And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican,
named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow
me.
Luke 5:27
Many a gospel message has been preached on the “Follow Me’s”
of Jesus. So many that I’m sure somewhere someone has touched up the idea I
wish to share. That is the idea of consent. The kingdom of God, though an
absolute monarchy, exercises rule over its citizens only with their consent.
Levi (Matthew) was a tax collector (publican). His job was to
take from his family and neighbors a sum exacted by the Romans. For doing this
job he received no pay except what he could extort from his fellow countrymen.
So, if Rome demanded a penny per person as tax, Levi could collect two pennies
and pocket one penny for himself.
As you might imagine, among a population which refused to
even carry Roman coins on them, tax collectors like Levi, were not popular
fellows. Hence the complaint about Jesus attending a party at Levi’s house and
eating with tax collectors and other sinners.
It is seldom noted except in passing that Jesus also ate with
the rich and powerful. The difference was in how Jesus was received. His
message to repent and believe the gospel made him a curiosity to the rich and
powerful who saw no need for either. They understood his message and challenged
it.
Sinners like Levi saw something in him they did not imagine
they personally possessed—holiness. And he extended to them something they did
not expect—merciful acceptance of them as they were. They were ready to repent,
that is consent to his message, and believe what he taught.
The kingdom of God is unlike the rule of man for it is not
lorded over its citizen. It needs no army, no police, no priests. It is held
together not by the absolute power of its king, but by the loving affection of
citizens who willingly consent to his lordship. He needs only bid them—Follow
Me.
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