In the modern church era of everyone being welcome and being able to hide anonymously in a big crowd, this one doesn't jump off the page as radically inclusive.
But in the 1st century, when tax collectors were absolutely reviled, it's a pretty big scandal for Jesus to call one as a disciple. Tax collectors were typically Jews who opted to work for Rome, which meant they were seen as traitors working for the invading superpower. Not only that, but they also had the backing of the Roman army which meant they could collect as much as they wanted, even if it was far above what was actually owed -- as long as Rome got paid the proper amount, they turned a blind eye to corruption, so most tax collectors took a little (or a lot) extra for themselves.
But Jesus loved Levi, so he invited him to come and follow.
He loves each of us, no matter what, with a love so pure and so intense that it will stop at nothing to reach you.
Let yourself be loved by the author and creator of the universe.
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