The call of Levi is one of my favorites among the disciples’ calls. The reason for this is that Levi was so far from any desire to follow or search for God. As a tax collector, Levi was consumed with acquiring more riches. “The fact that we initially encounter Levi in his tax booth means that he is, in effect, a living symbol of Roman occupation and a reminder of the fact that some Jews were willing collaborators with the Romans. The link made in Mark 2:16 between tax collectors and “sinners” reinforces the negative associations.” (The Calling of Levi (Mark 2:13-17) | Theology of Work). Levi was the symbol of the Roman Empire, and, as an Israelite, he was a trader to his people. In the eyes of the religious, there was no hope for Levi. He was consumed with everything that was contrary to the law, according to the Pharisees.
As we walk through the scripture today, I want us to look at it from two perspectives. The first is the introduction and call that Jesus makes to Levi. The second is the relationship that marks the depth of the gospel. These two perspectives will help us understand the significance of this event as it challenges cultural norms and religious expectations. In many ways, this event is as big a challenge as we find in John 4, with Jesus and the woman at the well.
The Introduction and Call of Levi (vv. 13-14)
Jesus heads back out of Capernaum to the other areas in the region of Galilee. Remember the words of Jesus in Mark 1:38-39; “And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.’ And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.” The mission of Jesus was proclaiming the good news of salvation, and that mission included calling, training, and deploying disciples, which Levi would become.
Unlike Peter, Andrew, James, and John, it seems this encounter with Levi was the first Jesus had with him. When Jesus called the four, he had met them previously, and we find that encounter in the first few chapters of the gospel of John. Levi, though, is here in his tax booth, collecting taxes and being despised by all of those around. As Jesus walks by, he sees Levi and says to him those two simple words, “follow me.” Levi, without asking any questions, gets up and follows him.
By getting up, following Jesus, and leaving everything he knew behind, Levi was literally giving up everything to follow Jesus. He was making a profound statement by walking away from a career that had been very profitable for him. It was also a career that had brought about a life of disrespect. To best understand this, think about the drug dealer who is willing and desiring to sell all kinds of drugs, not caring about what happens to those who receive them. All the drug dealer cares about is the money that is going into his pocket. That is the kind of men who were tax collectors for Rome. So, when Levi got up and left the tax booth, he was making a significant, life-altering decision and move.
As Christians, we say yes to following Jesus; we are making the same kind of statement. We are leaving behind the world we knew and heading into a world that is transformative in more ways than we could ever imagine. We are leaving a life of selfish ambition for a life of care and transformation for those around us. The Apostle Paul says it this way in Romans 12:1-2: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” As followers of Christ, our lives are changed, and we must constantly remember that our minds are being transformed. Our thinking is becoming more focused on Christ and less on the desires of the flesh. Levi, in following Jesus, was beginning that transformation.
Application Question: In what ways are you training your mind to think more like Christ and focusing your actions on things other than selfish desires?
The Relationship that Marks the Depth of the Gospel (vv.15-17)
Levi not only decided to follow Jesus but also invited him to dinner at his house! Verse 15 is a powerful verse on the impact of relationships. “And as he reclined at the table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.” Levi not only takes Jesus and the disciples to his house but also invites friends to come along. The local tax collectors are now hearing the gospel because Levi obediently followed Jesus and invited his friends to hear the message.
The Pharisees are absolutely angered by the fact that Jesus and his disciples are eating with tax collectors and sinners. No way would they ever put themselves in that kind of situation or into that kind of relationship. The self-righteous nature of the Pharisees would never allow them to eat a meal with those who are sin-filled. They were so angered and offended by this event that they even asked his disciples, why are you guys eating with those people. In the eyes of the Pharisees, these people were as detestable as a leper.
How Jesus answers the Pharisees’ question is both beautiful and condemning. Jesus says, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” The beauty of this statement is that sick people (sinners) need a physician, and Jesus is that physician. The condemning part of that statement is that no one is righteous, including the Pharisees who thought of themselves as righteous. Paul writes in Romans 3:10-11, “as it is written: None is righteous, no, not one: no one understands; no one seeks for God.” The Pharisees, who thought they were righteous, were just as sinful as the tax collectors but never saw their own sin. They were blinded by the works of the flesh, which they thought were righteous work, but in reality, were self-righteous work, which is sin.
Application Question: Have you or do you have an attitude of self-righteousness in your own life? Do you look at the sins of others and miss the sins in your own life?
Conclusion:
Jesus’ call to Levi is not unique. It is the same call that we all get when we are invited to follow Jesus. The call/invitation comes as we do life! The Word of God is proclaimed to us, and the Holy Spirit brings about the invitation to follow Him. The question is, do we respond as Levi does, and get up from that place and follow Jesus by abandoning the desires of the flesh, or do we continue to sit and allow the invitation to expire?
If you have said yes to following Jesus, you have abandoned your desires and are now following the will and plan of God in your life. You are willing to walk in the call of Jesus, and part of that call includes inviting friends and family to follow Christ as well. Our relationship with Jesus must impact our relationship with others. We must be willing to call others to follow Christ as we are following Christ!
In closing, are you building relationships that are impactful for the gospel of Christ? If so, keep praying, inviting, and building those relationships because God is using you to build the Kingdom. If you are not doing that, then repent of the disobedience and get to build the Kingdom, because sick people need the healing of the Great Physician.
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