Encounters with Jesus : Levi

Sunday 6 June 2021

Encounters with Jesus : Levi

Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office. He said to him : Follow me. And leaving everything, he got up and followed him. Levi gave him a great feast in his house, and many tax collectors and other people were at the table with them. Luke 5.27-29

It's party time at Levi's ! He just quit his job as a tax collector without warning to follow Jesus of Nazareth. Levi (also called Matthew) did not hesitate : he left everything and began to follow Jesus. Had he ever met Jesus ? We do not know, but we do know that Jesus resided for a time in the small town of Capernaum, the city of Levi. His presence there certainly did not go unnoticed.

In any case, this meeting excited Levi to the point that he organized a banquet at his home in honor of Jesus. Many are invited, including other tax collectors. Levi's life has changed and he wants his colleagues to have the opportunity to meet and hear Jesus. Regardless of the criticisms of the Pharisees (verse 30) : In responding to Jesus' call, Levi found a joy that he wants to share with others.

And it has lasted over time. He first testified in the privacy of his home, but later Levi/Matthew wrote the gospel which bears his name. His story continues to touch his readers. Have you read it ? You will also be able to meet Jesus of Nazareth there, and your life will be transformed.

Allan Kitt

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Proposed reading : Gospel according to Luke, chapter 5, verses 27 to 32.

Source (Live Today)