◄ Luke 5:28 ►
and Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him.
Study Bible
and Levi got up,

Levi, also known as Matthew, was a tax collector, a profession often despised by the Jewish people due to its association with Roman oppression and corruption. His immediate response to Jesus' call demonstrates a radical transformation and willingness to leave behind his old life. This act of rising up signifies a readiness to embrace a new identity and purpose. In biblical terms, "getting up" often symbolizes resurrection or a new beginning, as seen in other scriptures like Mark 2:11, where Jesus commands a paralytic to rise.

Mat 9:9 As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew…
Mrk 2:14 As He was walking along, He saw Levi son of Alphaeus…

left everything,

Levi's decision to leave everything behind is significant, as it indicates a complete break from his former life and its material attachments. Tax collectors were typically wealthy, so this act of leaving everything underscores a profound commitment and sacrifice. This mirrors the call of other disciples, such as Peter, James, and John, who left their fishing nets to follow Jesus (Luke 5:11). It reflects the biblical theme of forsaking worldly possessions for the sake of the Kingdom of God, as emphasized in passages like Luke 14:33.

Mat 19:27 “Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything…
Mrk 10:28 Peter began to say to Him, “Look, we have left everything…

and followed Him.

Following Jesus implies discipleship, which involves learning from and imitating the life and teachings of Christ. Levi's decision to follow Jesus marks the beginning of his transformation into Matthew, the apostle and Gospel writer. This act of following is not just physical but spiritual, indicating a shift in allegiance and priorities. It aligns with Jesus' call to all believers to take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). Levi's transformation is a type of the greater transformation that Jesus offers to all who choose to follow Him, fulfilling prophecies of a new covenant and a renewed heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

Mat 4:20 And at once they left their nets and followed Him.
Mrk 1:18 And at once they left their nets and followed Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Levi (Matthew)
Levi, also known as Matthew, was a tax collector. Tax collectors were often despised by the Jewish people for their collaboration with the Roman authorities and their reputation for corruption. Levi's decision to follow Jesus marked a significant transformation in his life.

2. Jesus
Jesus is the central figure in this passage, calling Levi to follow Him. This call is a demonstration of Jesus' authority and His willingness to reach out to those considered outcasts.

3. The Call to Discipleship
This event is a pivotal moment where Levi responds to Jesus' call by leaving his old life behind. It signifies the radical change and commitment required to follow Christ.
Teaching Points
Radical Commitment
Levi's response to Jesus' call was immediate and complete. As believers, we are called to a similar level of commitment, willing to leave behind anything that hinders our relationship with Christ.

Transformation and New Identity
Levi's transformation from a tax collector to a disciple of Jesus illustrates the power of Christ to change lives. Our identity in Christ should redefine our priorities and actions.

Inclusivity of the Gospel
Jesus' call to Levi, a tax collector, demonstrates that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their past. We should be open to sharing the Gospel with all people, without prejudice.

Obedience to the Call
Levi's obedience serves as a model for us. When Jesus calls, our response should be one of immediate action and trust in His plan for our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Levi's immediate response to Jesus' call teach us about the nature of true discipleship?

2. How can we identify and leave behind the "everything" in our lives that may hinder our walk with Christ?

3. In what ways does Levi's transformation encourage us to view others through the lens of potential rather than past mistakes?

4. How does the inclusivity of Jesus' call to Levi challenge our own attitudes towards sharing the Gospel with those society may deem unworthy?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to make a significant change in your life for Christ. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can this passage encourage you in future decisions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 9:9
This verse parallels Luke 5:28, describing the same event from Matthew's perspective, emphasizing the immediacy and totality of Levi's response.

Philippians 3:7-8
Paul speaks about counting all things as loss for the sake of Christ, which echoes Levi's decision to leave everything behind to follow Jesus.

