Jesus the Revolutionary (2)

I've been reflecting on Luke 5:27-39 and found that this passage of scripture reveals Jesus as a revolutionary:

• Jesus called Levi - To Levi (also known as Matthew), Jesus gave the privilege of being his friend, follower and apostle. He was a tax collector (an outcast) and the author of the first book of the New Testament! Levi throws a party for Jesus and invites his friends (the outcasts!). Jesus shows up at his party with his disciples—and the trouble starts . . .

• The Pharisees' complaint - The Pharisees and the teachers of the law complained about Jesus eating and drinking with 'sinners'. This shows that Jesus had a revolutionary ministry-focus.

• Jesus didn't come to call the 'righteous', but sinners to repentance - Jesus can’t come help the self-righteous, he has nothing to offer people who think they are good enough to get to God on their own.