ACTS: A Way to Live

Wednesday, March 9

The Gospel of Luke—Lent 2022

Read Luke 5:27-32

Focus Verse—Luke 5:30

But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

ACTion for Reflection: Who to Include

In this passage, Jesus calls to Levi (Matthew) and says, "'Follow me', And Levi got up, left everything and followed him" (v. 27). A tax collector? Jesus chose one of "those people"? Tax-collectors were despised by the Jews because of their dishonest business amongst their own people. But Jesus saw Levi differently, and he asked him to join him, not just for a day, but as a disciple.

Matthew was so excited about this new life with Jesus that he threw a party for his friends. Again, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were amazed that Jesus would associate with these people! Why would he choose to mingle with these sinners? Jesus answered these self-righteous, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'"(v.31)

In passages like these, a good exercise is to ask yourself, "Who am I in this story?"

There are three main characters to chose from:

Jesus, who is extending his love.

The Pharisees, who are extending judgement.

And the tax-gatherers and sinners, who are receiving transforming grace.

Which one resembles your heart concerning someone who is "different" than you in some way?

How are they different?

How do you think Jesus sees them?

Ask him to give you his eyes and his heart.

ACTion to Live Out: Who is not like you?

An idea for today is to befriend someone who is vulnerable, lost, lonely and share with them this message, “I see you; God sees you; you matter.”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for teaching us how to live! After we daily reflect on your life-giving words, help us to then, through your Spirit, get up and ACT. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take your good news to the world. What an honor it is to be your image bearer. Amen.

Audio of Luke 5: https://youtu.be/CqXlo1HBWow