The Call of Levi

27 After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth , and He said to him, "Follow Me." 28 And he left everything behind , and got up and began to follow Him. 29 And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house ; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. 30 The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples , saying , "Why e do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners ?" 31 And Jesus answered and said to them, " It is not those who are well who need a physician , but those who are sick . 32 "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance ."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 5:27-32

Commentary on Luke 5:27-39

(Read Luke 5:27-39)

It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his disciples. It was a wonder of his grace, that he fixed the services of his disciples according to their strength and standing. The Lord trains up his people gradually for the trials allotted them; we should copy his example in dealing with the weak in faith, or the tempted believer.