Can you recall moments in your life when everything around you was falling apart? Perhaps you felt walled in by stress, or perhaps you were hiding in shame. That’s what I think of when we read about Jesus “passing by” Levi sitting in his tax booth, and inviting him to follow. As a tax collector, Levi would have been a shame to his family and the community. It was unthinkable that Jesus would even notice him (particularly in the midst of teaching crowds of people), much less invite him to become a disciple! But that is precisely the heart of God. He finds us right where we are, sitting in our booth of shame, and allures us to leave our sinful lifestyles behind and follow him.       

Levi certainly didn’t do anything to catch Jesus’ attention. If anything, he would have only attracted the scorn of his people. But Jesus loves us first. He died for us while we were yet sinners. This is the good news of the gospel.           

Some people today, like the scribes of the Pharisees, judge others who live sinful lifestyles. They think it is right and holy to stay away from people who are dirty or sick. But Jesus demonstrates it comes down to purpose. We can spend time with unbelievers to join them in unrighteous living, or we can spend time with unbelievers to tenderly and respectfully invite them to follow Jesus Christ (Hosea 2:14, 1 Peter 3:15).          

If you identify as a Christian, when was the last time you invited an unbelieving family to your home for a meal? When was the last time you prayed, “God, make me ready to share Jesus with others as ‘I pass by,’ going about my day”? Remember, God first noticed you sitting in your booth and invited you to follow him. Ask him to fill your heart afresh to share the Good News with the lost.