Following Jesus
After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. Luke 5:27-28 (ESV)
I don’t think that Matthew was the favorite among Jesus’ disciples. He probably dressed better than any of the fishermen who followed Jesus. He probably smelled better too. Most of all, he was despised for his former occupation as a tax collector. Tax collectors were considered scumbags by the people of Jesus day because some of them collected a little extra to pad their own pockets.
When Jesus called Matthew/Levi to follow Him, he left behind his life as a tax collector. He left the tax booth that he had built for himself. He left his soft bed to sleep wherever Jesus stopped for the night. He sat, not collecting taxes, but wisdom from the mouth of the Son of God. He went from being hated by all, to being loved by Jesus.
Following Jesus results in feeding on the bread of life and obtaining the gift of forgiveness and life eternal. Following Jesus doesn’t come with piles of cash, but we know by faith that our Father provides all that we need for this life and then some more. Following Jesus isn’t without heartbreak from time to time, but Jesus’ love is real, lasting, and following Him leads to eternal life. No one can buy that.
Feed Thy children, God most holy, Comfort sinners poor and lowly;
O Thou Bread of Life from heaven, Bless the food Thou hear hast given!
As these gifts the body nourish, May our souls in graces flourish
Till with saints in heav’nly splendor At Thy feast due thanks we render.
The Lutheran Hymnal 659