What is the meaning of Luke 5:29?

Then Levi hosted a great banquet

• Levi’s immediate response to Jesus’ call (Luke 5:27-28) shows a heart transformed from “tax booth” to celebration.

• Banquets in Scripture often mark covenant moments—think of the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11) or the prodigal’s return (Luke 15:23-24).

• His generosity mirrors Zacchaeus later: “So he welcomed Him gladly” (Luke 19:6).

• By throwing a feast, Levi publicly aligns with Jesus, echoing Romans 1:16—unashamed of the gospel.

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for Jesus

• The guest of honor is the Lord Himself; worship and gratitude drive the event (John 12:1-2).

• Levi’s focus is not self-promotion but Christ-exaltation, fulfilling 1 Corinthians 10:31—“whether you eat or drink … do all to the glory of God.”

• Hosting Christ testifies that salvation is a relationship, not a ritual (John 15:4).

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at his house

• Faith starts at home (Acts 16:31-34). Levi opens the very place where he once planned profits to now proclaim grace.

• Homes become mission outposts: Peter’s mother-in-law’s house (Mark 1:29-31) and Lydia’s home (Acts 16:15) echo the pattern.

• Hospitality is ministry (1 Peter 4:9).

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A large crowd of tax collectors was there

• Levi invites old colleagues; grace is meant to be shared (Luke 3:12-13).

• Jesus’ presence among despised tax gatherers fulfills His purpose: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

• It’s a living picture of Matthew 21:31—tax collectors entering the kingdom ahead of self-righteous elites.

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along with others

• The word “others” widens the circle—grace reaches beyond labels (Revelation 7:9).

• Social barriers crumble, prefiguring the church’s diversity (Ephesians 2:14-16).

• All are welcome, yet all are called to repentance (Acts 17:30).

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who were eating with them

• Shared meals symbolize fellowship and acceptance (Luke 15:2).

• Table fellowship foreshadows the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

• Critics will accuse (Luke 5:30), but Jesus answers, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32).

• Eating together underscores that salvation is enjoyed, not endured (Psalm 34:8).

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summary

Luke 5:29 portrays a vivid snapshot of conversion lived out loud. Levi’s home becomes a sanctuary, his feast a testimony, and his guest list a declaration that no sinner is beyond Christ’s reach. The verse invites believers to celebrate redemption, open their own tables, and trust that Jesus still delights to sit with those society overlooks—transforming every gathering into a proclamation of His saving grace.