3.2 Calling Levi and the Question of Fasting
The Calling of Levi and Jesus’ Teaching on Fasting

Read Mark 2:13-22. Who was Levi, the son of Alphaeus, and why were there objections to him becoming a follower of Jesus?

In Mark 2:13-22, we meet Levi, the son of Alphaeus, who is called by Jesus to be one of his disciples. Levi was a tax collector, a profession looked upon with disdain and contempt during Jesus’ time. Tax collectors were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupying power and were often known to exploit their position for personal gain. This explains the strong opposition to Jesus’ decision to eat with Levi and call him to be a follower.

The Pharisees and scribes, who strictly monitored adherence to Jewish laws and purity regulations, were outraged that Jesus would associate with someone like Levi. Their question, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” reflects their belief that a devout Jew should avoid contact with such individuals to remain pure.

Jesus’ response to this question is profoundly significant and demonstrates his mission and understanding of grace: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus portrays himself as a spiritual doctor, here to heal those trapped in sin and despair. His presence among tax collectors and sinners is not an endorsement of their actions but an expression of his healing mission.

In the second part of this passage, Mark 2:18-22, the issue of fasting is addressed. The disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees fast regularly, while Jesus’ disciples do not. Jesus uses this opportunity to highlight the difference between his mission and that of the religious leaders. He compares his presence to a wedding, where fasting would be inappropriate. The time for fasting will come when the bridegroom—an allusion to Jesus’ death—is taken away.

Using the images of new cloth on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins, Jesus illustrates the incompatibility of his new teaching with the old traditions and notions of the religious leaders. These parables emphasize that Jesus’ message and the way he proclaims the Kingdom of God are radically new and cannot simply fit into the old, rigid structures of the existing religion.

These passages encourage us to reflect on the radical nature and inclusivity of Jesus’ message. They call us to move beyond rigid religious forms and be open to the transformative power of the Gospel. Jesus shows us that true religion lies not in outward rituals but in the love, grace, and mercy that he embodies and teaches.

The calling of Levi and the subsequent discussion on fasting provide profound insights that can be applied to our daily lives and faith. Here are some connections:

1. Inclusivity and Mercy:

   • Practical Application: Just as Jesus called Levi, a despised tax collector, we should not exclude people in our surroundings based on their past or social status. This challenges us to welcome people with open arms and include them in our community.

   • Compassion and Acceptance: Our daily lives should be marked by compassion and a willingness to give others a second chance. Whether in the workplace, school, or church, we should strive to be welcoming and supportive.

2. Faith that Overcomes Barriers:

   • Taking Initiative: The friends of the paralyzed man and Levi himself showed courage and determination. In our daily lives, we should not shy away from challenges but take bold steps in faith to bring God’s love and healing.

   • Following God’s Call: Be open to how and where God calls you, even if it lies outside your comfort zone or challenges societal norms.

3. Flexibility in Faith:

   • Recognizing New Ways: Jesus compares his presence to a wedding, where fasting would be inappropriate. This reminds us that there are times when we must be flexible and adaptable to respond to God’s guidance.

   • Questioning Traditions: We should be willing to question our religious traditions and practices to ensure they align with the spirit of the Gospel and do not become rigid rituals.

4. Setting Priorities:

   • Living Important Values: Jesus emphasizes that he came to call sinners, not the righteous. In our lives, we should focus on mercy, justice, and love rather than on external religious duties.

   • Authentic Faith: Our faith should be reflected in genuine relationships and actions that embody God’s love and grace.

5. Faith in Community:

   • Strengthening Community: Jesus spent time with Levi and his friends, who were socially ostracized. We should strive to build bridges in our community and integrate people from all walks of life.

   • Shared Celebrations and Mournings: Recognize the importance of community times, whether in joy or sorrow. Support each other in different life phases and be present in each other’s lives.

6. Signs of the New Covenant:

   • New Life: The parables of new cloth and new wine in old wineskins remind us that our life in faith should continually experience renewal. Be open to God’s renewal in your life and leave behind old, hindering patterns.

