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Bible Hero of the Week - Levi
You can find this story in the Bible in the book of Mark, chapter 2 |
Tax collectors were among the most hated individuals in Jesus’ day. They were Jews but they had “sold out” to the hated Romans. They collected taxes from their fellow Jews, then gave it to the Roman government. They were often corrupt, keeping large amounts of money for themselves.
Levi was a wealthy tax collector. He collected taxes from both the buyers and the sellers at the marketplace - both groups hated him! But Jesus knew Levi’s heart. He came up to Levi and said simply, “Follow me.” Immediately Levi left his lucrative business and followed Jesus.
Levi then threw a huge banquet and invited all his friends. (Yes, he had some friends - fellow tax collectors and other outcasts of his society.) Jesus used this as an opportunity to tell the religious leaders that He came to minister to everyone, not just the religious people.
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What does this mean to me?
Levi seemed to have it all - money, power and influence. He left everything to follow Jesus. What has Jesus asked you to give up so you can follow him completely? Also Levi immediately shared his new-found faith with his friends. We also need to share our faith at every opportunity.
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