Sermon: Levi – to – Matthew- to Chosen by Jesus!
Thesis: Jesus loved changing the identity and direction of people he came across in his ministry. Do you know who you are within the Kingdom of God? Do you know your calling and gifts? Have you believed the Father of lies for your life or the Lord who is the “I am” calling you to the way of truth and to a good life – yes Jesus - The Creator is calling will you? (John 14:6)
Scripture Text: Matthew 9:9-13:
The Calling of Matthew
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. 10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Introduction:
As I have studied the life of Matthew – I have come to a conclusion that he had an identity crisis.
Identity is a big deal today in our society. We have more people identifying as something other than male or female for the first time in history of the world. The last I heard there were over 70 gender identities being promoted today in our society and modern culture in opposition to the traditional male and female gender identities.
In my view we have a identity crisis going on in our society especially among the younger generation – would you agree?
But I also look at how identity theft is at an all-time high in our society today as well. We have people stealing other people’s identities. Most do it to steal or buy things using other people’s money, credit cards are being stolen to use a person’s good name- why - to purchase things and then stick others with the bills.
Just this last year someone stole one of our checks we mailed at the post office to pay a bill and washed the check and rewrote the check for over 4,000 to themselves with a fake name and the bank cashed it and stuck us with over 4,000 loss.
I had a deacon at my last church come to one day and show me a picture of a beautiful women who wanted to marry him from some Latino country. He corresponded with her for almost a year and then sent her 5,000 to come to America to marry him. It was a fraud and he lost 5,000 dollars. It ended up being a guy who once he had cashed his check told him how stupid he was to send the check.
Google tells me the following about identity theft:
Identity theft continues to be a significant problem in the United States, with millions of cases reported annually and billions of dollars in financial losses. In 2024, over 1.1 million complaints were reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). While credit card fraud is a common form, other types of identity theft, such as the misuse of personal information for other fraudulent purposes, are also prevalent.
Here's a more detailed look at the statistics:
Prevalence:
Around 1 in 5 Americans (22%) have experienced identity theft in their lifetime.
Financial Losses:
Identity theft resulted in over $12.5 billion in financial losses in 2024.
Most Common Type:
Credit card fraud is a leading form of identity theft. In 2023, it accounted for 31% of reported cases.
Other Common Types:
Unauthorized use of bank accounts is also a major concern, making up 24% of cases in 2023.
How Identities are Stolen:
Cyber-enabled methods, like online transactions and phishing scams, are the most common way identities are stolen, accounting for 37% of cases.
Age Groups Affected:
Individuals aged 30-39 are most at risk of identity theft.
Reporting:
While millions of cases are reported each year, a significant number of victims may not report the crime, according to Javelin Strategy & Research.
Data Breaches:
Data breaches continue to be a major source of identity theft, with the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reporting a record number of incidents in 2023.
When you live in a fallen world – you discover quickly people want to steal your identity – to use you, steal from you and even abuse you.
But identity theft and identity confusion is nothing new to the Bible and to God. Satan the deceiver and Father of lies is still spinning his identity confusion within society and the Kingdom. Satan appears in the garden of Eden using the methodology of identity theft and confusion to get Adam and Eve to doubt their God given identities and embrace a false identity which caused them to fall into sin and be cast out of God’s presence.
You can read about this in Genesis 3 of how it shares how the Devil – Satan was able to steal away Adam and Eve’s identity and authority and bring them to the point of sinning and disobeying God. The result was their banishment from the Garden of Eden and their divine mission for God.
I still fine it interesting how Jesus changed people’s names to clarify their identities in Scripture and called them from the most unlikely places:
Jesus renamed Simon, the son of Jonah, as Peter (or Cephas in Aramaic) which means "rock". This name change was significant as Jesus declared that he would build his church on Peter.
James and John to Boanerges: Jesus gave James and John the nickname "Boanerges," meaning "Sons of Thunder," possibly indicating their passionate and zealous nature.
Saul to Paul: Saul, a Roman citizen and persecutor of Christians, was renamed Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus. This name change was likely to better connect with the Gentile audience he was called to reach.
Today we are looking at Levi better known as Matthew – he too had an identity crisis. He was considered a traitor to the Jewish people because he became a tax Collector. But Jesus comes along and reminds Matthew who he is and what he was called to do. He became one of the main disciples of Jesus! He also authored the Gospel of Matthew!
Jesus called the most unlikely people to follow Him. He called sinners and saints to follow him. Why? Jesus wanted to change people’s their current lost identities and destinies.
