6 - Matthew’s Call

Calling Out the Unlikely: The Transformative Grace of God

Bible Passage: Luke 5:27–29

Summary: In Luke 5:27-29, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him, illustrating His mission to reach those deemed unworthy by society and inviting them into a transformative relationship.

Application: This passage highlights that anyone, regardless of their past or societal standing, can be called by God for His purposes. It encourages Christians to embrace their own stories of grace and to reach out to others who feel unworthy or isolated.

Teaching: The teaching emphasizes that Jesus seeks out the marginalized and invites them into His mission. It challenges the notion of worthiness based on worldly standards and underscores the radical inclusivity of the Gospel.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the One who breaks societal barriers and redefines community through His love and acceptance. Jesus embodies the fulfillment of God's promise to seek and save the lost, emphasizing the radical grace available to all.

Big Idea: God's grace is not contingent upon our past; instead, it equips and empowers the unworthy for His glorious purpose.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the historical context of tax collectors in first-century Judea, which is crucial for understanding the scandal of Levi's calling. The Logos library can help you investigate relevant commentaries on the socio-religious implications of Jesus' actions in Luke 5, along with studies on the synoptic Gospels for broader context on Jesus' ministry to outcasts.

1. Invitation to the Unlikely

Luke 5:27

Jesus sees Levi, a tax collector, and calls him to follow. Perhaps you could emphasize how Jesus' call signifies God's willingness to reach out to those shunned by society. In Levi's position, many felt unworthy; yet, Jesus extends grace, illustrating how graced transformation doesn't depend on our past but on Christ's invitation. This introduction can illustrate Jesus' radical inclusion and the universal reach of God’s grace, encouraging listeners to evaluate their biases and embrace unexpected transformation in their lives and others.

2. Immediate Surrender

Luke 5:28

Levi leaves everything behind and follows Jesus immediately. Maybe you could highlight the immediate and total response to Jesus' call, symbolizing a fresh start. This shows that God's grace enables us to leave our past behind. Levi's actions inspire believers to respond quickly and wholeheartedly to Christ’s invitation in their own lives, acknowledging that God's call can radically redirect one's future and purpose.

3. Community Celebration

Luke 5:29

Levi hosts a large banquet for Jesus, inviting fellow tax collectors. You could suggest this demonstrates how experiencing Christ’s grace leads to communal joy and sharing the Gospel. Levi's transformation sparks a celebration, indicating that those touched by God's grace naturally extend this grace to others, promoting inclusivity and breaking barriers. This encourages believers to create spaces of welcome and community, sharing the transformative power of their relationship with Jesus.

What does Jesus' call to Levi signify about God's willingness to reach out to outcasts?

How did Levi's immediate response to Jesus' call demonstrate the impact of grace on one's life?

In what ways does Levi's hosting a banquet for Jesus illustrate the communal aspect of grace?

Why is it important to embrace the idea that God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their past?

How can the story of Levi encourage us to challenge our own biases towards people in our communities?