Mark Series Part 9 Barro, Mark 2:13-17, The Call of Levi

Mark 2 v 13-17 ‘The Calling of Levi; Jesus Recruits an Outcast.’
This week, Ste[hen ‘Barro’ Barrington comments on the story where Jesus goes against the usual tradition how a Jewish religious leader would recruit a would be follower or disciple. Far from taking the pick of the bunch, Jesus once again moves to the margins of society and chooses a most unlikely candidate to share the road - and meals with.
In today’s reading, Jesus is on the move and calls a guy called Levi to become a follower of his. Levi is a tax collector - a Jew working for the occupying Roman authorities - and this gives the local community multiple reasons to keep him at a distance, but not Jesus. In a familiar pattern, Jesus moves towards those kept at a distance by the majority, and in an act of grace finds room for them in his travelling band of disciples.
Barro lays down the challenge for all who would claim to be keeping Jesus central to their life and faith.
Do we get caught in the trap like some of Jesus’ critics within the religious establishment of the day, of being more concerned about our reputation and get caught up in legalism becoming quick to draw a dividing line between who’s in and who’s out - or, do we take the example of Jesus and move towards people bringing dignity, wholeness and an alternative way of living and loving.
Stephen Barrington is Vice-President of God’s Squad Melbourne Chapter.
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You can read the relevant bible passage, Mark 2:13-17 online at:
www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+2%3A13-17&version=NIV;MSG
You can also subscribe to this series playlist on KZbin here: kzbin.info/aero/PL17ig7Gb4cmCknxZs7IVgFlJgIPREKISf&si=IrQfzXaoSovNUIr7 and also find 150+ additional bible reflections and stories, from various God’s Squad members around the world.

[@darryljohn9204]

Great word Barro, loving this series. D.J.

[@kenwilliams3481]

Thank you Barro ,God Squad are great Disciples of Jesus Christ Mathew 25:31-40 (I was hungry, thirsty & sick, you fed me, gave me a drink and looked after me) Luke 10:25-37 The Good Samaritan principle We need to rescue both People and Animals that are suffering because this is The Lord's Will

[@kenwilliams3481]

Muchas Gracias Barro, God Squad son grandes Disipulos del Senor Jesucristo. San Mateo 25 31-40 ( Tenia Hambre, sediento y enfermo, me diste de beber y me cuidaste) San Lucas 10:25-37 El principio del Buen Samaritano. Necesitamos rescatar tanto a las Personas Como a los Animales que estan sufriendo porque esta es la Voluntad del Senor Jesucristo