A Week of Reflection on Luke 5:27–32
Wow – my weekly blog is done and it’s not Monday at 5am. You can’t see me, but I am doing my happy dance…
So, last week, we talked about Jesus’ power to forgive sins and heal the paralyzed man. This week, the spotlight shifts to a tax collector named Levi. Wait – I need to pause. Here is a trivia question I will answer at the end of the week. In which Gospel is Levi never called Levi – but always called Matthew. Ok, it’s a ridiculously easy question but something most folks never knew…
Back to business, Jesus calls this “unlikely disciple” (Levi) to follow Him, and what follows is our chance to see what grace, transformation, and what it means to truly follow Jesus. It’s important you find the subtlety in how Jesus “evangelizes” a tax collector in a booth.
If you’ve ever felt unworthy of God’s love—or wondered if you’re really someone, this story is for you.
If you are new here – read the scripture below – then come back to this blog for the day. No cheating.
So, last week, we talked about Jesus’ power to forgive sins and heal the paralyzed man. This week, the spotlight shifts to a tax collector named Levi. Wait – I need to pause. Here is a trivia question I will answer at the end of the week. In which Gospel is Levi never called Levi – but always called Matthew. Ok, it’s a ridiculously easy question but something most folks never knew…
Back to business, Jesus calls this “unlikely disciple” (Levi) to follow Him, and what follows is our chance to see what grace, transformation, and what it means to truly follow Jesus. It’s important you find the subtlety in how Jesus “evangelizes” a tax collector in a booth.
If you’ve ever felt unworthy of God’s love—or wondered if you’re really someone, this story is for you.
If you are new here – read the scripture below – then come back to this blog for the day. No cheating.
Day 1: The Call to Follow
Key Scripture: Luke 5:27
Parallel OT Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5
Have you noticed how Jesus doesn’t waste words? He sees Levi at his tax booth and says, “Follow me.” That’s it. No long speech, no sales pitch. Just two words that change Levi’s life forever. How many of you stammer just to invite folks to church. This is my subtle nudge that it is ok. Those with a Witness Scroll - this is for you!
And Levi? He doesn’t hesitate. He walks away from a lucrative (but soul-draining) job and steps into a new life with Jesus. It’s crazy how that works sometimes – you worry about the invitation and boom – they show up at church – and you’re trying to remember their names! (tell me I’m wrong).
Devotional Thought: If Jesus called you right now to leave something behind and follow Him, would you? What’s holding you back? Remember, before you were born, God knew you. He has a purpose for you, just as He did for Levi (Jeremiah 1:5).
Key Scripture: Luke 5:27
Parallel OT Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5
Have you noticed how Jesus doesn’t waste words? He sees Levi at his tax booth and says, “Follow me.” That’s it. No long speech, no sales pitch. Just two words that change Levi’s life forever. How many of you stammer just to invite folks to church. This is my subtle nudge that it is ok. Those with a Witness Scroll - this is for you!
And Levi? He doesn’t hesitate. He walks away from a lucrative (but soul-draining) job and steps into a new life with Jesus. It’s crazy how that works sometimes – you worry about the invitation and boom – they show up at church – and you’re trying to remember their names! (tell me I’m wrong).
Devotional Thought: If Jesus called you right now to leave something behind and follow Him, would you? What’s holding you back? Remember, before you were born, God knew you. He has a purpose for you, just as He did for Levi (Jeremiah 1:5).
Day 2: Leaving Everything Behind
Key Scripture: Luke 5:28
Parallel OT Scripture: Genesis 12:1
“Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him.” Just like that. No debate. No, “Let me finish this shift first, Jesus.” Levi’s response reminds me of Abraham, who left everything he knew because God called him.
Let’s be honest—it’s scary to leave behind what’s comfortable and familiar. But Levi shows us that when Jesus calls, it’s worth it. I remember when I left for the military – it was spooky, but invigorating! Every next day was a new awakening into a new world. Isn’t that what we call our encounter with Christ – an Awakening?
Devotional Thought: This is now digging into details, what might Jesus be asking you to leave behind? Fear? Comfort? Control? And the challenge … Trust that where He’s leading will always be better than where you are now.
Key Scripture: Luke 5:28
Parallel OT Scripture: Genesis 12:1
“Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him.” Just like that. No debate. No, “Let me finish this shift first, Jesus.” Levi’s response reminds me of Abraham, who left everything he knew because God called him.
Let’s be honest—it’s scary to leave behind what’s comfortable and familiar. But Levi shows us that when Jesus calls, it’s worth it. I remember when I left for the military – it was spooky, but invigorating! Every next day was a new awakening into a new world. Isn’t that what we call our encounter with Christ – an Awakening?
Devotional Thought: This is now digging into details, what might Jesus be asking you to leave behind? Fear? Comfort? Control? And the challenge … Trust that where He’s leading will always be better than where you are now.