Jesus changed the names of some of his disciples to reflect their new roles and identities as they followed him – Levi’s less known, Hebrew name, reminded him of his heritage and God given destiny. But his betrayal of his name and heritage caused him to lose his identity. He even refers to himself as the tax collector and as a sinner in Matthew the Gospel. Jesus delivered him from his sin and gave him a chance to reclaim his eternal destiny and identity.
If you read the Bible, you discover the Lord has done the same thing with people, prophets and kings, judges and other characters in the OT!
The Lord is in the business of restoring people who have lost their God given identities.
Question: have you lost your God given identity? Does the Lord want to change your name and your identity today? Are you open to a name change and new direction for your life? Do you want to be free from the lies you have bought into that have trapped you in bondage and shame? Do you want to live in the cage you have made for yourself? Are you open to a call from Jesus for your life?
This week Eli and I attended “The Leadership Global Summit” put on at Willowcreek Community Church. I sat and listened to speaker after speaker shared about how they found their called to be a leader, a servant leader, a Godly leader, and influential leader and how forces were always trying to get them to give on their dreams, their visions, their mission.
I am going to share a common verse with you – listen carefully please - Jesus said in John 10:10
“10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”
Two forces in this world seek your life and destiny:
1). The Devil, Satan, Lucifer, the Fallen Angel, Beelzebub and all the others names he is known for wants to steal your God-given destiny, you purpose, your life, your ministry, your family, your business, your mission – Why? So he can kill it and destroy it for eternity! Think about that for a moment – most people ignore this truth of Jesus. The Devil this world run by him is out to kill you! To steal your life away – to get you to drift and live a useless and meaningless life!
2). Jesus came and is calling all of us not just Matthew to “Follow Him” Why? So, he can steal your identity – your family – your money – your life? No so he can give you life with meaning and purpose, a life that counts for something in eternity, a life that is filled with the abundance of love, joy and peace!
T.S. – Let’s look at Levi turned Matthew – turned Disciple of Jesus!
I. Identity Crisis: Levi had become a tax collector and because of that choice he became an outcast in his own Jewish community.
a. Have you ever suffered from your poor choices in life?
i. Matthew had abandoned his birth calling and heritage – The Bible says he was Levite – don’t miss that name.
1. A Levite is a male descendant of the Tribe of Levi in ancient Israel, traditionally designated for religious service in the Temple or Tabernacle. They served as assistants to the priests, performing tasks such as preparing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and providing musical accompaniment.
2. Lineage: Levites are descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel).
3. Distinction from Priests: While all priests are Levites, not all Levites are priests. The priests (kohanim) are specifically descendants of Aaron, Moses's brother, and were entrusted with the most sacred duties, like offering sacrifices.
4. Temple Service: Levites performed a wide range of supportive roles in the Temple and Tabernacle, including:
a. Preparing sacrifices and offerings.
b. Maintaining the sanctuary and its furnishings.
c. Providing musical accompaniment with instruments and vocals.
d. Acting as gatekeepers, guards, and teachers of the Law.
i. Matthew had given this all up – or should I say the Devil stole away his God given heritage to pursue a career in making money by exploiting his own Jewish culture and people.
ii. He became rich and despised at the cost of his fellow brothers and sisters.
iii. You may understand now why Matthew refers to himself as a Tax Collector and sinner – to remind others you can lose your identity, but God can come along and give it back to you if your respond to His call!
ii. Question: Have you ever believed a lie “Money will make you happy and successful?” Yes, money-cash – this would make you happy?
1. The reality check of money:
a. While money can alleviate poverty and provide for basic needs, it does not guarantee happiness beyond a certain point.
i. I am all for making money when it does not cost us our God given identity! Are you with me?
ii. Money is not evil – the love of money is what is evil.
b. Research suggests that experiences, strong social connections, and personal growth (especially spiritual) contribute more significantly to long-term well-being and happiness than material possessions.
i. Examples include prioritizing experiences over things, focusing on building strong relationships, and practicing gratitude.
ii. Studies and Research Findings:
1. The Easterlin Paradox:
a. This concept, first proposed in 1974, suggests that while increased wealth in a country can boost overall happiness, the happiness of individuals within that country doesn't necessarily increase with income after basic needs are met, according to The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
b. Study done asking the question: Who has the happiest country?
i. Finland for the 8th year in row has won the happiest in the world!
ii. The United Staes never makes the top 10 but they are the wealthiest nation in the world - - is that not interesting? The Usa comes in this year at number 25th and has declined steadily in the last 20 years for happiness.
