June 14, 2026 - Jesus Saves Those Who are Hated

Luke: To the Least, the Last, & the Lost - Luke 5:27-32Jobey McGintyJesus doesn’t keep His distance from the people the world avoids or calls outsiders. In Luke 5, we see Him walk straight toward a hated tax collector named Levi. Levi hasn't cleaned up his life...he hasn't somehow made himself worthy or earned a place at God's table. And Levi knew he didn’t belong. Everyone else agreed. Tax collectors were seen as traitors and thieves. Yet Jesus stops, looks at him, and says, “Follow me” (Luke 5:27–28). Jesus comes for sinners, not the respectable. When religious leaders complain, Jesus answers clearly: “Those who are well have no need of a physician… I have not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Luke 5:31–32). Grace moves first. Jesus eats with Levi. He calls him before he changes. And that call leads to real repentance and real joy.