Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 5:30

"And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with the publicans and sinners?" — Luke 5:30 (ASV)

A banquet in the NT symbolizes joy and often hints at the eschatological banquet (see comments on Mk 14:25). Jesus is the guest of honor; but Levi does not limit the guest list to his new Christian friends, the disciples of Jesus. Instead of immediately cutting off his old associates, Levi invites them into his home, probably to bring them also into contact with Jesus. Luke mentions “others,” who turn out to be “sinners,” as far as the Pharisees are concerned. The joy of the participants is now opposed by the dour criticism of the religious leaders.

The complaint of the Pharisees is based on their dedication to upholding the purity of Jewish faith and life. Implicit in their teachings was strict adherence to both law and tradition, including necessary rites of purification and separation from all whose moral or ritual purity might be in question.

Their complaint against Jesus is specifically directed to his acceptance of these despised people sitting down in table fellowship with them. No act, apart from participation in the actual sinful deeds of the guests, could have broken the wall of separation more dramatically. Yet the Pharisees are not yet ready to argue with Jesus himself, so they direct their question to Jesus’ disciples and also charge them with this unacceptable conduct.