Verse
Context
Jesus Calls Levi
26Everyone was taken with amazement and glorified God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”27After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him,28and Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him.
Sermons
Al Martin
Keith Malcomson
Favell Lee MortimerRichard E. BieberSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And after these things he went forth,.... After his discourse with the Scribes and Pharisees, and his healing of the man, sick with the palsy, he went forth from the city of Capernaum, to the sea side; not only for retirement and recreation, after the work of the day hitherto, but in order to meet with, and call one that was to be a disciple of his: and saw a publican named Levi who is said to be the son of Alphaeus, Mar 2:14 and so it is said to be in Beza's ancient copy here; and who was also called Matthew, see Mat 9:9 sitting at the receipt of custom; at the place where custom was received, and toll taken, near the sea side, of such that went over. The Syriac and Persic versions read, "sitting among publicans", of which business he himself was; and these might be his servants under him, or partners with him; See Gill on Mar 2:14. and he said unto him, follow me: of all the publicans that were there, he singled out Levi, or Matthew, and directed his discourse to him, and called him to be a follower of him: an instance of powerful, special, and distinguishing grace this; See Gill on Mat 9:9.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
All this, except the last verse, we had before in Matthew and Mark; it is not the story of any miracle in nature wrought by our Lord Jesus, but it is an account of some of the wonders of his grace, which, to those who understand things aright, are no less cogent proofs of Christ's being sent of God than the other. I. It was a wonder of his grace that he would call a publican, from the receipt of custom, to be his disciple and follower, Luk 5:27. It was wonderful condescension that he should admit poor fishermen to that honour, men of the lowest rank; but much more wonderful that he should admit publicans, men of the worst reputation, men of ill fame. In this Christ humbled himself, and appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh. By this he exposed himself, and got the invidious character of a friend of publicans and sinners. II. It was a wonder of his grace that the call was made effectual, became immediately so, Luk 5:28. This publican, though those of that employment commonly had little inclination to religion, for his religion's sake left a good place in the custom-house (which, probably, was his livelihood, and where he stood fair for better preferment), and rose up, and followed Christ. There is no heart too hard for the Spirit and grace of Christ to work upon, nor any difficulties in the way of a sinner's conversion insuperable to his power. III. It was a wonder of his grace that he would not only admit a converted publican into his family, but would keep company with unconverted publicans, that he might have an opportunity of doing their souls good; he justified himself in it, as agreeing with the great design of his coming into the world. Here is a wonder of grace indeed, that Christ undertakes to be the Physician of souls distempered by sin, and ready to die of the distemper (he is a Healer by office, Luk 5:31) - that he has a particular regard to the sick, to sinners as his patients, convinced awakened sinners, that see their need of the Physician - that he came to call sinners, the worst of sinners, to repentance, and to assure them of pardon, upon repentance, Luk 5:32. These are glad tidings of great joy indeed. IV. It was a wonder of his grace that he did so patiently bear the contradiction of sinners against himself and his disciples, Luk 5:30. He did not express his resentment of the cavils of the scribes and Pharisees, as he justly might have done, but answered them with reason and meekness; and, instead of taking that occasion to show his displeasure against the Pharisees, as afterwards he did, or of recriminating upon them, he took that occasion to show his compassion to poor publicans, another sort of sinners, and to encourage them. V. It was a wonder of his grace that, in the discipline under which he trained up his disciples, he considered their frame, and proportioned their services to their strength and standing, and to the circumstances they were in. It was objected, as a blemish upon his conduct, that he did not make his disciples to fast so often as those of the Pharisees and John Baptist did, Luk 5:33. He insisted most upon that which is the soul of fasting, the mortification of sin, the crucifying of the flesh, and the living of a life of self-denial, which is as much better than fasting and corporal penances as mercy is better than sacrifice. VI. It was a wonder of his grace that Christ reserved the trials of his disciples for their latter times, when by his grace they were in some good measure better prepared and fitted for them than they were at first. Now they were as the children of the bride-chamber, when the bridegroom is with them, when they have plenty and joy, and