JESUS AND THE PHARISEES CAME TO BATTLE WHEN HE SOUGHT A SOUL! FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE IN BELIEF!

1. The Rabbis made a man penitent, then called him to God- but Jesus did it just the opposite
2. The Rabbis knew nothing about forgiveness- but Jesus in this chapter welcomes and forgives
3. Many today have not learned the Amazing Grace, and even in trying to live the Christian life, they give way to despair!

Listen to your choice- to Feast or to Fast!  Up to You!

I.- A STARTLING CALL - "FOLLOW ME" Luke 5:27-29

In the midst of a busy life of ministry, Jesus took time for one lonely, unloved man!

A.- HERE WAS THE MOST HATED OF ALL MEN IN ISRAEL, THE WHOLESALE TAX COLLECTOR SITTING AT CUSTOM.

1. The Talmud described two kinds retail, out-gathering; and wholesale, running customhouse
2. So many taxes,-so many names the scholars are unable to define them all - a tax on everything
3. The Jews especially hated the person who contracted to collect for Rome! - Matthew, publican

B.- WAS IT AN ACCIDENTAL MEETING WHEN JESUS SAW HIM AND SAID "FOLLOW ME"? Luke 5:27b

1. I don't mean to offend by being a little trite!- There are no accidents with Jesus! - Or you?
2. Jesus had been ministering near Capernaum -and He saw a soul: hated, despised, but loved by God
3. Such a short sermon!- "Follow Me" -same words to 5 or 12 Apostles!  Have YOU heard this call?

C.- THERE WAS A COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, STARTLING CHANGE THAT CAME INTO THE LIFE OF MATTHEW! v.28

1. What does it mean he left all?  In reality HE GAINED ALL!  He was willing to look to Jesus!
2. When he stood up and followed Jesus- the things of the World just couldn't keep up!  Got left.
3. He left his job (some others should); his former life (many should); and he left Satan too!

When people learn to obey this quickly- short sermons will be back in style! Has God called You?

II.- A DISPUTED FEAST - MATTHEW MADE A FEAST-29-32

The greatest events of life often call for a feast - a wedding, a newly saved man!  New Job!

A.- WHEN A WEALTHY MAN IN THOSE DAYS GAVE A FEAST, EVERYONE CAME BY INVITATION, OR TO WATCH

1. The question of this feast is WHY? Was it to bid farewell to his friends?  A great fun time?
2. Was it to introduce all his former friends and business acquaintances to his new friend-Jesus?
3. Or was it an act of homage to God's Son?- "Levi made Him a great feast" - Jesus was center!

B.- BUT THEIR SCRIBES AND PHARISEES MURMURED AGAINST HIS DISCIPLES - "WHY EAT WITH SINNERS?" v.30

1. They did not attack Jesus, but instead sought out his weakest disciples!  Gossip bothers weak
2. The word "Their" applies to the Publicans and others v.29 -gathered to feast - invited!
3. The Pharisees did not mind collecting tithes of these people - but when Jesus ate with them!

C.- WITH TYPICAL WISDOM THAT TRAPPED THE FOWLER IN HIS OWN SNARE, JESUS ANSWERED THEM v.31,32

1. Jesus accepted the view of the Pharisees regarding who was a sinner and who was not
2. But he declared the purpose of a physician -they remembered His healing-v.24 -& His love
3. His method was opposite to theirs- He calls not the righteous-but sinners to repentance!

Is there any righteous here?  If so, you can leave!  I have nothing for you!

III.- A DIFFERENT DISCIPLE !  MADE DIFFERENT 33-39

There was from this occasion open warfare with the Pharisees- and they tried to use John too

A.- THE PHARISEES TRIED TO GET A QUARREL STARTED BETWEEN THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS AND JOHN- 33

1. Satan is an expert at stirring up fights within the camp of the Lord- but Jesus refused!
2. John preached repentance,- fasted, prayed, and so did the Pharisees.  Jesus' feasted- rejoiced
3. There are different callings, but one Lord -John R. Rice- "Be a fundamentalist but not a n(illegible)

B.- JESUS EXPLAINED THE DIFFERENCE WITH TWO PARABLES, AND WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THEM BOTH! 

1. He does not blast - It's OK for them! - Now children of Bride chamber feast fast later! 34,35
2. He describes new wine & old bottles; and new cloth patches and worn clothing. 36,37
3. But the old nature knows that old wine is a heady wine!-v. 39, The old man likes Works, not faith

C.- GOD IS SEEKING PEOPLE LIKE MATTHEW TODAY - TO SAVE THEM BY FAITH!  TO CALL THEM "FOLLOW ME"

1. We seek "nice people" to evangelize - And seek the poor and needy to "Civilize" - wrong!
2. We are caught up in "mass" movements- but God seeks one soul at a time!- Maybe you!
3. He calls you as you are!- To Him!  But will you leave all & follow Him? - worth it all!

When you are following Jesus the things of the world fall off! But Pharisees missed it

JESUS STILL CALLS SINNERS TO HIMSELF, AND THOSE WHO HEAR HIM & ANSWER FIND A GREAT CHANGE

1. It is faith in Jesus first - Then the life is affected - Come just as you are!
2. After you are saved you can rise up- and follow Jesus!  But it is because you are saved!
3. You don't find redeemed Sinners murmuring - they are rejoicing in His Salvation!