Levi being a Jew has made a decision where his paycheck would be drawn.
Luke 5:27-32
27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth.
And he said to him, “Follow me.”
28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
The Romans made smooth roads. The Romans caused money and water to flow. And caused all manner of upsets. What apparently was stable - became given to God. Good News!!!
What did Monday morning at the office of Levi look like?
Levi was - free. And planning a party. Not very typical when you are a thug working for thugs.
A Bible story we know.
With themes we have seen Jesus live.
What would be said to Levi about leaving tax collecting at tax booth season? Nothing terribly encouraging. Maybe, a threat about shortfalls in the totals. Levi was comfortable enough believing in Jesus - this did not make the Gospels. And Levy made Jesus a party with his fellow paycheck collectors. Just the people to elevate Jesus the Christ of God. Exactly the recognition Jesus needed... not exactly.
Jesus did what Levi/Matthew is doing.
Jesus Christ asleep in his boat, painted by Jules Joseph Meynier
Levy has created difficulty in his life to have two unusual career moves. Both Jesus and Matthew believe God will create a Way.
What might have Jesus possibly said after the party of Levi and the condemnation heaped upon Jesus for sinners, as well?
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
How can we take this out of context? The Bible explains God Himself. And would hope to explain St. Matthew.
Jesus spoke with women. Samaritans. Tax Collectors. Jairus. Pharisees. Synagogue Rulers. Lepers. Rich young men. Herod's Stewart's wife. The blind. Pilate. Lame. Herod. Deaf. Caiaphas. The poor. Foreigners. Roman Centurions. Levi had done this. In a different capacity! And yet, Paul would find good use of his experiences to travel all over the Mediterranean using his education and background, his status as a Roman Citizen - to allow God's Love to Flow. And what would astonish Josephus - God's Love would go far further than the Roman Empire.
Finding our Blessings!
Abba, Father God,
Jesus has made loaves to feed His Beloved from Your Word. Jesus has found a way to make Blessings. Give us more Jesus today.
Give us this Day. Our Daily Living Bread.
Bless us to provide Leven for our Loved Ones. Teach us the tools, we ask. Give us Your Heaven on earth in our soul and heart.
Forgive us our Sins Jesus has said as He Heals. Bless our families, communities all the way forth to Blessing the Nation Trusting in You.
In Jesus Christ, Son of God, Shine Your Love and Light on the Nations looking to You. For the Way, Truth and Life. As the Children of God please You, their Loving Father, asking more of Your Heaven and Your Good Will go forth for all of the Light of Jesus Christ shining in mankind.
Jesus is God. Alleluia. His Exact Nature. Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †
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