And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. — Luke 5:27

After winning over the crowd, Jesus now calls Levi to be a disciple (Matthew). This calling is important because of two things. First, Jesus chose a man who no other religious leader would have picked: a tax collector who liked the Romans. To a Jew living during Jesus’ time, Matthew would have seemed like he was betraying his faith and his heritage. Second, the tax collector went with them, leaving his job and his money behind. This is a powerful reminder that we should never give up on anyone because we think they are too hard to reach with the Gospel or that our Lord can’t use them.

 

Thought

After winning over the crowd, Jesus now calls Levi to be a disciple (Matthew). This calling is important because of two things. First, Jesus chose a man who no other religious leader would have picked: a tax collector who liked the Romans. To a Jew living during Jesus’ time, Matthew would have seemed like he was betraying his faith and his heritage. Second, the tax collector went with them, leaving his job and his money behind. This is a powerful reminder that we should never give up on anyone because we think they are too hard to reach with the Gospel or that our Lord can’t use them.

 

Prayer

Father of all people, please help me see the people you put in my path today who want to learn more about Jesus. Give me the knowledge and wisdom to know when and how to tell them about my Savior. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.