When Jesus said to Matthew “Follow Me”

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. Luke 5:27-28

Levi, also named Matthew, was busy gathering the money of the people. He was a tax collector – known to be a sinner, ridiculed and rejected by his countrymen. He was there doing His usual task. Kept the money of the Jews and gave them to the Romans, which they treated as their enemy. He lived a life of abundance. He had the money that He wanted, yet Matthew was judged and condemned by his relatives and family.

On a simple yet extraordinary day, he heard the news about Jesus. People are talking about Him. They mentioned salvation, miracles, and healing.

Levi was probably wondering, “Who is this Jesus? How come people are listening to His sermons? Is it true that He can heal the sick? Is it true that He can save my soul?”

He was working at the same time, wondering what Jesus was doing. And when He passed down the tax booth, their eyes met. Matthew felt a deep sense of belongingness. The Man that people are following is now looking at him. With Jesus’ innocent and pure eyes, this sinner felt God’s love and acceptance.

And then he heard Him say, “Follow me!”

Matthew didn’t wait for any miracles to happen. He didn’t ask Jesus so many questions. He has no doubts, worries, anxieties, or even fear.

He got up. He chose to stand for Jesus. He didn’t allow this moment to pass by. He took the time to be with the savior.

He left everything – his money, career, and old life. Matthew chose to follow Jesus despite the fact that he could no longer turn back and live the same way again. It wasn’t a very difficult decision for him. Levi knew that only Jesus could make Him feel whole. That the satisfaction and love that he can receive from Him is greater than what this world can give.

Following Jesus should’ve been very risky for Matthew. But He didn’t hold back. There’s something in Jesus that pushed him to leave his old life. Without any hesitation or negative thoughts, he knew that this was the moment he was waiting for. This is his chance to experience true freedom.

May this verse remind us that following Jesus is not easy, but it’s worth it. There may be moments when we need to surrender important things in our lives, but later on, we will realize that the treasures that we have in this world are nothing compared to what Jesus can do to us.

Without any doubts, fears, or questions, may we have the courage to follow Jesus just like what Matthew did.