Luke 5:27-28 is about Jesus demonstrating his radical inclusivity by calling a tax collector, Levi, to follow him, showing that even those considered societal outcasts are welcomed into God’s kingdom.
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 he left everything, and rose and followed him.
Setting the Scene for Luke 5:27-28
In Luke chapter 5, we find Jesus walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. As he continues his ministry, he comes across a tax collector named Levi, also known as Matthew. Levi is sitting at his tax booth, collecting taxes from the people passing by. The scene is bustling with activity as merchants, fishermen, and travelers go about their daily business.
Jesus approaches Levi and simply says, “Follow me.” In a moment of divine calling, Levi leaves everything behind – his tax booth, his wealth, and his former way of life – to follow Jesus. This encounter takes place in full view of the other tax collectors and people in the area, who are shocked to see Levi respond to Jesus’ call.
The surroundings are typical of a busy marketplace by the sea, with the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the smell of salt in the air. The sun is shining brightly overhead, casting a warm glow on the scene unfolding before the onlookers. As Levi joins Jesus and begins his journey as a disciple, the crowd watches in amazement at this unexpected turn of events.
What is Luke 5:27-28 about?
Jesus reaches out to someone who was considered an outcast in society at that time – a tax collector named Levi in this verse. Tax collectors were generally despised by the Jews because they were seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors and were known for their dishonest practices. Jesus is demonstrating that His love and grace are extended to everyone, regardless of their past or societal status, by choosing to call Levi to follow Him. This act challenges the norms of the time and conveys a powerful message of inclusion and redemption.
Imagine the impact this must have had on Levi – someone who was probably used to being shunned and judged by others. Jesus saw beyond Levi’s profession and reputation, and instead saw his potential for a transformed life. This verse teaches us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and that He can use anyone for His purposes, no matter their background or past mistakes. It also reminds us of the importance of looking beyond outward appearances and labels to see the potential for redemption and transformation in each person we encounter.
Understanding what Luke 5:27-28 really means
The passage in Luke 5:27-28 introduces us to Levi, also known as Matthew, a tax collector who was called by Jesus to be one of His disciples. In the context of the time, tax collectors were viewed with disdain by society due to their collaboration with the Roman authorities and their reputation for corruption. However, Jesus’ decision to call Levi was a radical demonstration of His mission to reach out to the marginalized and sinners, showing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
This event is also recounted in Matthew 9:9-13 and Mark 2:13-17, emphasizing Jesus’ message of mercy and His mission to call sinners to repentance. Additionally, the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 further illustrates the transformative power of Jesus’ acceptance and love, highlighting the theme of inclusivity and acceptance in God’s kingdom.
The relevance of Levi’s calling to people today lies in its message of inclusivity, acceptance, transformation, and purpose. Just as Levi responded immediately to Jesus’ call and left everything to follow Him, we are reminded of the transformative power of Jesus’ invitation to each of us. This challenges us to be open to change, to embrace our unique calling from God, and to leave behind our old ways for a new life in Christ.
Imagine a scenario where someone with a troubled past is given a second chance and experiences a profound transformation through the acceptance and belief of a mentor. This modern-day parallel reflects Levi’s experience and underscores the power of acceptance and new beginnings in the context of Jesus’ call to discipleship.
The phrases “Follow me” and “He got up, left everything and followed him” encapsulate the essence of Levi’s response to Jesus’ call. They signify a personal relationship with Jesus, a commitment to His teachings, and a willingness to abandon one’s former life to embrace a new identity in Christ. These phrases remind us of the urgency and totality of Jesus’ call to each of us, inviting us to respond with wholehearted dedication and faith.
In conclusion, the calling of Levi by Jesus challenges us to reflect on our own lives and how we respond to His call. It emphasizes the inclusivity of God’s love, the transformative power of grace, and the invitation for each of us to follow Him and find a new beginning and purpose-filled life. Whether we identify with Levi or with those who may judge him, the message remains clear: Jesus calls us all to follow Him, offering us a path to redemption, transformation, and a life of purpose in His kingdom.
How can we follow Jesus despite our shortcomings?
Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow him despite Levi’s shortcomings in Luke 5:27-28. This verse reminds us that Jesus calls us to follow him as we are, regardless of our past or current shortcomings. Just like Levi, who was seen as a sinner due to his profession, we can also come to Jesus with our imperfections and mistakes. Jesus looks beyond our flaws and sees the potential for growth and transformation in each of us.
When we choose to follow Jesus despite our shortcomings, we acknowledge our need for him and his grace in our lives. Instead of trying to be perfect before approaching Jesus, we are invited to come as we are and allow him to work in and through us. Following Jesus is not about being faultless, but about having a willing heart to repent, learn, and grow in our relationship with him. Jesus will provide the strength, guidance, and support we need to overcome our weaknesses and live a life that honors him as we follow him despite our shortcomings. It is through our dependence on him and his transformative power that we can continue to walk in his ways, grow in faith, and become more like him each day.
Application
Let Jesus transform your life just like He did with Levi; leave behind your old self. It’s time to step up and embrace a new beginning, a fresh start with Christ. Can you truly commit to taking that leap of faith and follow Him against all odds?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.