Day 3: Fellowship at the Table
Key Scripture: Luke 5:29
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 23:5
Levi does what Levi knows! He throws a banquet for Jesus and invites all his buddies. They are likely a similar pack of friends that I talked about last week – but these are not the fellowship in Jesus’ type. Tax collectors were despised back then, but Jesus didn’t bat an eye. He was happy to sit at the table, eat with them, and share His love.
This is the verse where most folks get squeamish. “Really, He wants me to be around people that are not like me – or worse, really broken?” Hang on - a table full of people who don’t have it all together, sharing a meal with the One who does. We have reached the climax of this pericope.
Devotional Thought: Who are you inviting to your table? Just the safe people, the “normal” people, the “people who fit in?” How can your home become a place where people experience the grace and love of Jesus?
Key Scripture: Luke 5:29
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 23:5
Levi does what Levi knows! He throws a banquet for Jesus and invites all his buddies. They are likely a similar pack of friends that I talked about last week – but these are not the fellowship in Jesus’ type. Tax collectors were despised back then, but Jesus didn’t bat an eye. He was happy to sit at the table, eat with them, and share His love.
This is the verse where most folks get squeamish. “Really, He wants me to be around people that are not like me – or worse, really broken?” Hang on - a table full of people who don’t have it all together, sharing a meal with the One who does. We have reached the climax of this pericope.
Devotional Thought: Who are you inviting to your table? Just the safe people, the “normal” people, the “people who fit in?” How can your home become a place where people experience the grace and love of Jesus?
Day 4: The Criticism of Grace
Key Scripture: Luke 5:30
Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 55:8–9
Of course, not everyone was thrilled about Jesus dining with tax collectors. The Pharisees grumbled “Why do you eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Let’s stop a moment and really think about that question. I don’t answer it for you below. Really, stop right now and think about it.
Many years ago, a new friend of my parents arrived at our house. I was outside on a skateboard. He got out of an “Ugly Duckling” rent-a-car (legit), wearing cut off shorts, no shirt, and a tie. He shook my hand and said you must be David. Apologizing for the tie, he explained “Your folks said this was a formal dinner.”
We had a wonderful laughter filled meal with Amery. After he left, my mom answered all my inquisitive questions like - who was that crazy guy? Turned out he was the new boyfriend of her coworker. He was also the Vice-President of American Express… for the Western Hemisphere!
In our scripture, Jesus wasn’t concerned about appearances or His authority. His grace reached beyond social norms, and it still does. His ways are higher than ours, and His grace is for everyone—even the people we might not think “deserve” it. But there he is – down in the mix with “us folk.” How can you not love that about our savior!
Devotional Thought: Are you highfalutin* - in your own mind? Is there someone in your life you’ve struggled to extend grace to? Isn’t it time you ask God to help you see them through His eyes.
*your word for the day.
Key Scripture: Luke 5:30
Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 55:8–9
Of course, not everyone was thrilled about Jesus dining with tax collectors. The Pharisees grumbled “Why do you eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Let’s stop a moment and really think about that question. I don’t answer it for you below. Really, stop right now and think about it.
Many years ago, a new friend of my parents arrived at our house. I was outside on a skateboard. He got out of an “Ugly Duckling” rent-a-car (legit), wearing cut off shorts, no shirt, and a tie. He shook my hand and said you must be David. Apologizing for the tie, he explained “Your folks said this was a formal dinner.”
We had a wonderful laughter filled meal with Amery. After he left, my mom answered all my inquisitive questions like - who was that crazy guy? Turned out he was the new boyfriend of her coworker. He was also the Vice-President of American Express… for the Western Hemisphere!
In our scripture, Jesus wasn’t concerned about appearances or His authority. His grace reached beyond social norms, and it still does. His ways are higher than ours, and His grace is for everyone—even the people we might not think “deserve” it. But there he is – down in the mix with “us folk.” How can you not love that about our savior!
Devotional Thought: Are you highfalutin* - in your own mind? Is there someone in your life you’ve struggled to extend grace to? Isn’t it time you ask God to help you see them through His eyes.
*your word for the day.
Day 5: The Mission of Jesus
Key Scripture: Luke 5:31–32
Parallel OT Scripture: Ezekiel 34:16
Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Ouch – Did He just call you a sinner? But, that is Jesus’ mission statement in one sentence. He’s not here for the people who think they have it all together—He’s here for the broken, the lost, the ones who know they need a Savior. I get it because these are my favorite people. I can’t deal with perfect Angels cause I haven't seen one yet.
Ezekiel 34:16: “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.” That’s who Jesus is.
Devotional Thought: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus’ love and grace? Who is the most broken person you avoid? Pray for them today, and ask God to give YOU an opportunity to share His message.
Key Scripture: Luke 5:31–32
Parallel OT Scripture: Ezekiel 34:16
Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Ouch – Did He just call you a sinner? But, that is Jesus’ mission statement in one sentence. He’s not here for the people who think they have it all together—He’s here for the broken, the lost, the ones who know they need a Savior. I get it because these are my favorite people. I can’t deal with perfect Angels cause I haven't seen one yet.
