Even a Tax Collector

Luke 5:27-28 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
 
A few lessons back, we read of the Lord calling Peter, Andrew, James and John. They, too, left everything in response to Jesus’ call, “Follow me.” Now Jesus walked into a busy marketplace in Capernaum to call Levi, who we more commonly known as Matthew. Levi rises from his tax collector’s booth to join with the Lord. Just as with the healed cripple, this is the Lord’s very personal gift of faith, forgiveness and saving grace.
    No appointed disciple earned the Lord’s command, “Follow me”. In fact, if Jesus would reject anyone, it would have been Levi. Tax collectors were among the most despised people in Israel. The Jews viewed tax collectors as men who robbed them for self-enrichment. Tax collectors were their own authority, rewarded for filling Rome’s treasury. Rome’s depletion of Israel’s resources was one of the most severe effects this mighty power had over the tiny nation.
    Calling Matthew was one more way Jesus expressed God’s release of the captives into the favor of his salvation. We can understand the anointing of such righteous servants as Zechariah, who was John the Baptist’s father, and Mary, Jesus’ mother, but who would call the unrighteous? God would. And we all must thank God he does. Otherwise, who would be saved?
    Jesus-called and Spirit-powered, Matthew fulfilled God’s plan. Matthew’s gospel helps the Jews understand the many ways Jesus fulfilled the prophets’ Messiah promises. Because of Matthew’s work, we know the great Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the incredible resurrection of many after Jesus’ own resurrection (Matthew 27:52-53) and f Jesus’ promises of his return to establish his rule with his apostles (Matthew 19:28-29).
    Matthew followed Jesus into the revelation of his good news to redeem the world. Let’s be eager to do the same. Respond to the good news of the good Lord Jesus. He has come to command you, “Follow me.” even if you think, “I’m not worthy.”
 
Prayer: Lord God, lead me on the path of righteousness for your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.