Jesus calls Levi Luke 5:27-32
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
I was in the crowded house when the roof gave way and Jesus healed the man who was lowered down at his feet. I was gob-smacked. I must follow this man Jesus, who does such amazing things, and all so calmly. I have to tell someone about this. Maybe my friend Levi will listen to me! We have talked about Jesus quite a bit, but this is different. Now, Levi is a tax collector, so he is disliked by most of the Jews who resent him working for the Romans, and for a personal prophet. But I know him as a decent man.
Levi welcomes me as I approach. ‘You seem very excited. What’s happened this time?’
So I told him about what I had seen and experienced. As we were talking, I heard a crowd coming towards us. ‘I hope the crowd is not going to harass you again, Levi. You don’t deserve that.’
As the crowd came closer, I recognised Jesus’ voice… and also the grumblings of our leaders who think they know everything. Levi has a pop-up office on the street, which means that he can’t escape from crowds easily. But he doesn’t seem to be concerned. I thought that Jesus would just pass by, but to my surprise and delight, he stopped, put his hands on the counter and said to Levi, ‘Follow me!’
Surprised and delighted, Levi got up, came around the counter and followed Jesus! He left everything behind! I’d never seen him act like that! I stayed behind and packed up for him, collecting the money in two big bags.
A few days later, I was invited to join a party that Levi was hosting for Jesus, and there were a lot of Levi’s tax collector friends there, too. Of course, the authorities were there as well, looking for an opportunity to criticise Jesus. ‘You break the law by eating with tax collectors who are sinners!’ they accused. But Jesus calmly turned and said that a doctor could help sick people, but not those who thought they were well.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· When I read the scriptures, do I allow time to enter into the scene and try to read the passage as if for the first time?
· Does this story surprise me? Why? Why not?
· Am I able to share important encounters with a valued friend?
· Am I able to listen deeply to other people’s stories?
· How is Jesus calling me today?
Prayer
Lord, help me to see where you are calling me to follow you in today’s world. Amen.