Leave Your Booth Behind | Mark 2:13-14

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are in the Gospel of Mark. Visit the website and purchase the Scripture Journal for this study so that you can follow along with us.

I am giving a shout-out today to Tony Wendt from Neenah, WI. Thank you for being a monthly partner in Project23 and helping us share the Gospel with millions as we work our way through the entire Bible.

Today, we’re looking at Mark 2:13-14:

He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. — Mark 2:13-14

Levi wasn’t looking for Jesus.
He was busy doing what he always did—collecting taxes, padding his pockets, ripping off his own people.
He was despised by people. Rejected by locals. Labeled a traitor. The guy nobody thought Jesus would want, Jesus wanted.

Jesus walks right up to him and says two words that changed everything: "Follow me."

No elaborate speech. No warning to his present posse. No preconditions to the call.
Just a command that cuts through the shame, guilt, and isolation.

And Levi responds. Immediately. He doesn’t overthink it, unlike many others. He doesn’t argue with a man he doesn't even know. He just gets up and goes.

That’s what happens when Jesus calls.
He sees beyond your past. He sees beyond your reputation.
He calls you to leave your booth behind—whatever old life you’ve been sitting in—and walk into a brand-new identity.

If you’re wondering whether Jesus could ever want someone like you, remember Levi.
You’re exactly the kind of person Jesus came to call.

So, what booth are you still sitting in today?
It’s time to leave it behind, get up, and follow Jesus.

#FollowMe, #NewIdentity, #Project23

ASK THIS:
What old identity have you been clinging to that Jesus is calling you to leave behind?
How would you respond if Jesus said "Follow me" to you right now?
What fears keep you seated instead of standing up to follow?
Who in your life needs to hear that Jesus calls outsiders like Levi?
DO THIS:
Identify one “booth” you’re stuck at—some place where shame, fear, or comfort is keeping you seated. Stand up. Take one step today toward following Jesus more fully.

PRAY THIS:
Jesus, thank you for seeing me when others overlook me. Give me the courage to leave behind anything that holds me back from following you. Amen

PLAY THIS:
I Thank God.