At such gatherings as this, not a few were impressed by the Saviour's teaching who did not acknowledge Him until after His ascension. When 275 the Holy Spirit was poured out, and three thousand were converted in a day, there were among them many who first heard the truth at the table of the publicans, and some of these became messengers of the gospel. To Matthew himself the example of Jesus at the feast was a constant lesson. The despised publican became one of the most devoted evangelists, in his own ministry following closely in his Master's steps.

Jesus sad som en æresgæst ved toldernes bord og viste ved sin sympati og selskabelige venlighed, at han anerkendte menneskets værdighed, og menneskene længtes efter at blive værdige til hans fortrolighed. Hans ord faldt på deres tørstige hjerter med en velsignet livgivende kraft. Nye tilskyndelser blev vakt, og muligheden for et nyt liv åbnede sig for disse udstødte i samfundet.