Daily Bread

1. Follow me (13-14)

Tax collectors represent aggressive sinners, the kind of selfish people who get what they want by any means, regardless of who they hurt or how many enemies they make in the process. Levi the tax collector was rich--but he paid the price. He was branded as a quisling be his own people, he was probably not respected by his wife and children, and he was lonely. When Jesus called him to repent and begin a new life, he got up and followed. And he was full of joy.

2. I came to call sinners (15-17)

When Jesus was criticized for joining the joyful feast of tax collectors and sinners, he stated clearly his purpose in coming into the world. He did not come to live like a self-righteous Pharisee. He came to be a friend of sinners. He came to die for the sins of the world.


Prayer: Lord, forgive my calculating mind, and help me to hear your call and follow you simply, as Levi did.

One Word: Jesus came to call sinners.