And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus didn't just see a tax collector; he saw Levi, someone who likely carried the weight of his despised profession within that name. This wasn't a random encounter; Jesus was actively calling someone from the fringes of society, inviting him into a completely new life and identity by his very presence and command.
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching a crowd by the Sea of Galilee, and as he walks along, he spots Levi, a tax collector for the Roman authorities, sitting at his booth. In a direct, life-altering command, Jesus tells Levi to follow him, and Levi immediately leaves his job and joins Jesus' disciples. This moment sets the stage for Jesus eating with other tax collectors and sinners, which draws criticism from the Pharisees.
Why do the Gospels give him two names? This wasn't just a nickname – it speaks volumes about his transformation.
The man we meet here is called Levi in Mark and Luke, but Matthew in Matthew's own Gospel. This wasn't uncommon; many Jewish people had both a given name and an additional name.
This name change signifies a profound shift. He’s no longer defined by his past profession, but by his new identity in Christ.
This wasn't just any job; it was one of the most hated professions. So why would Jesus call him?
Levi was a tax collector, or publican. In Jewish society, this was a deeply shameful occupation.
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Despite this, Jesus saw Levi. He didn't see the shame or the sin; He saw potential and a soul to be redeemed. His call wasn't based on Levi's merit, but on Christ's boundless mercy. This demonstrates Jesus' mission: to seek and save the lost, regardless of their social standing or past mistakes.
He was called, and he got up and followed. No hesitation? No excuses? What can we learn from this immediate obedience?
The narrative is strikingly brief: 'he rose and followed him.' This wasn't a gradual consideration; it was an immediate response to Jesus' call.
Understand the original words
telōnion · Greek Noun
A public office or station where taxes were collected, often associated with the Roman occupation. In Jewish society, these were places of social and religious alienation due to the corruption and perceived collaboration of the collectors.
akoloutheō · Greek Verb
In the context of Jesus' ministry, this is a call to total discipleship—a commitment to follow His teaching, imitate His lifestyle, and prioritize His mission above all earthly ties.
The calling of Levi highlights Jesus' radical inclusion of the ostracized and despised, directly confronting the social and religious barriers of his day.
Early 1st century AD
Roman Rule in Galilee
The region of Galilee, including Capernaum where Jesus often ministered, was under Roman occupation. This meant Roman laws, taxes, and a presence of Roman soldiers, creating a tense political climate.
Early 1st century AD
Tax Collection Practices
Jews employed as tax collectors, or publicans, often worked for the Roman authorities. They were deeply despised by their own people for collaborating with the oppressors and frequently extorting money.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, gathering disciples and teaching. His ministry attracts crowds but also encounters opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus Calls Levi (Matthew)
Jesus, passing by the tax booth in Capernaum, sees Levi, a tax collector, and calls him to discipleship with a simple 'Follow me.' Levi immediately leaves his job and follows Jesus.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners
Following Levi's (Matthew's) call, Jesus dines at his home with many other tax collectors and 'sinners.' This act sparks criticism from the Pharisees and scribes.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Explains His Mission
In response to criticism, Jesus uses the analogy of a physician and the sick to explain that he came to call sinners to repentance, not the self-righteous.
This passage provides the parallel account of Jesus calling Matthew (who is Levi here), adding details about the great banquet he hosted and Jesus' response to the Pharisees about why he eats with sinners. It highlights the theme of Jesus reaching out to those on the fringes of society.
Luke 5:27-32Similar to Matthew's account, Luke also records Jesus calling Levi, emphasizing Levi's immediate response and subsequent feast. This account reinforces the theme of Jesus seeking and saving the lost, and his willingness to associate with outcasts.
1 Timothy 1:15Paul's declaration, 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost,' echoes the spirit of Jesus calling Levi, a tax collector. It underscores that Jesus' mission was precisely to call those considered 'sinners' by society, just as he called Levi.
Hosea 6:6Jesus quotes this verse when challenged about eating with tax collectors and sinners: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' This connects Levi's call to Jesus' overarching message that he came to show compassion and forgiveness, not just to uphold rigid religious laws.
pooleMark 2:14: "And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him."
Ver. 14-17. We had this piece of history with some addition in Matthew 9:9-13 , where he was called Matthew: Mark and Luke both call him Levi: it was ordinary with the Jews to have two names. See Poole on "Matthew 9:9" .
vincentMark 2:14: "And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him."
See on Matthew 9:9.
Jesus didn't just see a tax collector; he saw Levi, someone who likely carried the weight of his despised profession within that name. This wasn't a random encounter; Jesus was actively calling someone from the fringes of society, inviting him into a completely new life and identity by his very presence and command.
Jesus is teaching a crowd by the Sea of Galilee, and as he walks along, he spots Levi, a tax collector for the Roman authorities, sitting at his booth. In a direct, life-altering command, Jesus tells Levi to follow him, and Levi immediately leaves his job and joins Jesus' disciples. This moment sets the stage for Jesus eating with other tax collectors and sinners, which draws criticism from the Pharisees.
Jesus is teaching a crowd by the Sea of Galilee, and as he walks along, he spots Levi, a tax collector for the Roman authorities, sitting at his booth. In a direct, life-altering command, Jesus tells Levi to follow him, and Levi immediately leaves his job and joins Jesus' disciples. This moment sets the stage for Jesus eating with other tax collectors and sinners, which draws criticism from the Pharisees.
"And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him." — Jesus didn't just see a tax collector; he saw Levi, someone who likely carried the weight of his despised profession within that name. This wasn't a random encounter; Jesus was actively calling som…
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Last reviewed October 2026