29/11/2022 - SEATED NEXT TO JESUS

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While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. Matthew 9.10

Matthew must have been a prosperous man, for Luke tells us that he gave a great feast to the Lord and invited many publicans: Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. (Luke 5.29). He wanted to thank Jesus for having called him to follow Him, and, probably, to say goodbye to his colleagues. After all, from that moment on, he was going to serve the Most High!

The circumstances indicate that Matthew was well-liked in the city, for many heeded his invitation to that banquet. Certainly, he wanted to announce that Jesus is the One Moses wrote about (Deuteronomy 18:15,18). Whoever has a true encounter with Christ is born again and desires that others also be saved. It is difficult to explain to the lost the pleasure that salvation gives, but truly to be born again is a reason for great joy!

Reading the biblical account, we notice that when the Master was at the table in Levi’s house – that is his name in Hebrew – few people had arrived. However, soon many publicans and sinners came there and sat down with Jesus and His disciples. The hearts of the newly invited to follow the Lord rejoiced. Now, whoever tastes divine love to the fullest extent, just as Matthew did, desires that all may also attain salvation. Hallelujah!

It is hard to understand how some who claim to be saved – do not share with their friends and relatives the pleasure of having accepted the Savior. Nothing is more rewarding than being helpful in leading sinners to Christ. No matter what your activity is; convey God’s love to all by telling them about Jesus and the salvation provided for mankind. That was His last command to His disciples: He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation (Mark 16.15)!

Levi’s guests were honored not only to be included in the banquet, but also to sit next to the Master. We do not know how many were saved that day, but those who know Jesus long to serve Him until the end. On the other hand, there are those who turn aside to iniquity, because they have been entangled by the devil, and their end will be the saddest possible: eternal punishment. Be vigilant!

Take the chance to participate in the banquet offered by the Son of God. In Him there is everything you need to strengthen yourself, face any struggle, and emerge victorious. The meal provided by Levi was great, but it cannot be compared with the table of the Lord laid before his enemies (Psalms 23.5). You will never forget the food that Jesus will give you.

It doesn’t matter who you are or how far you are from God! At the divine banquet, there is the food you are looking for. The bread given by the Lord has the properties necessary for anyone to arise in life, overcoming the obstacles put in front of them by the enemy.  In the desert, Israel gathered manna daily; in the same way, you will gather bread – divine blessings – day after day (Exodus 16.1-6).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares