LUKE 5:27–32, THE CALL OF LEVI THE TAX COLLECTOR
MERCY THAT CALLS SINNERS TO CONVERSION
Introduction
Immediately after revealing his divine authority to forgive sins and heal the paralytic, Jesus takes another bold step that deepens the tension with the religious leaders. He calls a tax collector—one publicly labeled as a sinner—and then accepts table fellowship with people considered morally unclean. In doing so, Jesus reveals the heart of his mission: not to reward the self-righteous, but to restore those who know their need for mercy. This passage challenges our instincts about holiness, belonging, and whom God chooses.
Bible Passage (Luke 5:27–32)
After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them.
The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
Background
Luke places this call right after the healing of the paralytic to show that forgiveness is not theoretical—it reshapes lives. Tax collectors worked for the Roman occupiers and were notorious for extortion. By calling Levi, Jesus deliberately crosses religious and social boundaries, anticipating the universal scope of salvation and provoking resistance from the religious elite.
Opening Life Connection
Many people feel disqualified from God because of their past, their reputation, or their failures. Others quietly believe they are already “good enough” and need no conversion. This Gospel confronts both attitudes by revealing that God’s grace is not earned by status but received through repentance.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
Jesus “saw a tax collector named Levi”, reminding us that Christ sees beyond labels to the person within.
Levi is “sitting at the customs post”, fixed in a life defined by compromise and social rejection—yet Jesus meets him there.
The command “Follow me” is simple but total, calling Levi to a new direction and identity.
Luke notes that Levi “left everything behind”, showing that true discipleship involves decisive detachment.
The “great banquet” becomes Levi’s joyful testimony—conversion overflows into hospitality and witness.
The presence of “tax collectors and others” shows that grace spreads outward, drawing many through one transformed life.
The complaint “Why do you eat and drink with sinners?” exposes a spirituality focused on separation rather than salvation.
Jesus’ response, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician”, reveals that mercy, not merit, is the criterion for the Kingdom.
His mission statement, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners”, defines the Gospel as an invitation to repentance, not a reward for perfection.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Tax collectors were excluded from synagogue life and considered ritually impure. Eating with them implied acceptance. By sharing a meal, Jesus challenges purity boundaries and fulfills Israel’s calling to be a light to those in darkness.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
This passage reflects the Church’s understanding of conversion and reconciliation. Christ continues to call sinners through preaching, sacrament, and community. The Church is a field hospital for the wounded, not a refuge for the self-satisfied.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Matthew, traditionally identified with Levi, left his lucrative post to follow Christ. His Gospel later became a tool for calling countless sinners to conversion, showing how one forgiven life can bear lasting fruit.
Application to Christian Life Today
We are called to examine whom we exclude and whom we fear to approach. Christian communities must reflect Christ’s mercy by welcoming those seeking healing, while also embracing personal repentance and ongoing conversion.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, Christ still sits at table with sinners. Having received his mercy, we are sent to invite others to the feast of grace and reconciliation.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Recognize that Christ calls us where we are, not where we pretend to be.
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Repentance is the doorway to healing and discipleship.
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Detach from whatever keeps you from fully following Jesus.
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Extend Christ’s mercy to those society labels as unworthy.
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Live as witnesses whose transformed lives invite others to Christ.
Outline for Preachers
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Gospel context following the healing of the paralytic
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Life connection: feeling disqualified or self-sufficient
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Key phrases explained: “Follow me”, “left everything”, “physician”
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Jewish view of tax collectors and table fellowship
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Catholic teaching on conversion and reconciliation
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Saint Matthew as model of radical response
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Application to parish and social life
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Eucharistic table as place of mercy
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Central call to repentance and discipleship
