Chapter 5 29 (Matthew 9:9, 10; Mark 2:14, 15). Matthew Honored Christ Before Friends—In his grateful humility, Matthew desired to show his appreciation of the honor bestowed upon him, and, calling together those who had been his associates in business, in pleasure, and sin, he made a great feast for the Saviour. If Jesus would call him, who was so sinful and unworthy, He would surely accept his former companions who were, thought Matthew, far more deserving than himself. Matthew had a great longing that they should share the benefits of the mercies and grace of Christ. He desired them to know that Christ did not, as did the scribes and Pharisees, despise and hate the publicans and sinners. He wanted them to know Christ as the blessed Saviour.{5BC 1120.1}

Kapitel 5

29 (Matt. 9,9. 10; Mark 2,14. 15). Mattæus ærede Kristus overfor venner. - Med sin behagelige ydmyghed, besluttede Mattæus at vise sin påskønnelse for den ære han havde fået, og sammenkaldte dem som har været hans forretningspartere, sine fornøjelsesfæller og havde syndet med, og holdt en stor fest for Frelseren. Hvis Jesus ville kalde ham, som var så syndig og uværdig, ville Han med sikkerhed acceptere hans tidligere venner som, tænkte Mattæus, fortjener det langt mere end han selv. Mattæus havde en stor længsel efter at de ville dele de goder og nådegaver han fik fra Kristus. Han ønskede at de skulle vide at Kristus ikke foragtede og hade toldere og syndere, ligesom de skriftkloge og farisæerne gjorde. Han ville at de skal kende Kristus som den velsignede frelser.