January 22, 2020

January 22
Running with Jesus

Luke 5:27-28 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

          Levi, the tax collector, also known as Matthew, was among the publican officials who gathered taxes. They were hated by the Jews because they worked for the Romans. Tax collectors could walk up and tax them for what they were carrying. They were extortionist because they collected the government tax and added on some for themselves. They were considered chief sinners. The Jewish religious leaders would not have anything to do with them, yet we find Jesus calling Levi to follow Him and He goes to Levi’s house for a feast.  Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, and we find a new insight into Jesus teaching. Jesus had already taught a lesson on us being sinners by healing the leper, a diseased outcast man. Now he is revealing He is out looking for the unrighteous and showing us an awesome picture of grace and mercy. Another text tells us God is full of mercy and grace. This despised tax collector can find mercy and grace. Not only could he be forgiven as a "great sinner" but was one chosen to be one of Jesus first disciples. He could run with Jesus and later wrote part of a book that is one of the best sellers today, "The Bible". Matthews’s book was written specifically to the Jews to prove Jesus was their Messiah and how Jesus fulfilled prophesy. 
          Now he is the ultimate picture of God's grace and mercy. Anyone can be forgiven and used in God's kingdom. God is still looking and calling sinners today. God was teaching these religious, self-righteous Jews about sin and now grace and mercy for chiefest of sinners. We must watch out for self-righteousness and never think you are above sinning. God's Word says we are all sinners there is none righteous no not one. You can't be saved until you know you are a sinner. Jesus called and Levi left all and followed Him, took Jesus home, and made a feast. What a difference Jesus made in this cheater’s life when he chose to run with Jesus!
          Jesus wants to transform sinners. He can transform our lives. Do you hear Jesus calling you today? Leave it all and follow Him.

Tomorrow: Look out, Pharisee's are running beside Jesus!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015