Expository Thoughts On Mark - Mark 2:13-22
J.C. Ryle emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's divine call, illustrating how Levi's immediate response from sinner to apostle exemplifies the necessity of God's grace in salvation.
In this expository sermon on Mark 2:13-22, J.C. Ryle explores the transformative call of Christ as demonstrated in the life of Levi, also known as Matthew. Ryle highlights the necessity of God's divine call and grace for salvation, emphasizing that no one can turn to God without it. Through this passage, listeners are encouraged to recognize the power of Christ's invitation and the importance of immediate, obedient discipleship.
Text
The person who is called Levi, at the beginning of this passage, is the same person who is called Matthew in the first of the four Gospels. Let us not forget this. It is no less than an apostle and an evangelist, whose early history is now before our eyes.
We learn from these verses the power of Christ to call men out from the world, and make them His disciples. We read that he said to Levi, when "sitting at the receipt of custom, Follow me." And at once "he arose and followed him." From a tax-collector he became an apostle, and a writer of the first book in the New Testament, which is now known all over the world.
This is a truth of deep importance. Without a divine call no one can be saved. We are all so sunk in sin, and so wedded to the world, that we would never turn to God and seek salvation, unless He first called us by His grace. God must speak to our hearts by His Spirit, before we shall ever speak to Him. Those who are sons of God, says the 17th Article, are "called according to God\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Identity of Levi
- Levi is also called Matthew, the apostle and evangelist
- His early history is significant for understanding God's call
- He was a tax collector before following Christ
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II. The Power of Christ's Call
- Christ calls sinners to become His disciples
- Levi's immediate response shows the power of divine calling
- Without God's call, no one can seek salvation
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III. The Necessity of Divine Grace
- Humans are naturally bound to sin and the world
- God must first call by His Spirit for salvation to begin
- The 17th Article affirms being 'called according to God'
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IV. Transformation through Discipleship
- Levi's transformation from tax collector to apostle
- The significance of following Christ immediately
- The role of discipleship in Christian life
Key Quotes
“Without a divine call no one can be saved.” — J.C. Ryle
“We are all so sunk in sin, and so wedded to the world, that we would never turn to God and seek salvation, unless He first called us by His grace.” — J.C. Ryle
“God must speak to our hearts by His Spirit, before we shall ever speak to Him.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Recognize and respond promptly to Christ's call in your own life.
- Understand that salvation begins only through God's initiating grace.
- Commit to following Christ wholeheartedly as true discipleship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Levi mentioned in this passage?
Levi is the same person as Matthew, the apostle and evangelist who wrote the first Gospel.
What does the sermon say about the call of God?
The sermon teaches that without a divine call from God, no one can be saved or seek salvation.
Why is Levi's response to Jesus significant?
Levi's immediate obedience exemplifies the power of Christ's call and the necessity of responding to God's grace.
What role does grace play in salvation according to this sermon?
Grace is essential; God must first call the heart by His Spirit before a person can come to Him.
How does this passage relate to discipleship?
It shows that true discipleship begins with responding to Christ's call and following Him wholeheartedly.