In Gospel of Luke 5:27–32, we witness a powerful moment of seeing beyond the label. Jesus approaches Levi, a tax collector, and simply says, “Follow me.” At the time, tax collectors were despised and labeled as traitors and thieves. However, Jesus did not see only a profession. Instead, He saw a soul in need of healing.
Tax collectors in first-century Judea worked for Rome and often overcharged their own people. Consequently, they were grouped with “sinners” and considered spiritually unclean. Yet Jesus’ response to criticism was clear. In Luke 5:31, He said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Therefore, Christ framed sin as sickness and Himself as the cure.
The Great Physician’s Perspective
This theme appears again in Gospel of Luke 19:10, where Jesus declares He came “to seek and to save the lost.” Likewise, in Gospel of John 4:35, He urges His disciples to see that the fields are ready for harvest. In each case, Jesus demonstrates seeing beyond the label. He looks past reputation and recognizes spiritual need.
While others saw corruption, Jesus saw potential. While others saw betrayal, Jesus saw a future apostle. In fact, Levi would later write the Gospel of Matthew. Thus, the man once rejected by society became a messenger of hope.
A Response of Total Surrender
Levi’s reaction was immediate and decisive. Luke 5:28 says he left everything, rose, and followed Him. He walked away from wealth, security, and status. Similarly, the apostle Paul described counting all things as loss in Epistle to the Philippians 3:8.
This was not partial obedience. Instead, it was complete surrender. Levi understood that no earthly gain compares to knowing Christ. Therefore, following Jesus required giving up everything to gain what truly matters.
Sharing the Cure
After surrendering, Levi hosted a great feast and invited fellow tax collectors. He did not hide his new allegiance. Rather, he introduced his friends to Jesus. This act perfectly reflects seeing beyond the label in action.
Importantly, Jesus influenced the room, not the other way around. He dined with sinners, yet He remained the Great Physician. Consequently, the call extends to us. Do we see only sin, or do we see souls suffering from it?
Answering the Call
Ultimately, this account challenges our vision and our response. First, we must see people as spiritually sick and in need of grace. Then, we must follow Christ with full surrender. Finally, we must share Him with others.
Levi’s story reminds us that no label is final. When Jesus calls, everything changes. The question remains: will we follow and help others find the cure?
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