Mark 10:28-31
Peter speaks about leaving everything to follow Jesus, and Jesus promises rewards for those who make such sacrifices, reinforcing the theme of commitment and reward.
Sermons
A PublicanE. Stapfer, D. D., Dr. Geikie., J. Keble.Luke 5:27-28
Follow ExactlyLuke 5:27-28
Following ChristW. Clarkson Luke 5:27, 28
Following ChristW. W. Patton, D. D.Luke 5:27-28
Following Christ FullyLuke 5:27-28
God Calls Busy Men to Do His Grander WorkTeacher's Storehouse.Luke 5:27-28
Matthew Before, Daring, and After His ConversionLaselve., T. Gascoigne, B. A.Luke 5:27-28
Matthew Obeys Christ's CallT. Gascoigne, B. A.Luke 5:27-28
On the Calling of St. MatthewThomas Gisborne.Luke 5:27-28
Self-SurrenderH. G. Salter.Luke 5:27-28
The Call of MatthewW. R. Clark, M. A.Luke 5:27-28
The Call of St. MatthewS. Cox, D. D., Dean Alford.Luke 5:27-28
The Duty of Following ChristW. Maclure.Luke 5:27-28
The Call of Levi, and the Subsequent BanquetR.M. Edgar Luke 5:27-39
People
James, Jesus, John, Levi, Peter, Simon, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Galilee, Genneseret, Jerusalem, Judea
Topics
Arisen, Behind, Business, Follow, Followed, Forsook, Giving, Got, Rising, Rose
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 5:28

     8468   renunciation

Luke 5:27-28

     2066   Christ, power of
     8120   following Christ
     8209   commitment, to Christ

Luke 5:27-29

     5503   rich, the

Luke 5:27-31

     5576   tax collectors

Luke 5:27-32

     4438   eating
     6040   sinners

Library
March 25 Evening
Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing; nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.--LUKE 5:5. All power is give unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: . . . and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea. Though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: necessity is laid …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 19. "Launch Out into the Deep" (Luke v. 4).
"Launch out into the deep" (Luke v. 4). Many difficulties and perplexities in connection with our Christian life might be best settled by a simple and bold decision of our will to go forward with the light we have and leave the speculations and theories that we cannot decide for further settlement. What we need is to act, and to act with the best light we have, and as we step out into the present duty and full obedience, many things will be made plain which it is no use waiting to decide. Beloved, …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

December 9. "Launch Out into the Deep" (Luke v. 4).
"Launch out into the deep" (Luke v. 4). One of the special marks of the Holy Ghost in the Apostolic Church was the spirit Of boldness. One of the most essential qualities of the faith that is to attempt great things for God and expect great things from God, is holy audacity. Where we are dealing with a supernatural Being, and taking from Him things that are humanly impossible, it is easier to take much than little; it is easier to stand in a place of audacious trust than in a place of cautious, timid …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Humility
LUKE v. 8. Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. Few stories in the New Testament are as well known as this. Few go home more deeply to the heart of man. Most simple, most graceful is the story, and yet it has in it depths unfathomable. Great painters have loved to draw, great poets have loved to sing, that scene on the lake of Gennesaret. The clear blue water, land- locked with mountains; the meadows on the shore, gay with their lilies of the field, on which our Lord bade them look, …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Instructions for Fishermen
'Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.'--LUKE v. 4. The day's work begins early in the East. So the sun, as it rose above the hills on the other side of the lake, shone down upon a busy scene, fresh with the dew and energy of the morning, on the beach by the little village of Bethsaida. One group of fishermen was washing their nets, their boats being hauled up on the strand. A crowd of listeners was thus early gathered round …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Fear and Faith
'When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.' --LUKE v. 8. 'Now, when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him,... and did cast himself into the sea.'--JOHN xxi. 7. These two instances of the miraculous draught of fishes on the Lake of Gennesareth are obviously intended to be taken in conjunction. Their similarities and their differences are equally striking and equally instructive. In the fragment …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Blasphemer, or --Who?
'And it came to pass on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 18. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before Him. 19. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the house-top, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

"The Moody and Sankey Humbug. "
There was a man, while we were in London, who got out a little paper called "The Moody and Sankey Humbug." He used to have it to sell to the people coming into the meeting. After he had sold a great many thousand copies of that number, he wanted to get out another number; so he came to the meeting to get something to put into the paper; but the power of the Lord was present. It says here in this chapter (Luke 5) that the Pharisees, scribes, and doctors, were watching the words of Christ in that house …
Dwight L. Moody—Moody's Anecdotes And Illustrations