   • Openness to Change: Allow God to do new things in your life, and be ready to leave behind old structures and mindsets that no longer fit the true spirit of the Gospel.

By implementing these principles in our daily lives, we can lead a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic faith life that aligns with the values and teachings of Jesus. The story of Levi and the question of fasting encourage us to be flexible, merciful, and open to God’s new ways in our lives.

Let us be flexible and merciful in our faith, welcoming people like Jesus did and questioning traditions to make God’s love and grace visible in our daily lives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-controversies-3-2-calling-levi-and-the-question-of-fasting-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

July 15, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Zechariah Chapter 3

¹ And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

² And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

³ Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

⁴ And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

⁵ And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by.

⁶ And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua, saying,

⁷ Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

⁸ Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch.

⁹ For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

¹⁰ In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

In the fourth vision of the prophet Zechariah, the high priest Joshua stands before the angel of the Lord, while Satan stands at his right side to accuse him. This vision symbolizes the judgment and purification of the people of Israel, represented by Joshua, the high priest.

Verses 1-2: Accusation and Defense
Joshua stands before the angel of the Lord in filthy clothes, representing his sins and those of the people of Israel. Satan is ready to accuse Joshua. However, the Lord rebukes Satan and declares that Joshua is like a burning stick snatched from the fire. This illustrates God’s grace and salvation for Israel despite their impurity and sins.

Verses 3-5: Cleansing and Clothing
Joshua is freed from his filthy clothes and dressed in festive garments. This symbolizes the removal of sin and the restoration of righteousness. The angel of the Lord commands that a clean turban be placed on Joshua’s head, highlighting his new position and purity. This act illustrates the complete cleansing and restoration through God’s grace.

Verses 6-7: Admonition and Promise
The angel of the Lord admonishes Joshua to walk in God’s ways and perform his duties faithfully. As a reward, Joshua will be given charge over God’s house and courts, and he will have the privilege of walking among the angels. This shows that obedience and faithfulness lead to an elevated position and closer fellowship with God.

Verses 8-10: Prophetic Promise
Joshua and his fellow priests are described as signs and portents for the coming “Branch” (Zemach), a messianic figure. The stone with seven eyes symbolizes God’s all-encompassing watchfulness and providence. God promises to remove the sin of the land in a single day, foreshadowing the future work of the Messiah, who will take away the sins of the world through his sacrifice.

The conclusion of the vision in verse 10 describes a time of peace and fellowship, where each person will invite their neighbor to sit under their vine and fig tree. This is a picture of security, prosperity, and divine blessing expected in the messianic era.

Summary
This vision emphasizes themes of judgment, cleansing, obedience, and messianic hope. It highlights God’s mercy in purifying His people and the promise of a future savior who will ultimately remove sin and bring a time of peace and blessing. Joshua’s renewal and the promises given to him serve as encouragement for Israel to walk in God’s ways and trust in the coming salvation.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 47: Ministry

This chapter is based on Matthew 17:9-21; Mark 9:9-29; Luke 9:37-45.

Read online here

Commentary

Jesus had spent the whole night with his disciples on the mountain. As morning broke, they descended into the plain. The disciples were silently reverent, deeply impressed by the events of the night. The place where they had experienced the heavenly light and Jesus’ glory seemed holy to them. But down below, the people were waiting for them, longing for Jesus.

At the foot of the mountain, a crowd had gathered around the disciples who had stayed behind. No one knew where Jesus was. As he approached, he commanded the disciples to remain silent about what had happened until he had risen from the dead. They were to keep this revelation in their hearts to avoid the ridicule and contempt of the people. Even the other disciples were to learn of it later, as they could not yet understand the event.

When Jesus appeared, many ran joyfully to him, but he immediately noticed the embarrassment and unease in the crowd. His disciples were also downcast. During his absence, a father had brought his son, plagued by an evil spirit, to them, but the disciples had been unable to heal him. Although Jesus had given them power over unclean spirits, they had failed this time, which gave the scribes a reason to mock and portray them as frauds. The mood in the crowd turned against the disciples.

When Jesus appeared, the situation changed abruptly. His presence brought calm and reverence. He went directly to the possessed boy and asked what the people were arguing about. The boy’s father recounted his futile efforts to find help. Jesus, saddened by the unbelief, commanded that the boy be brought to him.

