus. And remember, success is not measured by the number of people who immediately show interest in your faith, but in the seeds of thought and understanding you plant through genuine relationships and open conversation.
Community Service Projects: Be a table host at our community meal. Serve at the Common Ground Free Store. Participate in local community service projects, like food drives, homeless shelter assistance, or neighborhood cleanups. These service projects provide opportunities to introduce people to Jesus through discussions about putting faith into action.
Book Clubs: Host a book club with faith-based and secular literature. Choose books that provoke thoughtful discussion on life, morality, and spirituality, creating a platform for deeper conversations about faith.
The Great Outdoors: Plan group hikes, camp, picnics, or sports events. The relaxed atmosphere of nature and physical activity can open doors to organic conversations about faith and personal beliefs.
Art and Music Activities: Go to concerts with friends. Host a painting class or crafts class. Have a jam session at your house. Art and music are powerful mediums to connect people and introduce spiritual themes.
Coffee Shop Meetups: Regular, informal gatherings at a local coffee shop can be excellent for open and relaxed discussions about life and faith: contact @ohiocoffeeblog (Kayla Hamilton) for ideas on how to do this.
Host Movie Nights (at home or in the theater): Organize movie viewings with follow-up discussions. Choose films with themes that can spark conversations about moral values, life choices, and faith.
OR HOST A LEVI DINNER
Hosting a "Levi Party" is a fantastic way to use hospitality to introduce friends to your faith in a comfortable, relational setting. Here's a step-by-step guide to throwing a successful Levi Dinner:
Set Your Intentions: Begin with the clear purpose of introducing your friends to your faith through relational connection. Keep the atmosphere non-threatening and welcoming.
Choose Your Guest List Wisely: Invite a mix of friends who are curious about your faith and those who share your beliefs. Aim for a balance that encourages open, respectful conversation.
Prepare a Simple Meal: Choose an uncomplicated menu. The focus should be on the conversation and fellowship rather than on elaborate culinary skills.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Greet your guests warmly as they arrive. Make sure everyone feels seen and valued. A comfortable and accepting environment is key.
Facilitate Inclusive Conversation: Guide discussions in a way that includes everyone. Share your experiences and beliefs naturally without forcing the topic. Be open to questions and different viewpoints.
Share Your Story: Create an appropriate moment to share your faith journey. Be honest, authentic, and brief. It isn't about preaching; it's about sharing.
Encourage Others to Share: Invite your guests to share their thoughts, experiences, or questions about faith. Listen actively and respond with empathy and understanding.
Avoid Debate or Argument: Keep the tone of the evening positive and uplifting. This is not the time for theological debates or confrontational discussions.
Follow Up After the Dinner: Reach out to your guests afterward to thank them for coming and to offer further conversation if they’re interested. This follow-up can be a personal message or a casual invitation for another meet-up.
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