2. Another example - Lottery Winners:
a. While lottery winners often experience a temporary surge of happiness, studies show that their overall happiness levels tend to return to baseline or only slightly increase after a year or two, according to a TEDx talk from YouTube.
b. Share about the Dave Ramsey show you listened too!
i. Some sources go as far as to say that 70% of lottery winners end up declaring bankruptcy.
ii. More conservative estimates put that number at 30%– either way, a substantial amount of lottery winners end up in bankruptcy court.
iii. A large percent say the lottery did not improve their overall happiness????
3. Example: Experiences vs. Possessions:
a. Research indicates that experiences, such as travel or spending time with loved ones, tend to provide more lasting happiness than material purchases, according to Reuters.
i. Matthew had been rejected by his family and community and Jesus offered him the chance to enter into a community!
4. Example: Social Connections:
a. Strong relationships with family and friends are strongly linked to happiness and well-being. People with more social support tend to be happier.
b. Matthew did not have this – I find it amazing he immediately responded to Jesus – no procrastination – because he was yearning for connection – socially, family and he jumped at the chance to join Jesus and his disciples.
5. Example: Gratitude:
a. Practicing gratitude and appreciating the good things in one's life can shift focus from what's lacking to what's present, boosting mood and overall well-being, says Verywell Mind.
b. One speaker at Leadership conference John Acuff said we cannot wait o change our mindset and life we need to do it now – So he suggest the number one thing to do is become positive!
6. The bottom line ---Beyond Basic Needs:
a. While money can help meet basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare, its impact on happiness diminishes once these needs are fulfilled. Beyond that point, experiences, relationships, and personal growth become more important for long-term well-being.
iii. Examples of Happiness Beyond Money:
1. Travel and Adventures:
a. Instead of spending money on material possessions, people often find greater happiness in experiences like travel, exploring new cultures, and creating memories.
2. Relationships:
a. Focusing on building and nurturing relationships with loved ones, through quality time, shared activities, and emotional support, can lead to increased happiness.
3. Hobbies and Interests:
a. Engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and personal fulfillment, such as art, music, sports, or learning new skills, can contribute to a sense of purpose and happiness.
4. Helping Others:
a. Acts of kindness and generosity, such as volunteering or donating to charitable causes, can provide a sense of purpose and boost happiness.
i. Share about exploring Samaritans Purse in NC.
5. Mindfulness and Gratitude:
a. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and expressing gratitude for the good things in life can foster a more positive outlook and increase overall happiness.
b. His Greek name is Matthew, and the Hebrew name is Levi. (Luke reminds us of his Hebrew name where Matthew himself refers to Greek and lost name Matthew!)
i. He was from the tribe of Levi.
1. He once was identified as a Levite – a person of honor – a person who served the Lord - but life stole that away and he identifies himself as a great sinner and a traitor to God and His people!
a. The duties of the Levites from his family tree and heritage were positions of honor:
a. But Levi had turned his back on his culture, his faith and his identity to go a different direction in his life.
b. He became identified as a sinner – a great sinner – a traitor to his people and culture – He was a tax collector!
ii. He had chosen to be a tax collector in Capernaum – this choice would bring condemnation and rejection by his own family and people.
1. Levi had chosen money over family – over friends and over his faith.
a. Timothy Bokka from sermoncentral.com states this: “During Jesus’ time, tax collectors or publicans were hated and treated as social outcasts. They were notorious for their unlawful acts because they favored the Romans by collecting taxes from their own countrymen. The law protectors of that time made a provision that it was not a sin to lie to Publicans because they were highly dishonest, arrogant and indulged in extravagant lifestyle. They were all condemned men who did not have any access to the holy temple of God. The tax collectors were categorized as sinners (Matthew 9:10,11) and Matthew - The Tax Collector came from the lowest section of the society who had absolutely no inherent goodness other than being called a sinner.”
b. So, the first book of the New-Testament, The Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew – The Sinner Levi (the traitor) a.k.a. Matthew - The Tax Collector.
c. I have watched how the Chosen has presented Matthew as a person with a disability like Autism – but the Bible never mentions Matthew as having any disability.
i. He is noted for being very meticulous and detailed in his writing of the Story of Jesus in his book Matthew! But it is a stretch to place the label of autism on him!
d. If you read between the lines of Scripture of Levi’s (Matthews) life – especially the pre-Jesus it is obvious he has an identity issue – in my view he did not know who he was – were he came from or even who his God was!
i. Can you relate to Matthew?
