After the call of Matthew, Matthew has a "farewell dinner" among all of his old friends and acquaintances. He invites Jesus and the other disciples to his home, and in this feast were publicans and sinners of all kinds. It is probable that, because Matthew was considered an outcast among the "better Jews," he had social interaction with those who were not as judgmental about his actions and what kind of work he performed. Hence, he invites all of the outcasts of society, those hated or scorned by so many. And we find that it is this group of people that followed Jesus more closely than any other group. Why? Because Jesus showed that God loved the sinner and that, if the sinner but repent, there is hope. No where do we find that Jesus condoned sin; but he ALWAYS left people with hope. Do WE?

As always, when one is doing something that others do not approve, there will be the murmuring and complaints. Mark tells us (Mark 2:18-22) that it was a combination of the Pharisees and the disciples of John that complained about Jesus' actions. The Pharisees complained because he had contact with sinners and the evil, instead of separating from them. The disciples of John complained about all of the "feasting" done by Jesus and the disciples -- they advocated an ascetic lifestyle so as to keep the body under control, and show remorse for sins.

Jesus faced the carping, complaining spirit head on. He did not come to associate with the righteous (or those who thought they were righteous), but he came to those who knew they were sinners and who needed God's grace. He came to the straying sheep; to preach the gospel to the poor. He came to extend grace to those who saw (and still see) the need for grace in their lives.

Then he asked the Pharisees to "go and learn what this mean" quoting Hosea 6:6 (God desires mercy, and not sacrifice). Does this mean that all of the sacrifices God commanded were unimportant? No. They were important because God did command them -- however, the Jews would kill all of the animals required by God, but then leave worship and never show any mercy to their fellow man. GOD IS SUPREMELY INTERESTED IN HOW WE TREAT OUR FELLOW MAN. The Jews (and many of us today) will make sure that they do what God commands so as to be right with God, and then treat their fellows with scorn, derision and contempt. This is why Jesus spent so much time among those who saw their need for God, and not among those who thought they had it all figured out!

To the disciples of John Jesus stressed that fasting was good, as long as it was done for the right reason. If a person fasted to get their bodies under control, or to truly show their sorrow over sin in their lives, that was good. But to fast so that they could brag about their fasting, or to build their spiritual pride, and then despise others who failed to fast -- well, that was sin. Moses had only prescribed one fast (Leviticus 16 -- the Day of Atonement). Fasting may help in dealing with temptation, but it would be a burden to others. This is why God did not command a fast by everyone; and why the prophets often complained about the fact that many fasted, not for their sins, but for their pride (Read Zechariah 7:1-7). Soon the disciples would fast, when he was taken from them. But now, they rejoice that he is in their midst. But things were going to change -- they could not put the new gospel in the old wineskins of Judaism. It is interesting how Jesus tied his discussion of his upcoming death with the idea of things changing! THAT IS THE STORY OF THE GOSPEL -- with his death, and ours, things change!