Devotional Journal: Reflection on Luke 5:27-32
Flock together?
They say “birds of a feather flock together”. I believe it’s a little more complicated than that. In most cases, who we associate with depicts a screenshot of who we are. These are people we call “my people” those who share the same interest and often pursue the same things. This is the “birds of a feather flock together” scenario. What about the complicated part?
an unlikely scene
Luke 5:27-32 is the complication. This account is a scene of Jesus in the midst of the outcasts. Not the ones who don’t fit in. Nor am I talking about the less fortunate. Jesus was among the rich, oppressors, and drunkards. This was a different class of outcasts. If this was in today’s time this would be equivalent to Jesus being in a club or presidential dinner party.
For a reason
What is even more mind blowing is the response from Jesus from His accusers. Jesus declares “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32). What this shows is purpose in every interaction and love in availability. Jesus was not there to “hang-out” He was there with genuine concern and care for those who otherwise thought that they could not be helped. He did not affirm their ways but made Himself available as a better way. He was not turned off by their sin and afflictions. He carefully mended wounds just like a physician would do when something needs to be patched up.
how are we to respond in the midst?
In reflection of this, how are we to be in the midst of people who may not be like us? We stay authentic and humble. Not changing to fit in or being different out of arrogance. Love, truth, and understanding must always be the foundation. For we to were once without God. Without light, without hope, yet God took it upon Himself to reveal Himself to us. Not out of pity or need but out of love. In the midst be light, love, and show others He is the way.
27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”-Luke 5:27-32
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2025. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
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