A reflection of Mark 2:13-17 and how Jesus speaks to us.
It is written in Mark 2:13-17 about the call of Levi to be a Disciple of Jesus.
Mark 2:13-17 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.
And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." ESV
There are many things that we can learn about Jesus in this short passage.
1 - Jesus is compassionate toward the lost.
Jesus is not put off by those who need him. He is drawn to them and meets them where they are. He sees each person's life's potential and is wanting to draw them to that place.
2 - Jesus sees you where you are.
Jesus went to the tax collector's booth to call Levi. He had purpose for him - and he met with Levi and his friends at his house. He spent time with them and was not put off by what it might look like - and was of course quickly judged by the Pharisees.
Jesus is willing to meet you where you are. You might not even realize that Jesus is calling you or visiting you, because he is a gentle shepherd. Are you listening to the Lord?
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." – Jesus, John 10:10 ESV
In the next verse - John 10:11 Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." He came so that we might LIVE! And not just a "ho-hum" life, but an abundant life. Abundant is without lack and over-flowing! (Not just monetarily, but every area of our lives.
3 - Jesus helps people change.
He is FOR us. He doesn't expect people to change before they come to him. He knows they don't know everything, and he knows there will be struggles to change. When God offers a blood covenant (another whole teaching) He does all the work. He supplies everything. All we are required to do is show up and accept it and then live under that covering.
4 - Jesus calls you to your potential and your purpose.
Jesus knows your plan and purpose and wants to guide you to that end. A book/scroll was written of your life even before you were born! You were planned for and the assignments are yours if you accept them.
Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
5 - His desire for you is to fulfill your call.
He wants you to fulfill your purpose more than you do! We are all like a colored thread in a tapestry and for the completed picture, we each need to do our part and be in our place. To be united in our purpose for Him for the picture to be complete.
6 - Are you listening to the Lord?
Are you aware of His voice? Do you know that He comes to where you are? Do you know how much He has already made available to you? Just listen. Listen to that still, small voice that you think is your own thought that gives good nudges and ideas. Just listen. Then do it.