The Genuine Response to Faith, Luke 5:27-32

"The Call of St. Matthews" Caravaggio

In this account of the call of Levi / Matthew the tax collector, the Scripture makes some notable statements.

1.       When Jesus called him, Levi left everything and followed Jesus (v. 28).  Just as Peter, James, and John left their nets, so Levi left his tax collecting business.

When Jesus calls a person, answering that call results in obvious changes in that person’s life, often in the most significant aspects of that person’s life.

2.       When Levi followed Jesus, he wanted everyone else to know what he had done, and he wanted them to know Jesus as well.  Levi threw a big banquet and invited many of his friends, “tax collectors and others.”  From the standpoint of Jewish society, this must have been an unsavory lot (v. 30).

3.       Jesus was willing, even anxious, to sit with all who would come to listen.  We cannot be class-conscious and be Christ-like.

4.       The call from Jesus is a call to repentance (v. 32).  If you think of yourself as righteous or “not a sinner,” Jesus does not call you to follow Him.

How do I conclude this? 

A deliberate Christian follows Jesus with these realities

1.       His profession and life-style are secondary to Jesus Christ, and leaving financial and professional security behind is often the result.

2.       He makes sure everyone knows of His decision to follow Jesus, and he introduces them to Jesus at the first opportunity.

3.       He is not class-conscious.  Elitism has no place in following Jesus.

4.       Repentance from sin is a life-changing reality.

One final consideration – Jesus’ approach to evangelism does not fit the “Purpose Driven” model.  Jesus sought men who would follow Him knowing that decision would completely change their life-style.  Jesus made no effort to accommodate the culture in order to gain approval and an audience.  Just a thought….