every day is a festival. Christ was welcomed wherever he came, and they for his sake, and as yet they met with little or no opposition; but this will not last always. The days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, Luk 5:35. When Christ shall leave them with their hearts full of sorrow, their hands full of work, and the world full of enmity and rage against them, then shall they fast, shall not be so well fed as they are now. We both hunger and thirst and are naked, Co1 4:11. Then they shall keep many more religious fasts than they do now, for Providence will call them to it; they will then serve the Lord with fastings, Act 13:2. VII. It was a wonder of his grace that he proportioned their exercises to their strength. He would not put new cloth upon an old garment (Luk 5:36), nor new wine into old bottles (Luk 5:37, Luk 5:38); he would not, as soon as ever he had called them out of the world, put them upon the strictnesses and austerities of discipleship, lest they should be tempted to fly off. When God brought Israel out of Egypt, he would not bring them by the way of the Philistines, lest they should repent, when they saw war, and return to Egypt, Exo 13:17. So Christ would train up his followers gradually to the discipline of his family; for no man, having drank old wine, will of a sudden, straightway, desire new, or relish it, but will say, The old is better, because he has been used to it, Luk 5:39. The disciples will be tempted to think their old way of living better, till they are by degrees trained up to this way whereunto they are called. Or, turn it the other way: "Let them be accustomed awhile to religious exercises, and then they will abound in them as much as you do: but we must not be too hasty with them." Calvin takes it as an admonition to the Pharisees not to boast of their fasting, and the noise and show they made with it, nor to despise his disciples because they did not in like manner signalize themselves; for the profession the Pharisees made was indeed pompous and gay, like new wine that is brisk and sparkling, whereas all wise men say, The old is better; for, though it does not give its colour so well in the cup, yet it is more warming in the stomach and more wholesome. Christ's disciples, though they had not so much of the form of godliness, had more of the power of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:27-32 The call of Levi led to Jesus’ second conflict with the religious leaders, and it introduced the idea that Jesus had come to save sinners. 5:27 tax collector: See study note on 3:12. • Levi’s tax collector’s booth was probably a toll booth for goods in transit. • Levi was also called Matthew (Matt 9:9; see “Matthew (Levi)” Profile).
Jesus Calls Levi
26Everyone was taken with amazement and glorified God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”27After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him,28and Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ's Call for Sinners
By Al Martin3.4K1:02:55SinnersLUK 5:27In this sermon, the preacher expresses his desire to serve God and acknowledges the mercy and salvation he has received. He specifically addresses young people, emphasizing the importance of true faith and repentance. The preacher urges the congregation to reflect on their personal experiences of coming to understand their sinful nature and their need for God's forgiveness. He highlights various ways in which individuals may have encountered the gospel message, such as through Christian upbringing, exposure to biblical knowledge, or through unexpected circumstances. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the power of the gospel and the necessity of genuine transformation in the lives of believers.
The New Wineskin
By Keith Malcomson2LUK 5:27Keith Malcomson preaches on the importance of being a new wineskin for God's new wine, drawing parallels from the parable in Luke 5:36-39. He emphasizes the need for repentance, forsaking all, and being moldable vessels for the Holy Spirit's influence. Through the examples of Levi's conversion and the history of the Levites, he illustrates how God calls and sanctifies a people for His purpose, preparing them to carry His presence and minister unto Him.
The Call of Matthew the Publican Luke 5:27-39
By R.A. Torrey0Reaching the LostDiscipleshipLUK 5:27R.A. Torrey explores the transformative calling of Matthew the Publican, emphasizing Jesus' intentional choice to seek out Levi, a despised tax collector, and invite him to follow. The sermon highlights Matthew's immediate response to leave his lucrative but morally questionable profession, showcasing the radical change that comes from accepting Christ's invitation. Torrey discusses the significance of Jesus associating with sinners, challenging societal norms and religious criticisms, and illustrating that true goodness is found in reaching out to those in need of redemption. The message encourages believers to reflect on their own call to follow Jesus and to actively engage with those who are lost, just as Matthew did. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the joy and purpose found in discipleship and the importance of sharing the Gospel with others.
