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. 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. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “ Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “ Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.
Jesus’ call to Matthew (or ‘Levi’ as some knew him) was pretty basic “follow me” I want you to think about two things… Jesus’ call and your response.
Jesus call: “follow me” He doesn’t call us to an empty religion, a certain philosophy, or a set of rules… He calls us to “follow him.” to follow him is to live life after him. Seeking Jesus, a closer relationship with him, which leads us to a life as he would lead. Connecting as a vital part of his body (the church) on mission in his world!
Your response: Levi made a decision, but it didn’t take a long time. Jesus made the offer, and the tax collector dropped everything and went. Following Jesus is not intended to be a gradual decision where you eventually get your act together, you decide to follow, and then you do. His first response was to gather his lost friends together so they could meet Jesus… when was the last time you had a dinner party to win some people to Jesus?
Jesus has something to say to you… “follow me”
