Scripture Reading:

Luke 5:27-32

Key Verse:

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. (Luke 5:31)

What does this passage teach us?

The verses we have now read, ought to be deeply interesting to every one who knows the value of his immortal soul, and desires salvation. They describe the conversion and experience of one of Christ’s earliest disciples. We also, are all by nature born in sin, and need conversion. Let us see what we know of the mighty change. Let us compare our own experience with that of the man whose case is here described—and by comparison learn wisdom.

We are taught, in this passage—the power of Christ’s calling grace. We read that our Lord called a tax-collector named Levi to become one of His disciples. This man belonged to a class who were a very proverb for wickedness among the Jews. Yet even to him our Lord says, “Follow Me!”

We read furthermore, that such mighty influence on Levi’s heart accompanied our Lord’s words, that although “sitting at the receipt of custom,” when called—he at once got up, left everything, followed Jesus, and became His disciple.

We must never despair of any one’s salvation, so long as he lives—after reading a case like this. We must never say of anyone that he is too wicked, or too hardened, or too worldly—to be saved. No sins are too many, or too bad—to be forgiven. No heart is too hard or too worldly—to be changed. He who called Levi still lives, and is the same that He was 2000 years ago. With Christ, nothing is impossible!

How is it with ourselves? This, after all, is the grand question. Are we waiting, and delaying, and hanging back—under the idea that the cross is too heavy, and that we can never serve Christ? Let us cast such thoughts away at once and forever. Let us believe that Christ can enable us by His Spirit to give up all, and come out from the world. Let us remember that He who called Levi, never changes. Let us take up the cross boldly, and go forward.

We are taught, secondly, in this passage—that conversion is a cause of joy to a true believer. We read, that when Levi was converted, he made a “great feast in his own house.” A feast is made for laughter and merriment. (Ecclesiastes 10:19) Levi regarded the change in himself—as an occasion of rejoicing, and wished others to rejoice with him.

We can easily imagine that Levi’s conversion was a cause of grief to his worldly friends. They saw him giving up a profitable calling—to follow a new teacher from Nazareth! They doubtless regarded his conduct as a grievous piece of folly—and an occasion for sorrow, rather than joy. They only looked at his temporal losses, by becoming a Christian. Of his spiritual gains, they knew nothing.

In the same way, there are many like them. There are always thousands of people who, if they hear of a relation being converted—consider it rather a misfortune. Instead of rejoicing—they only shake their heads and mourn.

Let us, however, settle it in our minds that Levi did right to rejoice—and if we are converted, let us rejoice likewise. Nothing can happen to a man, which ought to be such an occasion of joy, as his conversion. It is a far more important event than being married, or being made a nobleman, or receiving a great fortune.

It is the birth of an immortal soul! It is the rescue of a sinner from Hell! It is a passage from death to life! It is being made a king and priest for evermore! It is being provided for, both in time and eternity! It is adoption into the noblest and richest of all families—the family of God!

Let us not heed the opinion of the world in this matter. They speak evil of things which they know nothing of. Let us, with Levi, consider every fresh conversion as a cause for great rejoicing. Never ought there to be such joy, gladness, and congratulation—as when our sons, or daughters, or brethren, or sisters, or friends, are born again and brought to Christ. The words of the prodigal’s father should be remembered, “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:32).

We are taught, thirdly, in this passage—that converted souls desire to promote the conversion of others. We are told that when Levi was converted, and had made a feast on the occasion—he invited a great company of tax-collectors and others to share it. Most probably these men were his old friends and companions. He knew well what their souls needed, for he had been one of them. He desired to make them acquainted with that Savior who had been merciful to himself. Having found mercy—he wanted them also to find it. Having been graciously delivered from the bondage of sin—he wished others also to be set free.

This feeling of Levi will always be the feeling of a true Christian. It may be safely asserted—that there is no grace in the man who cares nothing about the salvation of his fellow men. The heart which is really taught by the Holy Spirit—will always be full of love, charity, and compassion towards others. The soul which has been truly saved by God—will earnestly desire that others may experience the same salvation. A converted man will not wish to go to Heaven alone.

How is it with ourselves in this matter? Do we know anything of Levi’s spirit after his conversion? Do we strive in every way to make our friends and relatives acquainted with Christ? These are very serious questions. They supply a most searching test of the real condition of our souls. Let us not shrink from applying it. There is not enough of a missionary spirit among Christians. It should not satisfy us, to be safe ourselves. We ought also to try to do good to others. All cannot go to the heathen—but every believer should strive to be a missionary to his fellow men. Having received mercy—we should be eager to share the gospel with others.

We are taught, lastly, in this passage—one of the chief objects of Christ’s coming into the world. We have it in the well-known verse, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

This is that great lesson of the Gospel which, in one form or another, we find continually taught in the New Testament. It is one which we can never have too strongly impressed upon our minds. Such is our natural ignorance and self-righteousness in religion, that we are constantly losing sight of it. We need to be frequently reminded—that Jesus did not come merely as a teacher, but as the Savior of those who are utterly lost; and that they alone can receive salvation from Him—who will confess that they are ruined, bankrupt, hopeless, miserable sinners! Let us use this mighty truth, if we never used it before.

Are we sensible of our own wickedness and sinfulness? Do we feel that we are unworthy of anything but Divine wrath and condemnation? Then let us understand that we are the very people for whose sake Jesus came into the world! If we feel ourselves to be righteous—then Christ has nothing to say to us. But if we feel ourselves to be lost sinners—then Christ calls us to repentance. Let not the call be made in vain. He “came into the world to save sinners!” And if we feel ourselves to be such—then we have warrant for applying to, and trusting in Him to our life’s end. Only let us never forget one thing—that Christ came to call us to repentance, and not to sanction our continuing in sin.

 

Questions:

1. What are the themes of chapters 1-5?
2. What did Levi do after he was converted to the Lord?
3. Who did Levi invite to the meal at his home?

 

Family Application Questions:

1. Discuss Jesus’ words: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Did Jesus mean that there really are righteous people who don’t need a Savior? What did he mean?
2. Whose conversion to Christ can we pray for as a family?