And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said to him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
he saw.
Mark 3:18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
Luke 5:27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.
Alphaeus.
Mark 3:18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
Luke 6:15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
Acts 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
receipt of custom.
Mark 1:17-20 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men…
Matthew 4:19-22 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men…
He saw Levi son of Alphaeus
Levi, also known as Matthew, is identified as the son of Alphaeus. This name is significant as it connects him to a specific family lineage, though not much is known about Alphaeus. Levi's other name, Matthew, is more commonly used in the Gospel of Matthew, where he is listed among the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:3). The dual name may indicate a transformation or new identity in Christ, similar to Simon Peter.
sitting at the tax booth
Tax booths were common in Roman-occupied territories, where tax collectors gathered tolls and taxes. Levi's position as a tax collector would have made him unpopular among the Jewish people, as tax collectors were often seen as collaborators with the Roman authorities and were notorious for extortion. This context highlights the radical nature of Jesus' call, as He reaches out to those marginalized by society.
“Follow Me,” He told him
Jesus' invitation to "Follow Me" is a direct call to discipleship. This command is central to Jesus' ministry, as He calls individuals to leave their former lives and commit to His teachings and mission. The call to follow is not just physical but spiritual, requiring a transformation of heart and priorities. This phrase echoes similar calls to other disciples, such as Peter and Andrew in Matthew 4:19.
and Levi got up and followed Him
Levi's immediate response demonstrates his willingness to leave his lucrative position and social status to follow Jesus. This act of obedience and faith is significant, as it shows the power of Jesus' call and the transformative impact it has on individuals. Levi's decision to follow Jesus is a testament to the compelling nature of Christ's presence and message, paralleling the responses of other disciples who left everything to follow Him (Luke 5:11).
- “As He was walking along” (Mark 2:14) pictures Jesus in motion, moving purposefully through Galilee just after healing the paralytic.
- His life on earth was not static; He continually sought the lost (Mark 1:38; Luke 19:10).
- Every step is directed by the Father (John 5:19), reminding us that ordinary moments—like a simple walk—can become divine appointments.
- Jesus “saw” Levi; the gaze is intentional, not accidental. Just as the Lord saw Hagar in her distress (Genesis 16:13) and Nathanael under the fig tree (John 1:48), He notices people others overlook.
- Levi (also called Matthew, cf. Matthew 9:9) is identified by name and family, underscoring that God’s call comes to real, specific individuals—people with histories, jobs, and families.
- Levi’s workplace was a customs station on the trade route by Capernaum. Tax collectors were despised as collaborators with Rome (Luke 3:12-13; Luke 7:34).
- The setting highlights grace: Jesus does not wait for Levi to abandon his compromised position; He meets him there.
- Our Lord repeatedly reaches into unlikely places—whether a Samaritan well (John 4) or a sycamore tree with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10).
- Two words, a lifetime call. The same summons came to fishermen earlier (Mark 1:17) and will later define discipleship: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself … and follow Me” (Mark 8:34).
- This is not an invitation to admire Jesus from a distance but to walk behind Him, adopting His teachings, priorities, and mission (John 12:26).
- The authority of the command rests in who speaks; the One who forgives sins (Mark 2:10-12) now claims Levi’s allegiance.
- Immediate obedience: “Levi got up” (Mark 2:14). Luke adds that he “left everything behind” (Luke 5:28).
- Rising from the tax booth symbolizes turning from an old identity to a new one in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Quick, decisive responses mark genuine faith: see Andrew and Peter leaving nets (Mark 1:18) and Bartimaeus tossing aside his cloak (Mark 10:50).
- The absence of hesitation contrasts with those who delayed (Luke 9:59-62), reminding us that today is the day of obedience (Hebrews 3:15).
Mark 2:14 shows the Lord of glory walking into ordinary life, seeing an outcast, and calling him with sovereign authority. Levi’s instant response models saving faith: hear Jesus, leave the old life, and follow wherever He leads. The verse proclaims that no one is beyond Christ’s reach and that true discipleship begins the moment we rise to walk after Him.
(14-17) Levi the son of Alphaeus.--See Notes on Matthew 9:9-13. St. Mark and St. Luke agree in giving the name Levi, the former alone describes him as the son of Alphaeus.