Ezekiel 34:16: “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.” That’s who Jesus is.
Devotional Thought: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus’ love and grace? Who is the most broken person you avoid? Pray for them today, and ask God to give YOU an opportunity to share His message.
Day 6: Praise for His Grace
Key Scripture: Luke 5:29
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 103:10–12
Here we go again - I wanted to go back to this verse because I think to many of us do this when we are not comfortable. Frankly, we celebrate because we think that's what se should do. And it is... and in this case, Levi’s banquet wasn’t just a party—it was an act of praise.
Here is why I doubled back. In our world the broken and doubters don't ever get invited to parties. And if they meet Jesus, they are left wondering what just happened, but there is no one to step alongside them. What do we do when new members join the congregation or a new believer is saved? Being a witness is not just delivering a message - it's bringing the awakened to the party.
Matthew’s gospel tells us more about this, and psst, that is the answer to the trivia question. He was as an awkward fella - just as most of us are - when we first discover the truth.
Devotional Thought: The chatter of naysayers is always a good time to take a moment and thank God for His grace. Reflect on how far He’s brought you, and let your gratitude overflow into praise: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). That’s a loooong way!
Key Scripture: Luke 5:29
Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 103:10–12
Here we go again - I wanted to go back to this verse because I think to many of us do this when we are not comfortable. Frankly, we celebrate because we think that's what se should do. And it is... and in this case, Levi’s banquet wasn’t just a party—it was an act of praise.
Here is why I doubled back. In our world the broken and doubters don't ever get invited to parties. And if they meet Jesus, they are left wondering what just happened, but there is no one to step alongside them. What do we do when new members join the congregation or a new believer is saved? Being a witness is not just delivering a message - it's bringing the awakened to the party.
Matthew’s gospel tells us more about this, and psst, that is the answer to the trivia question. He was as an awkward fella - just as most of us are - when we first discover the truth.
Devotional Thought: The chatter of naysayers is always a good time to take a moment and thank God for His grace. Reflect on how far He’s brought you, and let your gratitude overflow into praise: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). That’s a loooong way!
Day 7: Ready for Church?
Key Scripture: Luke 5:27–32
Parallel OT Scripture: Micah 7:18–19
Levi’s story is a testament to the power of Jesus’ call. A despised tax collector becomes a disciple and Gospel writer. If that’s not redemption, I don’t know what is. And here’s the thing—your story is just as powerful. When you let Jesus transform your life, you become a witness to His grace and goodness.
Devotional Thought: Can I get a Witness? Who needs to hear your story? How can your testimony – your simple conversation - encourage someone else to want to know more about Jesus?
Final thought - Read Micah again and tell me that is not a great way to start today on your knees - with those words on your lips! Just sayin!
Key Scripture: Luke 5:27–32
Parallel OT Scripture: Micah 7:18–19
Levi’s story is a testament to the power of Jesus’ call. A despised tax collector becomes a disciple and Gospel writer. If that’s not redemption, I don’t know what is. And here’s the thing—your story is just as powerful. When you let Jesus transform your life, you become a witness to His grace and goodness.
Devotional Thought: Can I get a Witness? Who needs to hear your story? How can your testimony – your simple conversation - encourage someone else to want to know more about Jesus?
Final thought - Read Micah again and tell me that is not a great way to start today on your knees - with those words on your lips! Just sayin!
Anyone curious about the picture at the top?
Hugh Hefner’s - Jimmy Carter signed Playboy issue from November 1976.
I will explain in the sermon!
Hugh Hefner’s - Jimmy Carter signed Playboy issue from November 1976.
I will explain in the sermon!
4 Comments
3/17- Levi / Matthew- when I first read I thought Oh, this is a mistake, there are two tax collectors called? I must have forgotten … they were the same. Went to the word and researched. Great Blog! Makes me meditate, consider, journal
Wonder why your comment was triplicated* is that a word- lol
n
nThank you for the fun humor you add to your blog. As I read I can tell you have fun with this.
That’s the fun part of scripture, it changes. I just learned today that St. Augustine said scripture is written to be simple so as we grow in the Word it can grow in meaning. And that was a horrible paraphrase but Ernest! ?
Wonder why your comment was triplicated* is that a word- lol
n
nThank you for the fun humor you add to your blog. As I read I can tell you have fun with this.
That’s the fun part of scripture, it changes. I just learned today that St. Augustine said scripture is written to be simple so as we grow in the Word it can grow in meaning. And that was a horrible paraphrase but Ernest! ?
Wonder why your comment was triplicated* is that a word- lol
n
nThank you for the fun humor you add to your blog. As I read I can tell you have fun with this.
That’s the fun part of scripture, it changes. I just learned today that St. Augustine said scripture is written to be simple so as we grow in the Word it can grow in meaning. And that was a horrible paraphrase but Ernest! ?
Wonder why your comment was triplicated* is that a word- lol
n
nThank you for the fun humor you add to your blog. As I read I can tell you have fun with this.