Vs.14-17- Jesus calls Matthew or Levi to follow him. This is also in Matthew 9:9-13 and Luke 5:27-32. The word "follow" is akoloutheo means to follow one who precedes or it can mean to accompany to join as a disciple. This dinner in Luke account is called a reception. The tax gatherers and sinners is denoting that these were unrepentant sinners who were invited. Jesus said in vs.17 that he came to call or invite the sinner not the healthy. The word “to call” vs.17 is kaleo or to invite, to call by name. When Matthew got up from the tax booth he left everything else behind to follow him and never looked back. Isn't it interesting how sinners felt comfortable and even loved in the presence of Jesus. How often is that the case in our churches today that people feel loved and accepted?
Vs.18-22- Jesus and his disciples were walking through a grain field and John’s disciples and the Pharisees wanted to know why the disciples didn’t fast. Jesus compares himself to the bridegroom and says that while the bridegroom is with them they don’t fast, but they will one day. The bride is the church. This same section is in Luke 5:33-39. The Pharisees typically fasted twice a week Luke 18:12. One day Jesus is coming back for his bride. Revelations 19:7-9 for the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Vs.23-28 This is also in Matthew 12:1-8. Jesus declares his lordship over the Sabbath and says that the Sabbath was created for man’s benefit. Jesus told them according to version in Matthew that he desires compassion and not sacrifice and that they were condemning the innocent. The Pharisees had a blind spot to compassion when it came to following the law. A similar thing is said in Hosea 6:6. Could it be that following the law still gives people the same blind spot. Jesus said he didn't come to call the self sufficient but the sinner who has need of him.
Vs.21 Jesus was saying it is not wise to try and patch the old system with the new. That the two are not compatible.
The reference to the consecrated bread is 1 Samuel 21:1-6 where David is running from Saul and takes the consecrated bread and Goliath’s sword.