1. Have you lost your God given identity? Your God given mission and purpose?
ii. This scenario of Matthew or Levi is just as common today in our society – the Devil is stealing away peoples God given identities for money, power, fame and a deceptive thing called love (Not the God kind of Love).
1. Yes, the Devil has unleashed a new definition of love which is not associated with God or the Bible – remember he is the Father of lies!
2. Levi – like Adam and Eve and all of us have bought into the lies of the enemy! The Father of Lies tells you something is not true and you embrace it as truth!
a. The lies in college at BSU!
3. But let me ask you a question – think about Genesis 3 (I referenced it earlier) and Adam and Eve for a moment:
a. Genesis 3:3: Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ” 4 “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” 11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” 12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Ge 3:1–13.
i. I like what Robby Dawkins states here about the deception and the result of buying into a lie from Satan:
1. He states, “…they each took a bite of the forbidden fruit , and their eyes were opened. What happened next? Their eyes were opened and empowerment came No. Their eyes were opened and joy came? Again, no. Their eyes were opened and clarity came? Not at all. When their eyes were opened , shame came rushing in. They understood for the first time that they were naked. Then they were ashamed, and they tried to hide from God.”
2. Matthew yes Levi – had bought into the Devil’s lie that becoming a tax collector and getting the good life – with all the money would be the best direction for him in this life – but it caused Matthew to hide and be invisible to the world and the family around him. He hid in a tax booth cell with bars – he hid from God – he lived in shame – he hurt on the inside with all the rejection.
a. Maybe he kept saying, “I will start living for God tomorrow – I will change – but day after day kept coming and going and there He is stuck – adrift in the sea of money and nice things but no purpose or happiness.”
T.S.- Matthew discovered or was awakened by Jesus when he heard Him say “Follow Me” he opened his eyes and ears, and he saw his moment to be set free from is long life of drifting nowhere! He reached out his hand and grabbed Jesus’s hand and stopped drifting through life! Reference Christine Canes comments on drifting!
II. Jesus call to Levi or Matthew was a rescue mission – for Matthew a chance to be free from the drift – it was a call to come follow Jesus and be changed! He responded immediately!
a. Do you procrastinate?
i. Examples of procrastination:
1. The scrolling of the phone has caused many people today to drift into the culture of doing nothing – this sweeps them into the current of living a life with no eternal value or purpose, they look back over their last few years and see how far they have drifted from their God given purpose and destiny and it’s scary.
a. Our culture tells us to focus on ourselves – not on God or His purpose for our life! Do what you want not what He wants!
ii. Are you caught in the cycle of procrastination – if you procrastinate did you know you drift in the sea of humanity the current just takes you a certain direction – nowhere – no value no meaning – why because you do nothing – you hear God’s call – God’s mission and you do nothing!
1. The truth is we will lose our God given destiny when we choose to just do nothing and drift! You drift when you do nothing?
2. Matthew had been drifting most of his life and he did not like where he found himself!
a. Jesus came along and gave him permission to stop drifting and ignoring his call – so he follows Jesus and leaves everything behind – the money the power the agony of a meaningless and sinful life. He chooses to get into the current of the Holy Spirit and change the world with Jesus.
b. John Acuff said when we get permission to live – I say especially from Jesus we need to take it and do it!
i. He said:
1. We need permission to quit existing and start living – Jesus is giving you this opportunity today:
a. Jesus gave Matthew the permission to dream – to see what his life could be for God! To serve God like he was called to do!
b. Jesus gave Matthew the permission to plan – this is why he wrote the book of Matthew and was so precise about the life and ministry of Jesus!
c. Jesus gave Matthew the permission to become a doer of the Word and leave his cage of bondage.
i. What is Jesus telling you to do – to step out in faith with?
b. It’s obvious Matthew was set free by Jesus and as a result he always reminded himself where he was – a tax collecting sinner – why so he stayed humble - Matthew in his writing only mentions himself in two instances.
i. (Matthew 9:9) - Jesus uttered only two words ‘Follow Me’ and it was enough for Matthew to follow Jesus.
1. I really believe when Jesus looked at Levi and called him, he saw his opportunity to walk away from the lie he was living and be set free!
a. He was looking for a way out, but he could not see any way out until Jesus called him.
b. It could be that he must have read in the scriptures about the Messiah and heard about Jesus’ miracles. So, when Jesus fixed his gaze on him, he must have sensed the divine power and authority like never before that caused him to immediately obey and follow Jesus.
c. Luke in (Luke 5:28) records that Matthew left everything and followed Jesus ---though Matthew in his own writings never mentions that he left everything to follow Jesus. This speaks about his modest behavior and following Jesus has a greater significance than just obeying or listening to his teachings.
