Mark 2:13-14 - Jesus Calls Levi

Mark 2:13-14
13 And He went out again by the seashore; and all the people were coming to Him, and He was teaching them. 14 As He passed by, He saw Levi (Matthew) the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him.

Message: Jesus Calls Levi

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

This is the calling of Levi or Matthew by Jesus. It is significant because it allows us to consider the profession of tax collector and the significance of Jesus calling a tax collector. Collecting taxes had to be the worst. Today, paying taxes takes away money that could go to me, but instead goes to the government which I have membership. Much is often done in life to avoid being taxed on valuables. And yet, in these times, the tax collector went to people to take money from them. I can't imagine that it was ever equitable or fair. He took what he could. He worked for the Roman Empire and paid himself, most likely, from what he took. Perhaps Matthew was ready to leave this profession and was most interested in following Jesus to get away from the lifestyle that he was living. It had to be a lonely and unpopular job that required someone to be not tough and not very caring about the welfare of others.

And He went out again by the seashore; and all the people were coming to Him, and He was teaching them. This passage begins with Jesus continuing to teach people. Again, this was his mission. He had already called 4 disciples - Simon, Andrew, James, and John. As he is teaching, he sees Levi and calls him as well. He comes and follows.

Promise: John Calvin - "This publican, who followed an occupation little esteemed and involved in many abuses, was selected for additional reasons, that he might be an example of Christ's undeserved goodness, and might show in his person that the calling of all of us depends not on the merits of our own righteousness, but on his pure kindness."

Prayer: Lord, I will follow.