Last time we saw the call of Matthew (also called Levi), the tax collector. It’s interesting to note the first thing he does next:

Luke 5:29-32

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.

This party was Matthew’s formal declaration to his friends that he had become a follower of Jesus. He wants to introduce his friends to Jesus, and at the same time honor Him as the guest of honor.

Notice the guest list – there were the Lord and His disciples (at this time, it’s Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Levi); there was the non-religious crowd – the other tax gatherers and sinners; and there was the self-righteous crowd – the Pharisees and scribes.

30 The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?"

Notice how the religious leaders all tend to complain and judge others, and shine the spotlight on themselves! They can’t just have fun at the party! They were the ones who believed that righteousness came from following the law. Of course, they were grumbling at the disciples, but Jesus answers them!

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."

Who are the righteous and who are the well? Wouldn’t you think the Lord and His disciples were the righteous ones? Remember, there are three groups of people here – the Lord and His disciples, the tax gatherers and sinners, and the Pharisees and their scribes.

The Pharisees and scribes are the righteous ones! They PRESUME themselves to be righteous, and they PRESUME themselves to be healthy. The problem is, if you presume yourself righteous, then there is no need to repent; if you presume yourself healthy, there is no need to see the doctor. Self-righteousness is actually the most dangerous sickness! It can keep you from seeing the doctor!

How about you? Do you see your need as a sinner? Are you spending time with the Great Physician? This is not just an issue for salvation, but for living the spiritual life and bringing glory to God. Don’t ever think that your works make you righteous; only the grace of God can. Religious people presume they are righteous because they are occupied with themselves and their works. It’s really a question of arrogance.

Those who recognize their sickness and their spiritual need will turn to the Lord and follow Him. The tax-gatherers and sinners did not have a righteousness derived from the works of the law, and they knew it! They recognized their need, and that’s why they are following the Lord.