2. The lie over Matthew’s life was broken – by the Words of Jesus! And by his prompt response to Jesus!
a. Jesus reminded Matthew who He was!
i. Question: Do you know who you are?
1. Robby states, “I am not talking about what you have done, because that is not who you are. I am not talking about your circumstances, either, or what people say about you. I am not even talking about the scars that have been inflicted upon you or the traumas you have endured. These things may have nothing at all to do with your real identity. The truth is, we have all had times when we have fallen down or slipped up.”
2. What we need to hear today is Jesus saying right to you “Follow Me!”
a. Come out of the dark – come out of the shame! Come out of the bondage! This is not who you are!
ii. We need to be reminded of what God says about us and our identity!
1. Romans 8:1
2. Romans 8:37
3. Ephesians 1:4-8
4. Colossians 1:13-14
5. 2 Corinthians 5:17
6. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
7. 1 John 3:1
a. All these passages of Scripture communicate to us in God’s Word who we are and what Jesus has returned to us!
b. The question is “Do you believe them – can you hear the voice of God?”
III. He invited his friends to meet Jesus – to dine with him – Jesus loved it the Pharisees hated it!
a. As I have studied the disciples it amazes me how they made sure they introduced their work mates and friends to Jesus once they have discovered him!
b. Matthew had a party and Jesus was the center of the party:
i. The dinner for the lost with Jesus is spoke of in (Matthew 9:10).
1. A great feast was organized so that many other tax collectors could hear about Jesus.
2. In Luke’s account (Luke 5:29) it is clear that they all gathered in Matthew’s house.
a. This explains about the zeal that Matthew had to lead his fellow sinners to the forgiving disposition of the Master.
i. He was free from the lie and he knew who he was again!
ii. He knew his identity – His God given identity!
ii. Robby Dawkins states, “No, there is no earning or deserving. There is only receiving, accepting, and living in light of what has been given. This is the truth that replaces all lies! (page 40, Identity Thief).
1. (Matthew 10:3)- In the list comprising the names of the disciples, Matthew was not hesitant to identify himself as the tax-collector or in other words to be called as Matthew – the sinner. Also, on the list, his name is listed 8th in the order which silently speaks of his humility and the desire to remain in obscurity. He does not wish to call attention to himself other than identifying himself as a tax-collector.
c. The name Matthew means – gift of the Lord. In Mark 2:14 and also in Luke’s account, he was called Levi. The name Levi means – to cling or join.
i. True to his name, he led many to be joined or be united with Jesus explaining that the love of Jesus extended even to them.
Conclusion:
What do we need to know from the life of Matthew?
God calls sinners to follow him, even those being considered the worst of sinners. He also is the one who gives us our identity, but the Devil is seeking to steal away your God given identity. When Jesus calls, we need to respond!
Matthew focused on the details of Jesus and his ministry – I believe we should do the same.
Matthew said yes immediately!
Matthew invited his friends and workers to dinner to meet Jesus! Why so they too could be set free and find their God given identity!
Why do we need to know this truth?
God loves everybody – He seeks out the worst sinners because they need to be healed and set free – He came for people such as this. People such as us!
Jimmy Swaggert quotes the week before he died: “I was not perfect but I was forgiven!”
We have all been given a God designed identity unique to us – God wants us to live out what He designed us for! It’s only when we do this do we find freedom and happiness in this life. We need to be aware that the enemy of our soul is the enemy of our identity, (Out God given identity – not what the world has forced us into) and we need to guard who we are in Jesus. The Bible tells us who we are – what our identity is in Jesus!
When Jesus calls us, we need to respond – it’s the best invitation in the world! We need to leave behind all the worldly stuff because this will not bring happiness and fulfillment to life.
When God calls us we need to respond immediately!
Once we find Jesus we need to invite others to meet him too!
What do we need to do?
God calls all of us to a specific ministry and calling. All of us!
We need to invite everyone of our lost friends to meet Jesus!
We need to learn our identity in Jesus! We need to ask for wisdom and guidance in living our life for the Kingdom. We need to resist the lies of the enemy and know the lies of the enemy! We need to know who we are!
Why do we need to do what Matthew did?
We will never regret it! Matthew did not!
We will find our purpose and call for our life!
We will know who God created us to be!
How to help them remember?
Have Josh say he is me! Before the sermon!
