Jesus Calls Levi

Luke 5:27-32

ME - Death and Taxes

Only two certainties in life: death and taxes

Tax collectors are universally disliked (IRS has 2.5 star Google rating)

First-century tax collectors were worse: worked for occupying Rome, could overcharge and pocket the difference, had soldiers enforce payments

They were seen as traitors to their own people

This is who Jesus chose to follow him

WE - People Who Make Us Uncomfortable

We all avoid people whose profession, lifestyle, or reputation makes us uncomfortable

Examples: dishonest coworker, problematic neighbor, polarizing family member, person struggling with visible addiction

Our avoidance often feels righteous—we call it "maintaining boundaries" or "being wise"

Pharisees felt the same way: their separation was misdirected faithfulness born from genuine desire to be pure

When they saw Jesus at a party with tax collectors and sinners, they were scandalized

GOD - Jesus Calls Levi and Welcomes Him

Jesus intentionally seeks out Levi at his tax booth

Says two words: "Follow me"

Levi leaves everything—a permanent, decisive break (couldn't return to Rome)

Levi = Matthew, who became one of the Twelve and wrote a Gospel

Levi throws a great banquet, inviting all his outcast friends to meet Jesus

Jesus attends and eats with them

Pharisees object; Jesus responds: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance"

Jesus isn't validating sin. He's calling to transformation (repentance = change of mind/direction)

Where Pharisees saw contamination, Jesus saw patients needing a physician

YOU - Acting Like the Pharisees

Most of us have more Pharisee in us than we'd admit

Shows up in subtle ways: feeling superior about not having "those" sins, sorting people into categories, comfort with people like us

The Pharisees' problem: couldn't see their own sickness

Key question: Not whether you're a sinner, but whether you know it.

If you've experienced Christ's mercy, you should be last to avoid other sick people

Challenge: When did you last share a meal with someone whose life is messy in ways yours isn't?

US - See the Need Jesus Saw

Levi used his house for Jesus' mission. He threw a party with what he had, where he was

Church is a hospital for sinners, not just a home for saints.

Hospitals don't require patients to be "cleaned up" before admission

Concrete step: This week, invite someone to coffee/lunch you wouldn't normally invite, not to fix them, just to see them.

Still with convictions, but offering presence in the mess.

Put aside religiosity and see people who need Jesus

Christ shows compassion by eating with sinners and calling them to something greater

Jesus conquered death and welcomed the tax collector.

Remember, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Death and taxes are certainties of this life. But there's one who conquered death and welcomed even the tax collector. And he invites us to do the same: to see the people everyone else avoids, and to say, "Come, sit at the table."