Scriptures: Luke 5:27-31, 19:10, 6:15

When we think about sharing our faith, we can limit expectations in our own minds. Yet the New Testament shows us through Jesus' example that not only is everyone invited to follow Jesus, but anyone can follow Jesus. The most hated, the most reviled, the most unlikely, the most unacceptable people--all can come to Jesus. In this message, Dr. Merritt recalls the story of Levi in Luke 5. We see a Savior Who looked beyond the then-hated title of tax collector, and instead challenged him with two words: "Follow me." The implication for us today is a sober reminder to always be looking, open to and active in inviting others toward Christ.

"There was something that was even more amazing both to Levi and to the disciples. Jesus was considered a rabbi and rabbis did not ask students to become their disciples. Students asked rabbis if they could become their disciples. In order to follow a particular rabbi you had to apply. You had to meet certain standards before you would even be considered. In effect, you had to have a certain GPA. You had to have a good transcript. You were expected to have an impressive knowledge of the first five books of the law and you might even be asked to recite an entire book just to be considered. The selection was intense. It was meticulous and painstaking. Rabbis wouldn’t let just anyone join them, because the reputation of the rabbi depended upon the quality of his disciples. Jesus did something that no rabbi had ever done or would ever think about doing. Instead of someone asking Jesus if they could follow Him, Jesus instead invited people to follow Him. No application--just invitation." --Dr. Merritt

Keywords: missing, person, evangelism, witness, share, Gospel, Jesus, Christ, disciple, soul winning, disciple making, purpose, surrender, call, will, God, Presidents, Club, White House, Levi, tax collector, Roman government, robbery, authority, Simon the Zealot, Matthew, savior