Jesus Dines With Matthew and His Sinful Friends Luke 5:27-32
By David Servant0MAT 9:12LUK 5:27LUK 15:1ROM 3:231JN 1:8David Servant preaches on the transformative power of Jesus' call to Matthew, a sinful tax collector, who repented and became a disciple. Despite criticism from the Pharisees, Jesus willingly spent time with sinners to call them to repentance and salvation, demonstrating that true holiness involves reaching out to those in need of redemption. The Pharisees' misunderstanding of holiness and their failure to recognize their own sinfulness serve as a cautionary tale for believers today, challenging them to reflect on their attitudes towards sinners and their own need for salvation.
Matthew 1. the Angel's Visit to Joseph.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 37:5MAT 1:21LUK 5:27EPH 1:7REV 1:5Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing how Matthew, writing for the Jews, connects Jesus' life to Old Testament prophecies. The genealogies in Matthew and Luke highlight Jesus' lineage from Abraham and David, showcasing God's faithfulness. Despite seeming contradictions, the genealogies affirm Jesus as the promised Messiah. The angel's message to Joseph and Mary underscores God's mercy and faithfulness in revealing the truth and providing salvation through Jesus, the Savior who delivers His people from sin.
Keeping the Vision
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 4:19LUK 5:27JHN 8:12ACT 26:192CO 3:18Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of holding on to the vision of Jesus once it has been revealed to us. He emphasizes the need to answer the vision by following Jesus daily, denying ourselves, and proclaiming and living out the vision in our lives. Bieber warns against neglecting, belittling, or disobeying the vision, as it can lead us astray from the path of God's will.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And after these things he went forth,.... After his discourse with the Scribes and Pharisees, and his healing of the man, sick with the palsy, he went forth from the city of Capernaum, to the sea side; not only for retirement and recreation, after the work of the day hitherto, but in order to meet with, and call one that was to be a disciple of his: and saw a publican named Levi who is said to be the son of Alphaeus, Mar 2:14 and so it is said to be in Beza's ancient copy here; and who was also called Matthew, see Mat 9:9 sitting at the receipt of custom; at the place where custom was received, and toll taken, near the sea side, of such that went over. The Syriac and Persic versions read, "sitting among publicans", of which business he himself was; and these might be his servants under him, or partners with him; See Gill on Mar 2:14. and he said unto him, follow me: of all the publicans that were there, he singled out Levi, or Matthew, and directed his discourse to him, and called him to be a follower of him: an instance of powerful, special, and distinguishing grace this; See Gill on Mat 9:9.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
All this, except the last verse, we had before in Matthew and Mark; it is not the story of any miracle in nature wrought by our Lord Jesus, but it is an account of some of the wonders of his grace, which, to those who understand things aright, are no less cogent proofs of Christ's being sent of God than the other. I. It was a wonder of his grace that he would call a publican, from the receipt of custom, to be his disciple and follower, Luk 5:27. It was wonderful condescension that he should admit poor fishermen to that honour, men of the lowest rank; but much more wonderful that he should admit publicans, men of the worst reputation, men of ill fame. In this Christ humbled himself, and appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh. By this he exposed himself, and got the invidious character of a friend of publicans and sinners. II. It was a wonder of his grace that the call was made effectual, became immediately so, Luk 5:28. This publican, though those of that employment commonly had little inclination to religion, for his religion's sake left a good place in the custom-house (which, probably, was his livelihood, and where he stood fair for better preferment), and rose up, and followed Christ. There is no heart too hard for the Spirit and grace of Christ to work upon, nor any difficulties in the way of a sinner's conversion insuperable to his power. III. It was a wonder of his grace that he would not only admit a converted publican into his family, but would keep company with unconverted publicans, that he might have an opportunity of doing their souls good; he justified himself in it, as agreeing with the great design of his coming