View source for The Call of Levi (Matthew)

{{bl| The Call of Levi (Matthew) }}
=== '''Common Elements Shared by the Three Accounts''' ===

# '''Jesus Calls Levi (Matthew)''' – In all three accounts, Jesus sees Levi sitting at the tax booth and calls him to follow. Levi immediately leaves everything behind and follows Him.
# '''The Feast at Levi’s House''' – Levi hosts a meal, and tax collectors and sinners dine with Jesus and His disciples.
# '''The Pharisees' Objection''' – The religious leaders question why Jesus eats with sinners.
# '''Jesus’ Response''' – He tells them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

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=== '''Differences Between the Accounts''' ===

# '''Mark 2:13-17'''
#* Begins with Jesus teaching a crowd before calling Levi.
#* Emphasizes that many tax collectors and sinners were following Jesus.
#* The Pharisees' question is directed to Jesus’ disciples.
# '''Matthew 9:9-13'''
#* Levi is referred to as "Matthew," suggesting a personal connection between the author and the event.
#* Jesus’ response includes, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’” quoting Hosea 6:6 to highlight God’s heart for repentance over ritual.
#* The Pharisees’ question is directed to Jesus' disciples, like in Mark.
# '''Luke 5:27-32'''
#* Specifically mentions that Levi "left everything" before following Jesus.
#* The Pharisees and scribes grumble to the disciples, similar to Mark and Matthew.
#* Luke uniquely records Jesus saying, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

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=== '''Study During the Gaps of Authorship and Its Explanation of Differences''' ===

* '''Mark (First Gospel)''': Presents the event as an authoritative call of Jesus, showing how sinners were drawn to Him. Mark’s emphasis is on the expanding crowd of tax collectors and sinners following Jesus.
* '''Matthew (Second Gospel)''': Matthew, now aware that Israel as a whole was a shadow of Christ, connects Jesus’ calling of sinners to Old Testament prophecy (Hosea 6:6). He also uses "Matthew" instead of "Levi," making it more personal.
* '''Luke (Third Gospel)''': With an understanding that all humanity (not just Israel) was represented in Christ, Luke adds that Levi "left everything," drawing a strong parallel to Peter’s response in Luke 5:1-11. He also emphasizes '''repentance''', tying Jesus' call to transformation.

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=== '''Unique Ideas of the Gospel Authors''' ===

* '''Mark''': Focuses on Jesus' growing influence among outcasts, showing that sinners were following Him even before the Pharisees noticed.
* '''Matthew''': Emphasizes Jesus fulfilling prophecy, highlighting that God's desire is '''mercy, not sacrifice'''. He personally connects himself to the story.
* '''Luke''': Stresses '''total commitment''' by stating Levi left everything. Adds '''"to repentance"''' to clarify the purpose of Jesus' mission.

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=== '''Unique Ideas in Putting This Together (My Approach)''' ===

# '''Jesus as the Outcast Among Outcasts''' – The calling of Levi is not just about Jesus welcoming sinners; it is about Him taking their place. Just as Levi was rejected by society, Jesus would be rejected on the cross.
# '''Leaving Everything as a Picture of Christ’s Humility''' – Levi leaves his wealth behind, just as Christ left His glory to dwell among sinners. This call to discipleship mirrors the cross.
# '''The Table as a Symbol of the New Covenant''' – The meal represents the '''marriage supper of the Lamb''', where Christ teaches the explosion of doctrine after the cross; making himself known in the OT. The old was killing a sacrifice, the new is eating/teaching.
# '''Mercy Over Sacrifice''' – Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:13 are not just a rebuke to the Pharisees; they reveal the '''heart of the cross''', where He provides mercy instead of demanding sacrifice.


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