Jesus Calls Levi (Luke 5:27-32)
The Call of Levi (Luke 5:27–32)
The call of Levi, a tax collector, stands as one of the most striking and radical moments in the Gospel of Luke. In this brief but profound passage, we witness Jesus extending an invitation to someone whom society considered a sinner beyond redemption.
Tax collectors were viewed with contempt by the Jewish people—they were collaborators with the oppressive Roman Empire, often collecting more than required to enrich themselves. For Jesus to call Levi was not only an act of grace but a declaration that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. This pericope highlights the transformative nature of Jesus’ ministry, showing that his message of repentance and salvation is not just for the righteous but for those who are far from God.
As we explore this passage, we will look at each verse to understand its significance in the context of Luke’s broader narrative. This story is part of a larger theme in Luke of Jesus breaking down social barriers, challenging the religious establishment, and calling all people to follow him. The Gospel of Luke continually emphasizes Jesus’ willingness to go to the marginalized, and the calling of Levi is a powerful example of that inclusivity.
Let’s take a closer look at each verse of this passage and uncover the deeper meaning for today.
Luke 5:27-32: Verse-by-Verse Commentary and Meaning
Luke 5:27: A Tax Collector Named Levi
“After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’”
This verse marks a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus, having just healed a paralytic and called Simon Peter, now steps into the life of Levi, a tax collector, sitting at his booth. Tax collectors were often seen as traitors in the eyes of the Jewish people, working for the Romans and often exploiting their fellow Jews. Levi’s occupation was not just a job—it was a symbol of everything that was wrong in the eyes of the religious leaders. And yet, Jesus does not shy away from him. He doesn’t give Levi a long lecture or tell him to clean up his act first. He simply says, “Follow me.”
Jesus’ call to Levi is not based on his merit, his past, or his social standing. It is a call to discipleship, to follow Jesus without conditions. This is a central theme in the Gospels: Jesus calls people from all walks of life to follow him, often choosing those whom society rejects. His call is not just to the righteous but to those who are aware of their need for grace. In this simple, direct invitation, we see the heart of Jesus’ mission—he seeks those who are lost, not those who think they have it all together. The challenge for us today is to respond to Jesus’ call, regardless of our past or present circumstances.
Luke 5:28: He got up . . . and followed him
“And he got up, left everything, and followed him.”
Levi’s response is immediate and total. He leaves everything behind: his job, his wealth, his position in society, and the comfort of his familiar life. This is no small decision. Tax collectors were wealthy, often making a good living off the dishonesty and exploitation of others. Levi’s willingness to get up and leave everything behind is a powerful act of faith. He is choosing to follow Jesus into an uncertain future rather than remain in the comfort of his current life.
The immediate nature of Levi’s response speaks to the urgency and seriousness of the call to discipleship. Jesus does not ask for half-hearted commitment or delayed action; when he calls, the response must be total.
In many ways, Levi’s decision mirrors the call to follow Jesus in our own lives. Jesus doesn’t ask us to wait until we’ve figured everything out. He invites us to follow him now, with all that we have. This decision requires leaving behind our old life—our habits, comforts, and the things that hold us back—and embracing the new life that Jesus offers.
“The Calling of St. Matthew” by Caravaggio is captivating and Jesus points and calls - the light of revelation shines into the dark.
Luke 5:29: Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners
“Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting at the table with them.”
Levi’s response to Jesus’ call is not just personal; it’s communal. After following Jesus, Levi throws a great banquet in his house, inviting not just his friends but also other tax collectors and sinners. "Sinners" were those of Jewish religious heritage who were not observant. We might say today that someone had "back slidden."
This act of hospitality is significant for several reasons. First, it shows Levi’s joy and gratitude for his transformation. He doesn’t just follow Jesus privately; he wants to share his newfound joy with others. Secondly, it highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus doesn’t just dine with the righteous; he intentionally seeks out those on the margins—those who are rejected by society. The banquet becomes a symbol of the kingdom of God, where sinners are welcomed, and grace abounds.
Levi’s hospitality also reflects a core principle in Jesus’ teachings: the call to welcome others. Just as Jesus invites Levi to follow him, Levi extends that same invitation to his friends and fellow tax collectors. The banquet is not only an opportunity to celebrate but also a chance for others to encounter Jesus. This is a reminder that our own encounters with grace should never be kept to ourselves but should be shared with others. Like Levi, we are called to open our lives, our homes, and our hearts to others, inviting them into the grace and transformation we have experienced.
Luke 5:30: Pharisees and Scribes Argue with Jesus
“The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’”
The Pharisees’ objection is immediate and predictable. They cannot understand why Jesus would associate with people they consider unworthy. For the Pharisees, purity and separation from sinners were key to maintaining righteousness. To eat with someone was to accept them, and they could not fathom why Jesus would break these social and religious boundaries. This criticism reveals the tension between the religious establishment and Jesus’ radical approach to grace.
The Pharisees’ question challenges us to think about how we view others. It’s easy to fall into the trap of judging people based on their social status, occupation, or past sins. Yet, Jesus does not see people as society labels them. He sees them as beloved children of God, worthy of grace and redemption.
The question posed by the Pharisees is not just for Jesus’ disciples but for us as well. Do we draw lines around who is worthy of our love and acceptance? Or do we, like Jesus, extend grace to all, regardless of their past or present circumstance?
Luke 5:31: Those who are well do not need a doctor
“Jesus answered, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.’”
In this response, Jesus uses a simple analogy to explain his actions. Just as a physician is needed by the sick, so too is Jesus needed by those who are spiritually ill. The sick, in this case, represent sinners—those who recognize their need for healing, forgiveness, and grace. Jesus’ words here are a clear indication of the purpose of his mission: he is not concerned with the self-righteous or those who believe they are already “well.” He is focused on the broken, the lost, and the outcast.
This statement is a reminder that Jesus did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. It’s a message of hope for all who feel far from God, for those who struggle with sin and shame.
The gospel is not for those who think they are fine on their own, but for those who know they need a Savior. Jesus, the Great Physician, comes to heal us, to restore us, and to bring us back into right relationship with God.
Luke 5:32: I have not come to call the righteous
“I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Jesus makes it clear here that his purpose is not to affirm the righteous but to call sinners to repentance. This call to repentance is an invitation to turn away from sin and turn toward God. It’s an invitation to experience a new way of living, one that is shaped by grace, mercy, and transformation. Jesus’ call is not just to feel sorry for our sins but to actively change our direction and align our lives with God’s will.
This passage speaks powerfully to the inclusivity of the Gospel. Jesus does not come to reinforce social or religious hierarchies. Instead, he reaches out to those who are often excluded or rejected. His kingdom is for the broken, the lost, the sinners—those who recognize their need for God’s grace. Jesus’ words in this verse remind us that repentance is a crucial part of the Christian life, not just as an initial step but as an ongoing practice of turning away from sin and turning toward God.
Conclusion
The call of Levi is not just a story about one individual’s transformation; it’s a glimpse into the heart of Jesus’ ministry. Through Levi’s call, we see a God who reaches out to the lost, who calls sinners to repentance, and who offers grace where society offers judgment.
This passage challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and societal labels and to see others as Jesus sees them—people in need of grace, people worthy of love, and people invited into the kingdom of God. Like Levi, we are called to follow Jesus, to leave behind our old life, and to welcome others into the transformative fellowship of grace. Jesus’ call to Levi is a call to us all: “Follow me.”
