Jesus Calls Levi

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Jesus Calls Levi

Date: Mar. 16, 2023

Passage

Luke 5:27-32 (ESV)

27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.

29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 5:32

I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

In Jesus’ time, the Jewish people hated tax collectors who worked for and with the pagan Romans. Jesus knew that the tax collector was a synonym for sinner. But in his unconditional grace and good purpose, Jesus called Levi a tax collector by commanding him to follow him. He called Levi to change him, make him a disciple, and later on, an apostle. Jesus is in the ministry of change. He calls sinners from all walks of life. He changes them to be his people. He isn’t waiting around until sinners get better and more righteous. He calls us as he finds us. Levi left everything and followed Jesus. To follow Jesus, we are to leave what keeps us from following him.

With joy and a thankful heart, Levi threw a party for Jesus. He invited Jesus, the disciples, and a large crowd of tax collectors. But the religious leaders complained to the disciples who enjoyed the “sinners’ party.” Jesus told them that he came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Jesus came to the party to call and save Levi and sinners. Jesus is for sinners. Everyone is sick with sin. But there is Jesus, the heavenly doctor who forgives us, saves us and makes us his disciples.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, thank you so much for calling me to repentance. Help me to follow Jesus who heals and leads me to heaven.

One Word: One Word: Follow Jesus

David’s Victories

1 Chronicles 18:1-17

Key Verse: 18:6b,13b

Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.

Today's Question

For what do we pray in the third request?

See answer and references