Luke 5:27
Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)
وبعد هذا خرج فنظر عشارا اسمه لاوي جالسا عند مكان الجباية. فقال له اتبعني.
What Does This Mean?
Jesus saw Levi, a tax collector, working at his job and told him to follow Him. This shows how Jesus chooses people from all walks of life to join His mission.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing with your toys when suddenly a friend asks you to come play outside instead of staying inside. That's like what happened to Levi: Jesus asked him to leave his job and start a new adventure together!
Historical Background
The verse is from the Gospel of Luke, written around AD 80-100 by Luke, a doctor and companion of Paul. It was aimed at Gentile Christians and highlights how Jesus interacts with outcasts like Levi.
Living It Out Today
Today, this could be like your boss suddenly asking you to leave your job for something greater. Think about how Jesus might be calling someone in your life who seems unlikely to follow Him.
Topics
callingobediencesalvationfriendshiptransformationcommunity
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Levi a common name for tax collectors?
No, Levi was not just any name; he had another name as well—Matthew. This change reflects his transformation after following Jesus.
What does it mean to be called by Jesus like Levi?
Being 'called' means that Jesus invites someone into His ministry and mission, asking them to leave their old life for a new purpose.
Why was Levi's job as a tax collector important in the story?
As a tax collector, Levi would have been seen as a traitor by many Jews. Jesus choosing him shows His inclusive message and power to transform anyone.
How did other disciples react when Jesus called Levi?
The exact reaction is not detailed in the text, but it’s likely they were surprised because tax collectors were generally despised by society at that time.