Along
with stories of people wholeheartedly following Jesus, Luke shows how many
rejected Him. In this passage we see two ways people respond to Jesus. People
with soft hearts will turn from their sinful ways and follow Jesus. We are
given Levi the tax-collector (later referred to as Matthew) as an example of
this type of person. While we cannot know for certain what was going on in
Levi’s heart, one imagines he was plagued with guilt for taking advantage of
others. He had probably heard about Jesus but felt too stained, too sinful to
be accepted by this man of God. Imagine his reaction when Jesus said, “Follow
Me” (5:27). What a joyous occasion that must have been! That he, a sinner among
the worst, would not only be addressed by Jesus, but be chosen as part of His
inner circle! Levi was not only forgiven, he was called to join Jesus’
ministry!
In
contrast, the Pharisees represent people with hard hearts. They refused to
submit to Jesus because it would require them to give up their power and
prestige. In this passage we see them repeatedly challenging Jesus (5:30, 33;
6:2, 7, 11). Jesus wisely responds by declaring that the old and the new cannot
mix together. Jesus knew His presence ruined the old way of thinking and that,
for this reason, some would reject Him (5:39). However, He also knew that
clinging to old customs and laws would ruin the Gospel (5:36-38). The power of the Gospel to save and redeem
was more important than the legalism and death of the old system.
Journaling and Prayer
1. Jesus
does not discriminate based on our pasts. He does not choose followers based on
their résumés. He looks at the heart. Do you ever feel unworthy to be called
His follower? Do you desire to live a life pleasing to Him, but feel like your
past prohibits you from doing so? Share your heart with God. Ask Him to reveal
how He sees you.
2. Meditate
on 5:36-39. What do you think Jesus meant when He said this? How does this
apply to your life? Write down your thoughts.
3. Pray
for Church leaders. Ask God to give them soft, humble hearts and to protect
them from pride and legalism. Ask that their love for Jesus would dwarf any
temptation to submit to man-made religion.