As the boy was brought before Jesus, the spirit threw him to the ground. At that moment, the Lord of life and the prince of darkness faced each other once again. Jesus allowed the evil spirit to show its power to make the subsequent deliverance all the more evident. The father, desperate over his son’s suffering, pleaded with Jesus for help and was reminded of his doubts. Jesus explained that everything is possible for one who believes. The father exclaimed, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

With a command, Jesus drove out the spirit. The boy, initially motionless, was grasped by Jesus and lifted up. He was completely healed, and father and son praised God. The crowd was amazed and reverent, while the scribes withdrew in shame.

Jesus’ power was not limited, and he demonstrated that faith makes all things possible. Faith connects us with heaven and gives us the strength to overcome the powers of darkness. The disciples had failed because their faith was weak. Their doubts and jealousies had left them unprepared. Jesus explained to them that this kind of spirit could only be driven out by prayer and fasting. They needed to strengthen their faith and place their trust in God.

The mustard seed, small and insignificant, holds the potential for great growth. So it is with faith. If we nurture and cultivate our faith, it will grow and fill us with heavenly power. Nothing will be impossible for the one who believes.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 48: Who Is the Greatest?

This chapter is based on Matthew 17:22-27; Matthew 18:1-20; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:46-48.

Read online here

Commentary

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, he did not visit the well-known places but withdrew with his disciples into a house. His goal was to instruct his disciples rather than minister to the masses.

During their journey through Galilee, Jesus had tried to prepare his disciples for the upcoming events. He spoke again of his death and resurrection and added that he would be betrayed. The disciples did not understand him and were more concerned with arguments about who would be the greatest in the coming kingdom. They tried to hide these discussions from Jesus.

After they reached Capernaum, the tax collector asked Peter if Jesus paid the temple tax. This tax was an annual payment for the upkeep of the temple. Eager to defend his master’s honor, Peter answered without consulting Jesus that he would pay the tax.

Jesus used this opportunity to teach Peter and the other disciples. He asked Peter whether the kings of the earth collected taxes from their own children or from strangers. Peter replied, “From strangers.” Jesus then explained that the children are exempt. This meant that as the Son of God, Jesus was not obligated to pay the temple tax. Nevertheless, he instructed Peter to obtain the amount through a miracle to avoid causing offense.

Shortly after their arrival in Capernaum, Jesus asked the disciples what they had been discussing on the way. In light of his presence and question, they remained silent, ashamed, as they had been arguing about their rank. Jesus explained to them that whoever wants to be the greatest must be the last and the servant of all.

To illustrate his teaching, Jesus placed a small child among them and said, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” He emphasized the importance of simplicity, self-forgetfulness, and trusting love.

Jesus pointed out that true greatness does not lie in earthly dignity or display of power. In his kingdom, the rich, the poor, the learned, and the unlearned are united and dependent on him. He explained that a sincere and repentant heart is precious in God’s eyes.

An incident prompted John to ask Jesus if they had acted correctly when they forbade a man from casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus replied that they should not have forbidden him, for no one who performs a miracle in his name can soon afterward speak evil of him. Jesus emphasized the importance of compassion and openness towards all who work in his name.

Jesus also spoke about the serious responsibility of not causing others to sin. He said it was better to mutilate oneself than to commit a sin that could lead to death. He emphasized that every believer has a responsibility towards the weak.

Jesus explained to the disciples the steps to take when a brother sins. They should first rebuke him privately, then with one or two witnesses, and finally involve the congregation if he does not listen. If the sinner refuses all these steps, he should be treated as a Gentile and a tax collector but still with compassion.

Jesus assured the disciples that their actions on earth would have heavenly consequences. He promised his presence and support wherever two or three gather in his name and agree in prayer.

Jesus’ teachings emphasize the importance of humility, compassion, and unity in faith. He showed the disciples that true greatness lies in serving others and in devotion to God’s will. His example and words should inspire them to represent his kingdom on earth through love and selfless service.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/15-07-2024-zechariah-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/