Untitled Sermon

Luke 5:27–28 ESV

After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.

The call v.27

Jesus does not accidently stumble upon us, he takes the time to notice us, and then like Levi (Matthew) he calls us to follow him.

Levi was a tax collector, and tax collectors typically were hated, they were usually dishonest with money, and took advantage of the people. In Jesus, at Levi’s house had a large company composed of tax collectors (most likely colleagues) and Pharisees. The Pharisees asked why he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners . But in Jesus responds. Jesus, regardless of who we or or where we are at, calls us to himself. Matthew was a tax collector and most likely had great wealth, yet in he left everything and followed him. He was sitting, doing his job, and Jesus called him.

The response v.28

Jesus calls us, now we must respond. To follow Jesus means everything else is second. Matthew most likely had much wealth, and yet he left his occupation to become a follower of Jesus. I am surprised he wasn't all like “who are you?” he most likely heard of the stories and inwardly was fascinated, and jumped at the opportunity. When Jesus asks us to follow him, it does not mean when it is convenient for us, or when we are most comfortable, it is here and now. Will we lose everything for his sake? What will our response be? For the unbeliever, there is much at stake, but also there is much at stake to gain the whole world and lose his soul. Jesus presents us with this question in

For the believer, will we continuing walking in faithful obedience to the Lord? Will we be eager to love the Lord your God with all our heart, soul, and mind? () and will we love our neighbors as ourselves () This is not an option, it is a command, but should not be burdensome or done with regret and annoyance, but with joy and gladness.