The Call of Levi (Matthew)

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The Call of Levi (Matthew) [∞]

Common Elements Shared by the Three Accounts

  1. 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.
  2. The Feast at Levi’s House – Levi hosts a meal, and tax collectors and sinners dine with Jesus and His disciples.
  3. The Pharisees' Objection – The religious leaders question why Jesus eats with sinners.
  4. 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.”

Differences Between the Accounts

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.”

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.

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.

Unique Ideas in Putting This Together (My Approach)

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Group Study Guide: The Call of Levi (Matthew)

Scripture Passages:

  • Mark 2:13-17
  • Matthew 9:9-13
  • Luke 5:27-32

Opening Discussion:

  • Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s calling? How did you respond?
  • What do you think it means to follow Jesus?

Part 1: Observing the Passage

Read Mark 2:13-17, Matthew 9:9-13, and Luke 5:27-32 aloud.

Discuss:

  • What are the common elements in all three accounts?
  • What differences do you notice?

Key Common Elements:

  1. Jesus calls Levi (Matthew).
  2. Levi leaves everything and follows Jesus.
  3. A feast with tax collectors and sinners follows.
  4. The Pharisees question why Jesus eats with sinners.
  5. Jesus responds, saying He came for sinners, not the righteous.

Key Differences:

  • Mark emphasizes that many tax collectors and sinners were following Jesus.
  • Matthew refers to Levi as Matthew, making it more personal.
  • Matthew includes Jesus’ reference to Hosea 6:6: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
  • Luke highlights that Levi “left everything” before following Jesus.
  • Luke adds “to repentance” in Jesus’ response, emphasizing transformation.

Part 2: Understanding the Message

1. Jesus’ Call and Our Response

  • Why do you think Levi followed Jesus immediately?
  • What does it mean for us to “leave everything” and follow Jesus today?

Reflection: Jesus calls not just the “qualified” but the outcasts and sinners. His call is transformative, requiring a response.

2. The Table as a Symbol of Grace

  • Why did the Pharisees object to Jesus dining with sinners?
  • How does Jesus’ response reveal His mission?

Reflection: The table represents acceptance and the New Covenant. Jesus invites the unworthy to dine with Him, just as He does in the kingdom.

3. Mercy Over Sacrifice

  • Read Hosea 6:6. What does “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” mean?
  • How does this contrast the Pharisees’ attitude with Jesus’ teaching?

Reflection: God values mercy and love over religious ritual. Jesus came to restore sinners, not to condemn them.

Part 3: Applying the Message

  • In what ways do we struggle with accepting God’s mercy?
  • How can we model Jesus’ example in welcoming outcasts?
  • What does true discipleship look like in your life?

Challenge for the Week:

  • Identify one way to extend mercy instead of judgment this week.
  • Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you leave behind anything that hinders following Him fully.

Closing Prayer

Thank God for His mercy in calling us despite our flaws. Ask Him to give us a heart that welcomes others as Jesus did. Pray for the strength to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Memory Verse:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Luke 5:31-32

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