“After this, Jesus went out and saw a Tax Collector named Levi sitting in the tax collector’s booth. Jesus said to him, “Follow me!”  So Levi got up, left everything and followed him.  Then Levi gave a great banquet for Jesus at his house…”  Luke 5:27-32

What was it about Jesus that compelled this worldly tax collector to just get up and leave his booth with all his valuable collections of payments and follow Jesus? Then, he turns around and gives a big party for Jesus. To celebrate what? Their new friendship? To show off Jesus to his other friends? Or was there a more profound reason for Levi to celebrate his new found relationship with Christ?

I don’t know the specific reason for this party. I do know that the Scribes and Pharisees were disdainful of Jesus’ association with tax collectors, sinners and the outcasts of Hebrew society. They challenged Him and asked him why He would choose to hang out with these bad characters.

Jesus points out that the sick are the ones who need a doctor. These are the ones for whom Christ has come to enable them to change their hearts and change their lives. Did He think that the Scribes and Pharisees would also have a change of heart upon hearing these words?

So, perhaps, Levi gave this party for Jesus because he did have this change of heart. And he wanted to celebrate the new freedom and joy that came with that change. Perhaps he wanted to share this wonderful event with his other friends that they might also have this change of heart. But most importantly, I think that he wanted to celebrate the divine Instrument of his change – Jesus the Savior of all.

Isn’t this sharing of the Good News of Christ what being an evangelist is all about? Read Luke 5:17-32 for the full account of the healing of the paralytic lowered through the roof and the call of Levi. And, remember that God loves you unconditionally.

Share the Good News!

Terri