September 13: “A Friend of Sinners” (Luke 5:27-32)

In the calling of Levi, Jesus shocks the religious establishment by doing three counter-cultural acts:
First, he has a meal with the tax collectors.
Second, he calls a tax collector as his disciple.
Third, he offers his friendship without requiring repentance.
Jesus accepted people as they were and loved them because he was a friend of sinners. Ultimately, Jesus laid down his life to save his friends. Jesus invites you to be his friend. Will you let him?