into the world. Here is a wonder of grace indeed, that Christ undertakes to be the Physician of souls distempered by sin, and ready to die of the distemper (he is a Healer by office, Luk 5:31) - that he has a particular regard to the sick, to sinners as his patients, convinced awakened sinners, that see their need of the Physician - that he came to call sinners, the worst of sinners, to repentance, and to assure them of pardon, upon repentance, Luk 5:32. These are glad tidings of great joy indeed. IV. It was a wonder of his grace that he did so patiently bear the contradiction of sinners against himself and his disciples, Luk 5:30. He did not express his resentment of the cavils of the scribes and Pharisees, as he justly might have done, but answered them with reason and meekness; and, instead of taking that occasion to show his displeasure against the Pharisees, as afterwards he did, or of recriminating upon them, he took that occasion to show his compassion to poor publicans, another sort of sinners, and to encourage them. V. It was a wonder of his grace that, in the discipline under which he trained up his disciples, he considered their frame, and proportioned their services to their strength and standing, and to the circumstances they were in. It was objected, as a blemish upon his conduct, that he did not make his disciples to fast so often as those of the Pharisees and John Baptist did, Luk 5:33. He insisted most upon that which is the soul of fasting, the mortification of sin, the crucifying of the flesh, and the living of a life of self-denial, which is as much better than fasting and corporal penances as mercy is better than sacrifice. VI. It was a wonder of his grace that Christ reserved the trials of his disciples for their latter times, when by his grace they were in some good measure better prepared and fitted for them than they were at first. Now they were as the children of the bride-chamber, when the bridegroom is with them, when they have plenty and joy, and every day is a festival. Christ was welcomed wherever he came, and they for his sake, and as yet they met with little or no opposition; but this will not last always. The days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, Luk 5:35. When Christ shall leave them with their hearts full of sorrow, their hands full of work, and the world full of enmity and rage against them, then shall they fast, shall not be so well fed as they are now. We both hunger and thirst and are naked, Co1 4:11. Then they shall keep many more religious fasts than they do now, for Providence will call them to it; they will then serve the Lord with fastings, Act 13:2. VII. It was a wonder of his grace that he proportioned their exercises to their strength. He would not put new cloth upon an old garment (Luk 5:36), nor new wine into old bottles (Luk 5:37, Luk 5:38); he would not, as soon as ever he had called them out of the world, put them upon the strictnesses and austerities of discipleship, lest they should be tempted to fly off. When God brought Israel out of Egypt, he would not bring them by the way of the Philistines, lest they should repent, when they saw war, and return to Egypt, Exo 13:17. So Christ would train up his followers gradually to the discipline of his family; for no man, having drank old wine, will of a sudden, straightway, desire new, or relish it, but will say, The old is better, because he has been used to it, Luk 5:39. The disciples will be tempted to think their old way of living better, till they are by degrees trained up to this way whereunto they are called. Or, turn it the other way: "Let them be accustomed awhile to religious exercises, and then they will abound in them as much as you do: but we must not be too hasty with them." Calvin takes it as an admonition to the Pharisees not to boast of their fasting, and the noise and show they made with it, nor to despise his disciples because they did not in like manner signalize themselves; for the profession the Pharisees made was indeed pompous and gay, like new wine that is brisk and sparkling, whereas all wise men say, The old is better; for, though it does not give its colour so well in the cup, yet it is more warming in the stomach and more wholesome. Christ's disciples, though they had not so much of the form of godliness, had more of the power of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:27-32 The call of Levi led to Jesus’ second conflict with the religious leaders, and it introduced the idea that Jesus had come to save sinners. 5:27 tax collector: See study note on 3:12. • Levi’s tax collector’s booth was probably a toll booth for goods in transit. • Levi was also called Matthew (Matt 9:9; see “Matthew (Levi)” Profile).