Matthew!

 For Sunday, June 28, 2026: 

Luke 5:28 NLT: “Levi got up, left everything, and followed Jesus.”

 Being a tax collector is not easy. It involves making a decision to accept a position with the opposition, with those who have been persecuting your people. In simple words, you’re knowingly working for the bad guys! All your Hebrew friends dislike you because you’re working for the Romans.

 The Bible often describes “sinners and tax collectors” when listing evil people. Tax collectors were thought to be a step worse than regular sinners. Most tax collectors lived an opulent lifestyle. It was well known that they’d add a little extra to the tax, and then skim those shekels for themselves. But in spite of their wealth, most tax collectors were not happy. They had been raised as Jews and would be more content living out their divine purpose.

 So when Jesus said, “Follow me and be my disciple,” Levi was primed and ready to go! He threw a huge banquet at his home to honor Jesus. He invited other tax collectors and government officials. He had previously made a decision to become this tax collector, but today he was making a decision to follow Jesus. He was proud of his new decision and wanted all his friends to know, hence the gathering.

 We all have a “before Jesus” story and an “after Jesus” story. No matter how you lived your life before Jesus, those days are in the past. There is no sin too great that it cannot be covered by the sacrifice made by Jesus. Followers of Jesus are 100% forgiven. God is more concerned with your turning point, when you made your decision to follow the Son. That decision changed everything. Believers are then adopted into the Holy Family. As such, we share all the rights and privileges of those who call heaven home.

 That day, Levi wasn’t just deciding in favor of Jesus. He was locking in his eternal destiny. We know Levi as the Apostle Matthew!

Pastor Norton Lawellin
The Father’s House
Jesus In the City Fellowship
Truth & Freedom Church