June 22

Luke 5:27-32 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

v. 28 "And leaving everything, he rose and followed him."
vv. 31-32 And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

Observation

In this passage, we see Jesus calling Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. Amazingly, Levi leaves behind his position at the tax booth and obeys Jesus' command to follow. There appears to be no heisitation nor endless deliberations about what he should do. Levi goes even further to invite other tax collectors and acquaintances to a great feast that he throws in his home, most likely so that they too can hear Jesus' message and understand what has caused him to make a major shift in his life. The Pharisees and the scribes grumble at Jesus' association with Levi and the other tax collectors, great sinners in the eyes of the Pharisees. However, even in their grumblings and complaints, it seems hypocritical since they too must have been at the feast in order to see what Jesus was doing. In response to the criticism of the Pharisees, Jesus responds that he has come to call sinners to repent. Jesus' response seems to have a deeper intent in that it seems to point out the fact that the Pharisees do not even recognize their own condition - their need for a healer, a physician.

Application

Sometimes I can get wrapped up in the failings of others and their great need for a Savior and overlook the fact that I too am a sinner. And, if I am truly honest with myself, I need Jesus just as much, if not more than they, for I know I have been gifted with God's grace upon my life because Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins but yet my life does not always show that truth. In seeing the instant response of Levi's call, I am challenged to let go of things that keep me from following Jesus fully and faithfully. I wish I could say that having Jesus, I desire nothing else on earth, but that is not true. It is a daily struggle to let go of my selfishness to follow Jesus wherever He leads. And like Levi, I need to share this incredible gift with those that God has entrusted into my life.

Prayer

Father, thank you for sending Jesus to call me to repentance. But even more so, that He has saved me from my sins. Help me to follow you without reservations or hesitation and to share the great news of Jesus Christ with those around me.

-- - SC