Have you ever considered who Jesus calls to follow Him? Luke 5:27-32 reveals a surprising choice in Levi, a tax collector, as one of Jesus’ closest disciples.
This selection challenges our notions of who is worthy of discipleship and invites us to embrace the unexpected in our own journey of following Christ.
Reconnect:
Continuing from the earlier passages in Luke chapter 5, where Jesus called fishermen to be His disciples, we now encounter the unexpected call of Levi, a tax collector. This event underscores that God’s choices and plans are often different from our own and challenges societal norms regarding who is deserving of God’s invitation to discipleship and who He will call to serve in prominent positions or missions.
(Summarized and continued after the scripture)
Call of Levi (Matthew)
27After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28And he left everything behind, and got up and began to follow Him.
29And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. 30The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” 31And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. 32“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Summary Key Points:
- Embracing Unexpected Callings:
Jesus defies social expectations by choosing Levi, a tax collector, as one of His disciples. This demonstrates God’s willingness to call and use individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their past or societal status. - Reaching Out to Sinners:
The selection of Levi emphasizes Jesus’ mission to reach out to sinners and outcasts. He doesn’t shy away from those deemed unworthy by society but extends His grace and invitation to all who are willing to follow Him. - Transformative Response:
Levi’s immediate response to Jesus’ call highlights the transformative power of encountering Christ. Despite his past as a tax collector, Levi leaves everything behind to follow Jesus, exemplifying true discipleship rooted in faith and obedience.
Call to Action:
- Extend Grace to All:
Like Jesus, let us extend grace and compassion to those deemed unworthy or marginalized by society, recognizing that God’s invitation to discipleship is open to all. - Respond with Obedience:
When God calls us to follow Him, may we respond with obedience and wholehearted commitment, leaving behind anything that hinders our walk with Him. - Seek Transformative Encounters:
Pray for transformative encounters with Christ that deepen your faith and prompt you to respond in radical obedience and repentance, regardless of societal expectations or personal limitations.
Closing Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for Your inclusive love and grace that extends to all, regardless of our past or shortcomings. Help us to embrace unexpected callings and respond with obedience, faith, and repentance as we follow You. May our lives reflect Your transformative power and love to those around us. Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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