Absolution.
Preached June 2, 1850. ABSOLUTION. "And the Scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"--Luke v. 21. There are questions which having been again and again settled, still from time to time, present themselves for re-solution; errors which having been refuted, and cut up by the roots, re-appear in the next century as fresh and vigorous as ever. Like the fabled monsters of old, from whose dissevered neck the blood …
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

Carried by Four
When our Lord left his retirement he found the crowd around him exceeding great, and it was as motley as it was great; for while here were many sincere believers, there were still more sceptical observers; some were anxious to receive his healing power, others equally desirous to find occasion against him. So in all congregations, however the preacher may be clothed with his Master's spirit and his Master's might, there will be a mixed gathering; there will come together your Pharisees and doctors …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Secret of Success.
5th Sunday after Trinity S. Luke v. 5. "We have taken nothing; nevertheless at Thy word, I will let down the net." INTRODUCTION.--S. Peter and the other Apostles had been fishing all night, and had met with no success at all, then Jesus entered into the boat of Simon, and bade him launch out and let down his net. S. Peter did not hesitate. He had met with no success when fishing in the night, nevertheless now, at the word of Christ, he fishes again, and this time the net encloses a great multitude, …
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Christ the Great Physician.
"They that are whole have no need of a physician; but they that are sick. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance" (Luke v. 31, 32). "For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them" (Matt. xiii. 15). "He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted" (Luke iv. 18). …
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Jesus, Still Lead On.
"Jesu, geh Voran." "They forsook all, and followed him."--Luke 5:11. [7]Ludwig von Zinzendorf transl., Jane Borthwick, 1846, 1854 Jesus, still lead on, Till our rest be won! And although the way be cheerless, We will follow, calm and fearless. Guide us by thy hand To our Fatherland. If the way be drear, If the foe be near, Let not faithless fears o'ertake us, Let not faith and hope forsake us For, through many a foe, To our home we go! When we seek relief From a long-felt grief-- When oppressed …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen, Widely Different from the Purity Required by the Gospel. Of Confession and Satisfaction.
1. Errors of the Schoolmen in delivering the doctrine of repentance. 1. Errors in defining it. Four different definitions considered. 2. Absurd division. 3. Vain and puzzling questions. 4. Mode in which they entangle themselves. 2. The false doctrine of the Schoolmen necessary to be refuted. Of contrition. Their view of it examined. 3. True and genuine contrition. 4. Auricular confession. Whether or not of divine authority. Arguments of Canonists and Schoolmen. Allegorical argument founded on Judaism. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Seventh Appearance of Jesus.
(Sea of Galilee.) ^D John XXI. 1-25. ^d 1 After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifested himself on this wise. 2 There was together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee [see p. 111], and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. [As usual, Peter was the leader.] They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Disciples of Jesus.
In this terrestrial paradise, which the great revolutions of history had till then scarcely touched, there lived a population in perfect harmony with the country itself, active, honest, joyous, and tender-hearted. The Lake of Tiberias is one of the best supplied with fish of any in the world.[1] Very productive fisheries were established, especially at Bethsaida, and at Capernaum, and had produced a certain degree of wealth. These families of fishermen formed a gentle and peaceable society, extending …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Conflict with Evil
The Kingdom of God Will Have to Fight for Its Advance The great objective is the Kingdom of God. In realizing the Reign of God on earth three recalcitrant forces have to be brought into obedience to God's law: the desire for power, the love of property, and unsocial religion. We have studied Christ's thought concerning these in the foregoing chapters. The advance of the Kingdom of God is not simply a process of social education, but a conflict with hostile forces which resist, neutralize, and defy …
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Peter's Repentance
"And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:61, 62). That was the turning-point in the history of Peter. Christ had said to him: "Thou canst not follow me now" (John 13:36). Peter was not in a fit state to follow Christ, because he had not been brought to an end of himself; he did not know himself, and he therefore could not follow …
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

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