Luke 5:30Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The publican represents all those who labor for the myrrh-bearer and fulfill the obligations of the flesh. In contrast, the Pharisees—proud and estranged by evil spirits, as the term Pharisee indicates separation—grumble about His association with those considered sinners.

However, none of these matters influenced the Pharisees; instead, they sought to reveal their grievances to the disciples. For it is written that the scribes and Pharisees grumbled, addressing His disciples, “There are those who strive to rob sinners of divine compassion." They hinder true repentance, casting blame on the Savior for reaching out to them and gathering from various places those who have gone astray. The Pharisees exemplified this attitude of complaint when they observed Levi being called, along with a gathering of tax collectors who were dining with Christ, our Savior. When confronting the holy apostles, they voiced their criticism, asking, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors?”

The animosity of those who do not believe is once again ignited, illustrating the impending retribution: while the faithful enjoy the feast in the heavenly realm, those lacking faith will endure hunger. Moreover, the stark contrast between adherents of the law and champions of grace is revealed; for those who cling to the law will face eternal spiritual deprivation, whereas those who have welcomed the Word into the depths of their souls will never know hunger or thirst, sustained by the richness of celestial nourishment. In their lack of spiritual sustenance, people grumbled and asked, "Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?" (Matt. 9:11, cf. Luke 5:30).

This matter is addressed in that context as well.

The Pharisees criticized the Savior for dining with tax collectors and sinners, as the law created a divide between the sacred and the secular. However, they failed to recognize that Christ imparted the grace of humanity, which surpasses mere legal judgment. While the law condemned the wicked, grace transformed the wicked into the righteous. This is evidenced by the experiences of Zacchaeus, Matthias, and others, who, despite their shortcomings, were ultimately rewarded with triumphs.

Rather than recognizing the love demonstrated by the Son of Man, the onlookers directed their disdain toward his disciples, reproaching them with a sense of indignation, "Why does your teacher dine with tax collectors and sinners while you are left out?" Jesus responded on behalf of his disciples, posing the question: to whom does a doctor offer healing, the healthy or the sick? You view yourselves as strong; why is it so surprising that the Son of Man does not engage with you? However, you, who are knowledgeable in the Scriptures, must not forget the message from the prophet: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Do not look down upon those whom your pride has cast aside.

The scribes and Pharisees, who were intrigued by the actions of the young Teacher from Galilee, certainly took notice of Him. His miracles inspired in them a sense of involuntary respect, prompting thoughts deep within their hearts that if He were not the Messiah, He might at least be a new prophet serving as a precursor to Him. However, there was a notable contradiction in His demeanor, particularly evident in His willingness to associate with tax collectors and sinners. It was already viewed as inappropriate for Him to select Matthew, a tax collector, as one of His closest companions, whose association could tarnish His reputation among devout Jews.

In the accounts from Matthew and Mark, the scribes and Pharisees questioned, “Why does your Teacher eat and drink with sinners?” This variation in wording is minor and can be harmonized; the criticisms directed at the disciples were even more applicable to the Lord Himself, and the complaints against the Lord equally pertained to His followers, who emulated His behavior. It is possible that some individuals who were tempted referred to the Master, while others spoke of the disciples.