The entertainment was given in honor of Jesus, and He did not hesitate to accept the courtesy. He well knew that this would give offense to the Pharisaic party, and would also compromise Him in the eyes of the people. But no question of policy could influence His movements. With Him external distinctions weighed nothing. That which appealed to His heart was a soul thirsting for the water of life.

Blandt tolderne skabtes der en vidt omfattende interesse. Deres hjerter droges mod den guddommelige lærer. I sin glæde over at være blevet en discipel længtes Mattæus efter at føre sine tidligere kolleger til Jesus. Derfor gjorde han et gæstebud i sit eget hus og sammenkaldte sine slægtninge og venner. Blandt dem var der ikke blot toldere, men mange andre af tvivlsomt rygte, som blev fordømt af deres mere nøjeregnende naboer.