He Saw Levi
Mark 2:13-17

Levi, aka Matthew, was a Jew working for the Roman government as a tax or toll collector. His association with the Roman government and the common shady practices of his ilk left him hated by the Jews, who treated his kind as an outcast.

But Jesus saw Levi. And fully aware of both his public reputation and his private shame, Jesus called him. Right there, on that road in the midst of the crowd, Jesus identified with a known and hated sinner.

Jesus is not deterred by your sin. He is not embarrassed by your shame. He is not frightened by your reputation. He took it all on himself on his cross for you. He sees you where you are as you are. And he calls you by name. Answer the call. Follow Jesus.