Notes on Luke 5:27-35

tax collector. See note on 3:12. Levi. Also named Matthew (6:15; Matt. 9:9). One who would become an apostle and author of the Gospel that bears his name. Follow me. Phrase used by Jesus to call people to be his disciples (5:11; 9:23, 49, 57, 59, 61; 18:22, 28). This is essential Christianity, not a second level of maturity (see 5:32).

Levi had likely heard and seen Jesus's ministry because being called to follow him (vv. 15, 26). His committed response was similar to other disciples (v. 11) and indicative of basic discipleship (see 14:33; Matt. 19:27; Mark 10:28).

The large meal was given in honor of Jesus. Given who was in attendance, Levi probably intended them to hear his teaching as well. This is an example of Jesus identifying with society's outsiders (see 7:34; 15:2).

complaining. The word used by the Greek Old Testament to describe the Israel's wilderness grumbling (Exod. 15:24; 16:7-9, 12; 17:3; Num. 11:1; 14:2, 27, 29, 36; 16:11; 17:10). This was a regular complaint against Jesus (15:1-2; 19:7). eat and drink. In the culture of the day, one didn't invite enemies home for a meal. Table-fellowship was fellowship before God. This was about intimacy and friendship. Thus, Jesus's critics cannot fathom why he would be eating with tax collectors and sinners.

The call is recorded in detail in the Gospel of Mark (below). Stein says, 'in Matthew 9:9 the name given to the tax collector was Matthew, and in all four lists of the twelve disciples the name Matthew appears. Although Mark and Luke did not equate Levi with Matthew, Matthew clearly did. Since first-century Jews often had two names (usually one in Hebrew or Aramaic and the other in Greek or Latin), there is no reason why this tax collector could not have been called Levi Matthew.'

Jesus used a proverbial statement to respond to his critics. The religious leaders presumed they were righteous before God. Spiritually speaking, they were healthy, not in need of help. Only sinners who understand their spiritual sickness would be willing to accept help. This is why Jesus associated with the lowly who felt the depth of their sin (see 18:11-12; Ezek. 34:4).

Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstinence or reduction from certain or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. There are absolute and partial fasts. This event is covered in detail in the Gospel of Mark (below). In Luke 5:30 it is important to note that the Pharisees would have been outside. They regarded table fellowship with sinners as especially defiling. In Luke 5:33 the only fast required by the Law was the one mandated for the Day of Atonement, but religious people fasted on other days (e.g., Zech. 7:3, 5). Jesus did not command fasts, though he himself fasted (Luke 4:2) and permitted the practice among his followers (Matt. 6:16-18).

disciples of John. Like Jesus, John had disciples. These men followed him and learned from him. John's disciples apparently made it a regular practice to fast. This was often seen as a sign of repentance and mourning (1 Sam. 7:6; Joel 1:14; Jon. 3:5). disciples of the Pharisees. Elsewhere we see that they fasted twice a week (18:12). However, this was done to impress others (18:14). Their hollow religion lacked a genuine heart for God (see Isa 58:4, 6; Matt. 6:16). your disciples. Pointing out that Jesus's disciples were never seen fasting was a criticism.

wedding. Since weddings were marked by joy, a religious act of mourning was inappropriate. bridegroom. An Old Testament picture of God in relationship to his people God (Isa. 54:5-6; 62:4-5; Jer. 2:2; Ezek. 16:8-14; Hos. 2:19-20). This imagery is applied to Jesus in the New Testament (2 Cor. 11:2-3; Eph. 5:24-27; Rev. 19:7-9; 21:2). His presence with this people was a time of joy, thus fasting wasn't appropriate.

taken away. A word of violence, which anticipates Jesus's death by crucifixion. Though Jesus would rise from the dead, he would also ascend back to the glory of his Father. they will fast. The time between Jesus's ascension and return is marked by joy (24:41, 52; Acts 8:8; 13:52). Nevertheless, it will be appropriate to long for his return with fasting (see Matt. 6:16-18; Rev. 22:20).