25
Without a moment's hesitation, he did it - got up, took his blanket, and left for home, giving glory to God all the way.
26
The people rubbed their eyes, incredulous - and then also gave glory to God. Awestruck, they said, "We've never seen anything like that!"
27
After this he went out and saw a man named Levi at his work collecting taxes. Jesus said, "Come along with me."
28
And he did - walked away from everything and went with him.
29
Levi gave a large dinner at his home for Jesus. Everybody was there, tax men and other disreputable characters as guests at the dinner.
30
The Pharisees and their religion scholars came to his disciples greatly offended. "What is he doing eating and drinking with crooks and 'sinners'?"
31
Jesus heard about it and spoke up, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick?
32
I'm here inviting outsiders, not insiders - an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out."
33
They asked him, "John's disciples are well-known for keeping fasts and saying prayers. Also the Pharisees. But you seem to spend most of your time at parties. Why?"
34
Jesus said, "When you're celebrating a wedding, you don't skimp on the cake and wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but this isn't the time. As long as the bride and groom are with you, you have a good time.
35
When the groom is gone, the fasting can begin. No one throws cold water on a friendly bonfire. This is Kingdom Come!