Jesus’ ministry begins with a simple invitation: “Come with me.” He calls out to four fishermen—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—and without hesitation, they drop everything to follow Him. At first glance, it seems easy. Who wouldn’t want to walk alongside the Messiah, witnessing miracles and hearing life-changing truths?
But they soon discover that following Jesus is about more than proximity. It’s about transformation.
Levi’s Story: An Unlikely Invitation
In Luke 5:27-32, Jesus extends that same invitation to someone no one expected: Levi, a tax collector. In those days, tax collectors were considered traitors—lumped together with thieves and prostitutes. Yet, when Jesus says, “Come with me,” Levi doesn’t pause. He leaves everything behind—his job, his status, his old life—and follows.
But the story doesn’t end there. Levi’s response overflows into action. He hosts a feast, inviting everyone, including those society had written off. His new life in Christ immediately bears fruit, and that fruit looks like radical hospitality, joy, and inclusion.
What Does “Come With Me” Really Mean?
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of faith’s early moments—the joy of forgiveness, the thrill of discovering purpose. But like Levi and the first disciples, we eventually realize that following Jesus asks more of us than enthusiasm. It asks for daily renewal.
Martin Luther once said that “the Christian life is one of constant repentance.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it even more bluntly: “When Christ calls a person, he bids him come and die.”
Die to what? To ego. To selfishness. To comfort. Every day, Jesus calls us to turn from the old and rise into something new.
Throw Parties for Jesus
Levi’s new life didn’t stay private. It spilled out into the world around him. His first instinct was to gather people—especially the outcasts—and celebrate.
So, here’s the challenge: Throw parties for Jesus.
It doesn’t have to be a literal feast (though it could be!). It’s about creating spaces of welcome, joy, and connection.
Invite that neighbor who always seems a little lonely.
Host a dinner and intentionally encourage real conversation.
Celebrate someone’s win, no matter how small.
Be generous—with your time, your resources, and even your finances. Support your church, give to charity, and help those in need.
Show kindness and love in ways that draw people closer to Jesus.
Following Jesus was never meant to be a quiet, solitary journey. It’s a call to come with, to walk together, to throw wide the doors, and share the feast of grace.
Jesus is still calling: “Come with me.” Will you go? And when you do—what kind of party will you throw?