Sunday Devo - December 14, 2025

“After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him "Follow Me". So he left all, rose up and followed Him.” (Luke 5:27-28)

Luke records this calling of Levi, who became known as Matthew, most likely after he became a follower of Christ. What is instructional for us is Levi's response to Jesus' simple call "Follow Me". First of all, he left everything. As a tax collector it is quite possible Levi was rich, many publicans or tax collectors were. However Jesus' call is focused on leaving behind the carnality of the world and pursuing a life that is spiritual and holy to Him. He indeed calls all of us to be "all in". Not half-hearted but a life that turns from the sins of the past and walks firmly after the new life bound in Christ.

We also see in this text Levi "rose up". He made a stand for Christ. But he didn't just stand there, it says he "followed Him".
Later in the narrative it speaks of Levi throwing a great feast for Jesus and he invites many people including his work associates (tax collectors) and in another gospel it says "sinners". What a great idea!

Not much else is written of Levi, also known as Matthew. However we have the gospel of Matthew written with the power of the Holy Spirit which speaks to us constantly of what actually happened during those few years Jesus walked the earth.

-Bob