The sweetest words Levi could ever hear were when Jesus said, “Follow me.” He was a Jewish tax-collector for the Roman empire, hated by his countrymen for being a traitor and “unclean.” Sitting at his booth, about his business, spat on with no friends; how low and unwanted could he feel?
By inviting him to “follow me,” Jesus showed love and grace to someone so despised. Jesus offered him hope for something better, something more, a possibility for how things could be. What would Levi do?
He left everything, rose, and followed Jesus. Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at the table with them. Jesus is worthy to leave everything behind for, to follow him and sacrifice for. Levi and others gathered to worship and celebrate in his house; they were forgiven and accepted. At the feast, they relaxed and reclined, safe and secure and at peace in the presence of Christ. They had been sick in their soul, because of sin, and Jesus healed them. It was a beautiful day, and the first day of Levi’s new life, following Jesus.
Are you down and out today, outcast, unloved? Jesus loves you and calls to you, “Follow me.” There is hope in Jesus and a promise of something better. He puts new clothes of glory on those who wear rags of shame. He calls the sick and sinners, outcasts, lepers, prostitutes, criminals and murderers, drunkards and tax-collectors. “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” These are the sweetest words you could ever hear, from anybody. If you hear His voice calling you today, “Follow me,” don’t ignore it.