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Mark 2:13-14
In Mark 2:13-14 is the calling of Levi, who is also referred to as Matthew as we learn in Matthew 9:9-13 and is/was a tax collector. He worked for the Roman government and was considered one of the worst of the worst traitors of the Jews as the tax collectors generally inflated the tax so they could get rich. As Jesus passed by and called Matthew to follow Him (Mark 2:14), Jesus adds to His disciples one of the worst of the worst in the eyes of the community. Jesus now has called four of the rabbinical rejects as all Jewish boys were trained in the Law in hopes that a rabbi would choose them to be their protege, but those not chosen would then pursue carriers in the local trades such as fishing, the trade of the first four called disciples of Jesus. The fifth disciple Jesus has chosen was a tax collector. This shows the reality that Jesus came to save those in need as He declares in Matthew 9:12-13 (NKJV), “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
This is a promise and example that Jesus came to save the lost of which we all are.
Are you lost? The difference in the statement of Jesus in Matthew 9:12-13 concerning those in which He came to call is the condition of our hearts; do you feel that you are lost and in need, or do feel as if you do not need any help in your life – as if you’ve got it all together? The difference is the realization that we all need Jesus, no matter if we think we’ve got it all together or not. The difference is having a heart for God in realizing and understanding that we are broken and lost until we fill the empty void in our hearts that keeps us searching. The difference is realizing and understanding that filling that void can only be accomplished through the filling of it by God’s Holy Spirit given to all who will believe in Him. Today is the day that Jesus is calling out to your heart – open it to Him and be saved from sin forever – in Christ!
Dear LORD,
We look to Your word for guidance as if it is the perfect book of life, but it is filled with imperfect people in need of a Savior – just as we are. Please let Your word penetrate our hearts today so that we would open our hearts to be filled with the everlasting filling of Your Holy Spirit through salvation in Christ Jesus, who takes our broken lives and makes us whole again. Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.