Reaching Rejects: Matthew's Party
Dennis McCallum
Luke 5
Jesus' healing of a paralytic and a man with leprosy demonstrates his radical concern for the outcast within society. He goes a step further by commissioning Levi, a tax collector, to follow him. Tax collectors were despised within society, but Jesus had compassion and sought those who were rejected to be his followers instead of those who didn't think they needed help. Jesus' love for sinners and those who are helpless demonstrated God's radical love to those who are undeserving.