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INTRO
The impact of Jesus and the Gospel
Rejected in His hometown
Then he encounters the Demonic, Leper, Paralytic, TAX COLLECTOR
All were viewed in a negative light
All received God’s favor and grace
A wonderful picture of how the Gospel changes lives
A wonderful picture of the call to follow Jesus
Levi and Sinner. Jesus the Savior… A Changed life
Levi was just living life as normal
Levi –Matthew (Matthew 9:9)
Tax collector (hated, despised, low of the low)
His calling, his life.
Doing all he knew to do
Then came Jesus
Jesus
Doctrine of election
God’s sovereignly working. John 15:16
Levi was not seeking God. God sought out Levi
Effectual call
General call for everyone
The call to those that come. Romans 8:30
Follow Me
Life change
From… To
Dead to alive
Regeneration
Repentance and Faith
Leave sin and Follow Christ
TWO PARTS
Life change was immediate
Toward Christ (His devotion and worship)
His acknowledgement and worship of the Lord
And leaving everything, he rose and followed him
LEFT (self) – FOLLOWED (Christ)
Prepared a great feast in his house
Notice the joy
Excitement
Acknowledging His Lordship (what He had done for him)
HE GAVE HIM HIS BEST. THIS IS WORSHIP
As J.C. Ryle said, nothing can happen to a man which ought to be such an occasion of joy, as his conversion. It is a far more important event than being married, or coming of age, or being made a nobleman, or receiving a great fortune. It is the birth of an immortal soul! It is the rescue of a sinner from hell! It is a passage from death to life! It is being made a king and priest forevermore! It is being provided for, both in time and eternity! It is adoption into the noblest and richest of all families, the family of God! PHILIP GRAHAM RYKEN, LUKE, ED. RICHARD D. PHILLIPS, PHILIP GRAHAM RYKEN, AND DANIEL M. DORIANI, VOL. 1, REFORMED EXPOSITORY COMMENTARY (PHILLIPSBURG, NJ: P&R PUBLISHING, 2009), 230–231.
Toward Others (His burden and witness)
There was a large company of tax collectors and others
Utilizing his influence and network
Big crowd
Reclining
Probably indicates that they were listening to Jesus teach
Eager to LEARN MORE. GROWING!!!!!!
Levi is already living the D-LIFE.
Remember, the world is opposed to the mission of Jesus
PEOPLE NEED THE GOSPEL
Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?
Jesus’ association with those of the world
Having a heart for ministry. OTHERS
Building, Sharing, Inviting, Brining, Discipling
HELPING OTHERS FOLLOW JESUS
UTILIZING OUR GOD GIVEN GIFTS AND TALENTS TO HELP OTHERS BECOME FOLLOWERS OF JESUS
I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.
Righteous
They thought they were. We need nothing. All we need is within us.
Sinners
I need help. Me nothing and Jesus everything.