“‘Follow me,’ Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.”
Luke 5:27-29
What a great story! Jesus spotted the tax collector Levi sitting at his booth and said simply, “Follow me.”
Tax collectors were hated. They often skimmed money from the funds they amassed. But Jesus knew He could use Levi. Without hesitation, Levi followed. With his life changed, he now put on a spectacular dinner party so that his colleagues could meet his new Friend.
Right from the start, Levi was being an ambassador for Jesus, bringing people to Him. In my life this often has looked like taking a walk with someone, visiting on the deck of our home, or meeting at a coffee shop. During COVID lockdowns, it meant meeting weekly on Zoom for Bible study with a few law enforcement and military guys (one of whom is leading other men to Jesus because of the freedom he now knows in Christ!).
Levi’s life as a Christ follower would bring opposition from other tax collectors and religious leaders. But Jesus reminded them, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (v. 32). Like Levi, we joyfully bring the news of salvation to others.
Tax collectors were hated. They often skimmed money from the funds they amassed. But Jesus knew He could use Levi. Without hesitation, Levi followed. With his life changed, he now put on a spectacular dinner party so that his colleagues could meet his new Friend.
Right from the start, Levi was being an ambassador for Jesus, bringing people to Him. In my life this often has looked like taking a walk with someone, visiting on the deck of our home, or meeting at a coffee shop. During COVID lockdowns, it meant meeting weekly on Zoom for Bible study with a few law enforcement and military guys (one of whom is leading other men to Jesus because of the freedom he now knows in Christ!).
Levi’s life as a Christ follower would bring opposition from other tax collectors and religious leaders. But Jesus reminded them, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (v. 32). Like Levi, we joyfully bring the news of salvation to others.
Scripture Focus
Luke 5:27-32
Insight
The words of an old chorus ring out, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 16-17
- Psalm 79
- John 20