Mark 2:14

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

Mark 2:14 (KJV)

Context

Mark 2:14 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus’ ministry. In the preceding verses, Jesus had just healed a paralyzed man and faced controversy with the religious leaders. Here, He passes by Levi, also known as Matthew, who was sitting at the “receipt of custom,” or tax booth. Tax collectors were despised by the Jews because they were often associated with corruption and collaboration with the Roman authorities.

Meaning

Jesus looked at Levi and said, “Follow me.” This simple command carries significant meaning. Jesus was extending an invitation to Levi to become His disciple, to leave his former way of life behind and follow Him. The phrase “receipt of custom” (Greek: telōnion) refers to the tax booth or tax office where Levi collected taxes. Levi is identified as “the son of Alphaeus,” and the same event is recorded in Matthew 9:9, where the man is called Matthew, confirming that Levi and Matthew are the same person.

The verse states that Levi “arose and followed him.” Levi’s response is immediate and decisive. He left his tax-collecting work and willingly followed Jesus. This demonstrates the transformative power of Jesus’ call. Levi’s response indicates a willingness to leave behind his old life and embark on a new journey with Jesus. His immediate obedience is a model of discipleship.

Levi’s occupation as a tax collector has symbolic significance. Tax collectors were often seen as sinners and outcasts in Jewish society. By calling Levi to be His disciple, Jesus reveals His mission to seek and save the lost. Jesus was not concerned with societal labels or the opinions of others; He offered forgiveness and redemption to all who would follow Him.

Application

Mark 2:14 serves as a reminder of Jesus’ invitation to all of us. Just as He called Levi to leave his old life behind and follow Him, Jesus extends the same call to each of us today. It is an invitation to repentance, transformation, and a life devoted to following Him. This verse encourages us to respond to His call without hesitation, trusting that Jesus has the power to change our lives and use us for His purposes.

• Levi’s immediate response demonstrates the transformative power of Jesus’ call.

• Jesus welcomes everyone regardless of their past, even those despised by society.

• Following Jesus means leaving behind old ways and embracing a new life of obedience.