The Call of Levi (Matthew)

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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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