Scripture: Luke 5:27-30
Afterward, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at a kiosk for collecting taxes. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Levi got up, left everything behind, and followed him. Then Levi threw a great banquet for Jesus in his home. A large number of tax collectors and others sat down to eat with them. The Pharisees and their legal experts grumbled against his disciples. They said, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Thought for the Day: Jesus invited one tax collector to follow him, and before he knew what had happened, he had dinner with a “large number” of tax collectors. In that day and time, one tax collector was bad enough. A whole room of tax collectors was trouble. Throughout Christian history, there has been a cautionary note: If we let “one of them” in, then two, three, five or twenty of “those people” will show up. You can probably guess some of those who have been considered “one of them.” Of course, the whole of Jesus’ ministry was about extending an invitation to one in hopes that more would follow. Fear of the unknown, the other, the stranger — this fear has always caused discomfort within communities, including the church. And then Jesus took a bad situation by cultural standards and made it worse when he ate with them. It was one thing for them to follow and listen to his teachings, but it was beyond troubling for him to share at a table that represented welcome, friendship and acceptance. What might happen if this Sunday “one of those people” shows up for worship? And the following Sunday, three of “those people” show up? I believe we’ll break bread with them and celebrate welcome, friendship and acceptance for them and all of us.
Prayer: You always find a way to bring me along, bring me into the circle, bring me to the welcome table. O God of Mercy, thank you for extending that invitation to me and everyone else. Amen.
WORKDAY
TODAY
8:30am – 11:30am
