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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Luke 5:27, we read of Levi being called by Jesus Christ. Levi – now this is Matthew and he is at work collecting taxes. He is called by Jesus while doing his everyday work, and when he is not when expecting something special to happen. Remember – that at that time tax collectors were thieves - rogues - rascals - corrupt. They collected more than they ought and pocketed the excess. They were working for the roman occupying force and were disliked by the majority of the people. Yet, Jesus wanted Matthew. Did Jesus see He could make something out of Matthew - an able man who needed a challenge – a man with potential - who would rise to the challenge? Follow Me - no persuasion - no arm twisting or interview - or argument. What does Jesus see when He looks at you as you read this study? Does He see potential that needs discipling and channeling and direction?
His first reaction was to throw a party. Matthew used the opportunity in a most unusual way, but we can learn from his example. Here is evangelism in its simplest form, but within a short time he is facing criticism.
The religious legalists – the religious leaders were most displeased and put out. "Why is Jesus at a party with that crowd when there are nice people like us?" Jesus saw sin like a disease. They were not interested in repentance. Quite amazing to see these two groups!
Verse 33. A trick question arises. They are trying to set one group off against another. John’s disciples fast and pray and so do our disciples but yours seem to be more interested in eating and drinking. Our group does this. Your group does that! Jesus explains that it is a time for joy and celebration. The days will come when it will be appropriate to fast.
Verse 36. Jesus goes on to teach that there are certain things which don't mix. You cannot put new wine into old wineskins. We read here of the folly of spoiling the new in an attempt to patch up the old. New wine, with all its liveliness and potential, must be put in new bottles. You cannot encapsulate and capture the life and power of the Holy Spirit within the old structures, traditions and rituals.
The majority are not always right. It was the majority who made the Golden Calf.
Let me ask again as we come to end of Luke chapter 5, with its amazing series of circumstances – what does Jesus see when He looks at you – and just as important – what does He hear coming from your mouth?
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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