Why Did Jesus Change Levi to Matthew
Today we will talk about why did Jesus change Levi to Matthew. Many Christians do not know what this means. This transformation from Levi, a tax collector, to Matthew, the disciple, speaks volumes about God’s ability to change lives. You see, in the eyes of society, Levi was often viewed with disdain, but Jesus saw potential and a new identity in him. This discussion is not just about a name change; it’s about how Jesus looks at us and sees who we can become rather than who we were. As we read further, let’s keep our hearts open to the lessons God wants to teach us through His Word.
The Significance of Names in Hebrew Culture
In ancient Hebrew culture, names held great significance. They were more than just labels; they spoke to the identity and destiny of a person. The name “Levi” means “attached” or “joined,” coming from the Hebrew word “לֵוִי” (Levi). It hints at a desire to be connected, to belong. On the other hand, “Matthew,” derived from the Hebrew “Mattityahu,” means “gift of Yahweh.” This name change signals a transformation from a life of detachment—maybe even one that felt separated from God’s love, to one that emphasizes belonging and the realization that anyone can be a gift used for God’s glory.
When we read Matthew 9:9, we see Jesus calling Levi to follow Him. “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.” The Greek word for “follow” here is “akoloutheō,” which implies a commitment to walk in the same way or to accompany someone with a purpose. Therefore, when Jesus changed Levi’s name to Matthew, it wasn’t just an act of redefining; it also marked the beginning of a new destined path, one filled with purpose and fulfillment meant to reflect God’s love and grace.
This transformation reflects the core Christian belief that God can take ordinary individuals and turn them into something extraordinary. We see many figures in Scripture who underwent name changes or were called to new identities, underscoring that, through faith, we can all redefine our lives. For example, Abram became Abraham, meaning “father of many” (Genesis 17:5), as God promised to make a great nation from him. Similarly, Simon was renamed Peter, indicating the rock upon which Jesus would build His Church (Matthew 16:18).
The Life of Levi before Following Jesus
Before his encounter with Jesus, Levi was a tax collector, a profession often viewed unfavorably during biblical times. Tax collectors were seen as cheats and traitors, working for the oppressive Roman regime. They collected taxes from their fellow Jews, frequently overcharging them to line their own pockets. This societal rejection likely led Levi to a life of isolation, burdened with shame and guilt.
In Luke 5:27-28, we read how Jesus called Levi to follow Him: “After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.” The immediate response of Levi showcases the transformative power of Jesus’s call. It illustrates how encountering Jesus can lead to radical change.
Moreover, Jesus made a profound statement by calling Levi, demonstrating His mission to reach the lost and marginalized. He did not limit His ministry to the well-regarded members of society. Instead, He sought out those who were viewed as outcasts. As He later declared in Mark 2:17, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus’s acceptance of Levi serves as a reminder that no one is above salvation, and through His grace, anyone can find redemption.
The Change in Identity: From Levi to Matthew
Jesus changing Levi’s name to Matthew signifies a transformation that extends beyond the surface; it reflects a new identity in Christ. Through Scripture, we can see that a name change can signify a new beginning or greater purpose. In Matthew 9:9, as Levi follows Jesus, he embraces his new role despite his past identity. Metaphorically, Levi’s old life comes to an end, making way for something wholly new.
Identity in Christ is a key doctrine in Christianity. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul reminds us that “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This declaration speaks not only to Levi’s personal journey but also to all who choose to follow Jesus. No longer is Levi defined by his past; he is now Matthew, a disciple of Christ and an instrument through whom God would work to spread the Gospel.
This change is crucial as it highlights how Jesus sees beyond our wrongdoings and failures. For instance, in John 1:12-13, we are reminded that “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Just as Matthew was called to discipleship, so too are we invited to leave behind our old selves and embrace a new life in Christ. The transformation does not come from our efforts but through faith in Him who redeems.
The Impact of Matthew’s Life After The Change
After Levi’s transformation to Matthew, he became one of Jesus’s twelve apostles and played a vital role in the early church. His life after receiving a new identity was full of ministry and purpose. The Gospel of Matthew is attributed to him, making it one of the four accounts of Jesus’s life and teachings we have today. His writings bear witness to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the coming of the Kingdom of God, further exemplifying his role in God’s redemptive plan.
Matthew’s mindset after his calling reflects a core aspect of following Jesus: sharing the Good News. In Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them. Matthew took this call seriously, dedicating his life to spreading the Gospel. From being a despised tax collector to a beloved servant of God, his transformation illustrates how one can impact the world through Christ. The irony that Matthew, once reviled, became a vessel of Christ’s love demonstrates God’s incredible grace.
Moreover, Matthew’s life encourages us to remember that we, too, can often have a story of transformation. If God can change Levi the tax collector into Matthew the apostle, then what can He do in our lives? In Romans 8:28, we are assured that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Matthew’s journey encourages us to face our pasts with courage and trust that God has a wonderful purpose for each of us.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on why Jesus changed Levi to Matthew, we recognize that it speaks to the heart of transformation in Christ. The change of identity from Levi to Matthew reminds us that our past does not determine our future. Jesus sees the potential in us, and His desire is for us to become who we were truly meant to be.
Matthew’s story is one of grace, acceptance, and a call to purpose. It emphasizes that transformation is possible for anyone willing to respond to Christ’s invitation. Just as Levi left everything behind to follow Jesus, we, too, can find a new identity when we embrace Him.
As we go from here, let’s remember that our past does not define us. There is hope for all who seek after Jesus, as His grace is sufficient for every need. We can take joy in knowing that with God, we are all part of a bigger story!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4