Luke 5:27-39
Levi (or Matthew: Matthew 9:9) is at work when the Lord Jesus calls him. He leaves everything, gets up and follows Him. Then he receives the Lord into his house along with his former colleagues, giving them an opportunity to meet his new Master. (May this also be our motive when we give invitations to our homes!). These publicans (tax collectors) were hated by the other Jews because they got rich at their expense and were able to make personal profit from the Roman rule. That is why the Pharisees and scribes were outraged when they saw the Lord Jesus and His disciples eating with publicans and sinners. How many people are more willing to withdraw from sinners, rather than from sin! When the Lord Jesus answers their murmurings He makes Himself known as the great Physician of souls. In just the same way as the doctor does not visit healthy patients (or those who think they are well), the Lord is only concerned for those who recognise their sinful condition.
Then the scribes and Pharisees raise a question about fasting. The Lord Jesus replies that this sign of sadness was not appropriate while He, the Bridegroom, was in their midst. Moreover, bondage to the law and to ordinances does not agree with the liberty and joy which grace brings (vv. 36, 37).