Luke 5:27-28
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Greek word for "saw" here is stronger than a casual glance; Jesus "beheld" Levi, suggesting a deep, compassionate look that recognized his potential. It also implies that Levi was likely known by two names, "Levi" and later "Matthew," with the latter possibly adopted after Jesus called him, signifying a new identity.
Right after Jesus healed a man with leprosy and then a paralyzed man, He moved on and saw a tax collector named Levi at his post. This was a radical move because tax collectors were deeply despised by the Jewish people, seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors. Jesus’ simple command, "Follow me," interrupted Levi’s life and marked the beginning of his transformation.
Jesus wasn't just passing by; He observed. What did He truly see in Levi, a man despised by society?
The original Greek word used here for 'saw' (etheasato) implies more than a casual glance. It suggests Jesus looked intently, with purpose and perhaps even compassion. While society saw Levi as a 'publican'—a tax collector—a profession widely reviled for its association with corruption and Roman oppression, Jesus saw a potential disciple. He saw past the stained reputation and into the heart of a man God could use. This wasn't an accidental encounter; it was a divine appointment.
Think about it: Levi was stationed at his tax booth, likely immersed in the daily grind of collecting duties. Most people would have actively avoided him. But Jesus, with His divine insight, beheld him. This act of seeing is foundational to the entire interaction.
Jesus' invitation to Levi was astonishingly simple and direct. What made this command so powerful, and what did it demand?
Jesus’ words, 'Follow me,' were not a suggestion or a job offer; they were a radical summons. For Levi, this meant an immediate and complete abandonment of his entire life: his livelihood, his social standing (however despised), and his familiar routine.
The verb 'follow' here implies discipleship – not just walking behind someone, but adopting their way of life, learning from them, and ultimately, dedicating oneself to their mission. It was an invitation to a new identity and a new purpose, centered entirely on Jesus.
This command cuts through all the complexities of life and goes straight to the heart of commitment. It demands a decision that reorients everything.
Understand the original words
telōnēs · Greek Noun
An official agent of a foreign government (in this case, Rome) empowered to collect taxes; often viewed by fellow Israelites as traitors and extortioners, rendering them socially and religiously ostracized.
akoloutheō · Greek Verb
A call to discipleship that requires personal presence, imitation of life, and total commitment. It signifies a radical shift in loyalty from one's own agenda to the leadership and authority of Jesus.
c. 63 BC
Roman Province Established
Rome conquers Judea, integrating it into its empire. This marked the beginning of Roman taxation and the rise of publicans to collect it.
Early 1st century AD
Publicans Collect Taxes
Under Roman rule, Jewish tax collectors (publicans) were employed to gather taxes for Rome and local rulers like Herod Antipas. This work was deeply despised by fellow Jews.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus Calls Levi
Jesus, during his public ministry in Galilee, encounters Levi, a tax collector, and calls him to be one of his disciples with a simple command: 'Follow me.'
c. AD 27-30
Levi's Feast
Levi, now likely known as Matthew, immediately hosts a large banquet for Jesus and his associates, including many other tax collectors and sinners, causing controversy with religious leaders.
This passage records the same event, identifying the tax collector as Matthew and noting Jesus' similar directive, 'Follow me,' highlighting Jesus' radical inclusion of those on the fringes of society.
Mark 2:14Mark also recounts Jesus calling Levi (identified here as Matthew), emphasizing the simple yet powerful command 'Follow me' and the immediate obedience it received.
Isaiah 43:1This Old Testament passage speaks of God's redemptive power, calling His people by name and assuring them of His presence, mirroring Jesus' personal and authoritative call to Levi.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29Paul discusses how God chooses the weak and lowly to shame the strong, which directly relates to Jesus choosing a despised tax collector like Levi to demonstrate His power and purpose.
John 1:43Here, Jesus calls Philip with the same concise command, 'Follow me,' illustrating a pattern of Jesus directly inviting individuals to leave their former lives and follow Him.
clarkeLuke 5:27: "And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me."
Levi - See on Matthew 9:9 (note); Mark 2:14 (note).
cambridgeLuke 5:27: "And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me."
27–39. The Call and Feast of Levi. On Fasting. The New and the Old 27 . and saw ] Rather, He observed . named Levi ] It may be regarded as certain that Levi is the same person as the Evangelist St Matthew. The name Matthew (probably a corruption of Mattihijah) means, like Nathanael, Theodore, Doritheus, Adeodatus, &c., ‘the gift of God,’ and it se…
The Greek word for "saw" here is stronger than a casual glance; Jesus "beheld" Levi, suggesting a deep, compassionate look that recognized his potential. It also implies that Levi was likely known by two names, "Levi" and later "Matthew," with the latter possibly adopted after Jesus called him, signifying a new identity.
Right after Jesus healed a man with leprosy and then a paralyzed man, He moved on and saw a tax collector named Levi at his post. This was a radical move because tax collectors were deeply despised by the Jewish people, seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors. Jesus’ simple command, "Follow me," interrupted Levi’s life and marked the beginning of his transformation.
Right after Jesus healed a man with leprosy and then a paralyzed man, He moved on and saw a tax collector named Levi at his post. This was a radical move because tax collectors were deeply despised by the Jewish people, seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors. Jesus’ simple command, "Follow me," interrupted Levi’s life and marked the beginning of his transformation.
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"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." — The Greek word for "saw" here is stronger than a casual glance; Jesus "beheld" Levi, suggesting a deep, compassionate look that recognized his potential. It also implies that Levi was likely known by…
