When our youngest grandchild was baptized, her church had a Baptism Bash – a wild and joyful event

celebrating the decisions of a bunch of young people to follow Jesus. It was a time of pure, unbridled

worship – exuberant praise, video testimonies, laughter, baptisms, confetti, cake, praying together over

the new believers. Family, friends, and classmates were in attendance – some bringing flowers and gifts.

It was a party! I think that church was taking its cue from Luke 15:7: “I say to you that likewise there

will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need

no repentance.” If there’s rejoicing in heaven, why not have some of that rejoicing here on earth!

After Jesus asked Matthew to follow Him, here’s what happened: So he [Matthew] left all, rose up, and

followed Him. Then [Matthew] gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great

number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. (Luke 5:28-29)

It was serious business for Matthew to follow Jesus – he really did have a lot to leave behind (possibly

more than any of the other disciples) – his wealth, his trusted position among the Roman authorities,

the security of his comfortable life. He no doubt was fully aware of all that. However, sometimes in the

seriousness of our decision to follow Jesus, we count the cost but forget to do the rejoicing. But not

Matthew!

After his decision to follow Jesus, Scripture tells us that Matthew did something that fits right in with our

rejoicing theme! He gave a “great feast in his own house” - not just finger sandwiches and tea – it was a

GREAT feast – a real banquet!

Then there’s the guest list! Because of his occupation, Matthew would probably have had few friends

outside his line of work, so he invited – not just a few – but “a great number of tax collectors.” Our verse

also mentions “and others who sat down with them.” The only detail we have on those “others” is a later

verse that calls them “sinners” (v.30).

And then there’s the guest of honor – Jesus, the One Matthew had chosen to follow. From the way

Matthew planned his party, I think we see that he no longer cared about his reputation – he cared more

about the lostness of his friends. The feast was all about introducing his friends and acquaintances to

the One who had said to him, “Follow Me.” He wanted them to meet Jesus.



Do you need to throw a Matthew party and invite some of your friends to meet Jesus?

By Judy Shrout