The banquet at Levi's house became a moment of competition between the scribes and the Pharisees, and this episode resulted in yet another important lesson given by the Savior. Regardless of who challenges us in our faith, if we have the revelation of the Bible, no argument against it will stand up, as happened with Stephen. The Lord provides the necessary outlet: “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke” (Acts 6:10).

           No matter the events or the provocations, if we go to God seeking explanation and guidance, we will surely become wise from what He instructs us. No one can overcome the Lord's anointing: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and ubtrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). That's easy!

           Jesus valued ministering to the people, as we see in the gospels. Mark recorded the amazement and observations of the people in the Capernaum synagogue about the Master's teaching: And they were astonished at his teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes (Mark 1.22). We need to do this so that the Gospel is accepted by the lost. In this way, they will be healed, set free and saved!

           As for the murmuring of the scribes and Pharisees, we don't even need to say anything, because their considerations came from man and not from God. In fact, they were not all in the spirit, but in the flesh, reasoning about what they heard: But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).

           If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, when we are confronted by teachers who don't know God's plan, but are full of human ability, we will put an end to their weak arguments with heavenly wisdom, which they will not be able to dispute. Now, in order to be in the presence of the Lord, we must serve Him honestly and faithfully, far from the sins that defile a man sanctified in the Word, which is the Truth (John 17:17).

           The sad thing for the scribes and Pharisees was that they didn't take advantage of the Word's visit and presence. Jesus could have given them everything they needed in the material sphere, such as healing from sickness and disease. However, they didn't look at Christ with faith, but with distrust. Those who listen and follow what God says through the preaching and teaching of the Scriptures become successful in any area of life. Divine wisdom lies in listening to the Word.

           Even today, having nothing to say against the Lord's anointed people, their scribes and the Pharisees, who are paid to write good speeches or be “gurus”, teach people according to the flesh, contrary to the Lord's guidance. These religious people care about what you eat and drink with the people of the world. Eat only what is in the banquet of the Good Shepherd!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares