Hosting guests for a dinner gathering is one of my favorite activities. We’ve also been invited to dinner parties at friends’ homes. The joy of spending an evening with others—enjoying good food, conversation, and friendly fellowship—nourishes our spirits.
The Gospels reveal that Jesus frequently attended dinner parties. He ate at the homes of various people in Bethany, Jericho, and Jerusalem. One day, while walking near the Sea of Galilee, he met a tax collector.
As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.
- Matthew 9:9
Matthew heard Jesus’ invitation and immediately decided to follow Him. This new disciple then invited Jesus, the disciples, and other friends to his house for dinner.
While Jesus was having dinner at [Matthew’s] Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him.
- Mark 2:15
Matthew had many friends, including tax collectors and sinners. This is such an unlikely group of people gathered for a dinner party. Mark’s gospel notes that many people had started following Jesus.
However, other people were also at this dinner. These men criticized Jesus’ ministry and openly showed their disapproval. Notably, the Pharisees spoke to the disciples instead of directly addressing Jesus.
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
- Matthew 9:11
Can you hear these men fuming and seething as they ask the question? The Pharisees diligently sought to always follow the law of Moses. They were self-righteous religious leaders. It was very difficult for them to tolerate people who lived a blatant life of sin.
Jesus frequently confronted the Pharisees, who wanted to remain separate from sinners. Why would Jesus attend a dinner at a tax collector’s house and talk with so many sinful people? He certainly couldn’t be considered a righteous or godly man.
And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
- Mark 2:17
Jesus came to invite sinners into God’s kingdom. He saw the deep spiritual needs of everyone around Him. His eyes were filled with compassion for people, and He was glad to be in the company of tax collectors and sinners.
Head to Heart
Jesus is a friend to sinners. He sees spending time with them as a worthwhile investment in their eternal souls.
Perhaps you see yourself as one of the sinners at Matthew’s dinner. You sense that something’s missing in your life. There’s a restless stirring in your heart. I invite you to sit at the table with Jesus. Follow Matthew’s example and decide to follow Him today.
As a follower of Jesus, I encourage you to pause and consider the people who attended this dinner. What thoughts and feelings arise in your heart? Now, turn your focus to your current life situation. Ask the Lord to reveal to you the individuals He wants you to engage with in conversation. Who do you see?
Some examples of people whom the Lord may have placed in your life:
The clerk at the bank or grocery store
A young mom struggling with her toddlers and many sleepless nights
A married couple feeling overwhelmed with their relationship struggles
Your next-door neighbors
What actions could you take to encourage some of these people?
Write a thoughtful note and include a specific reason why you appreciate them.
Bring a dessert or a meal to their front door and tell them you’re praying for them.
Thank them for their work and cheerful attitude.
Take some time to listen and provide words of encouragement and advice.
DGTM RESOURCE: Your Personal Decision to Walk with God
© 2025 Discover God's Truth Ministries
SUCH GOOD reminders, especially in the current contentious cultural climate!