After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.
Luke 5:27-28
Jesus cares for all people, regardless of their social position, career choice, or past. And Levi (Matthew) is just such an example in this story in scripture. Tax collectors were some of the most hated people of Jesus’ day. This was for two reasons: 1) they cooperated with Rome to demand taxes from everybody. 2) They usually cheated people, charging way more than Rome required because that was how Roman expected them to earn a living.
So these enforcers and extortioners were not at all well liked. They were sort of mob goons enforcing a racket. But Jesus saw a tax collector, one of these “good fellas” wearing a Rome badge, and He knew Levi would become an apostle. So Levi was called with just two words: “Follow me”. And he willingly left it all, immediately. Levi followed Jesus, and even threw a party with all his messy neighbors, mob connections and friends in attendance in order to introduce them to Jesus (Luke 5:29-32). It was quite a scene!
I’m so glad that Jesus loves notorious sinners! That’s what I am, and He saved me to follow Him. My prayer is that Jesus, friend of sinners, might make Himself known in me, so even more people, no matter how messy their lives, will know, follow, and love Him too!
No comments:
Post a Comment