More Like Jesus with Len Wilson

The Deplorables | Mark 2:15-16

Levi has just left his tax booth to follow Jesus. But before he disappears into his new life, he throws a dinner party. Outside, watching through the windows, the Pharisees are scandalized. “Why does he eat with them?” When I was younger, I often heard this story preached a certain way, which was essentially: “Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners, so we should hang out with them too.” The message sounded compassionate. But something about it always bothered me. It felt smug. The problem with that interpretation is that it puts us on the wrong side of the table. Get full access to More Like Jesus by Len Wilson at lenwilson.substack.com/subscribe [https://lenwilson.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

As He Walked Along | Mark 2:14

“Dad! We’re stuck!” We’d just walked out of the restaurant, and my son had climbed into the cab and started the truck to continue our road trip. But when he turned the engine over, he ran into a problem: the transmission wouldn’t shift out of park. Fortunately, my wife was about 20 minutes behind us in her minivan, so we weren’t stranded for long. I called our insurance company to arrange for a tow truck, and when my wife arrived, we were back on our way. Problem solved—or so I thought. Get full access to More Like Jesus by Len Wilson at lenwilson.substack.com/subscribe [https://lenwilson.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

In the Crowd | Mark 2:13

Jesus knew how to draw a crowd. His ability to draw a crowd has never changed. Lots of people elbow their way through the “crowd” lane, curious about what Jesus will do next. Very few travel in the “disciple” lane, close enough to hear his private explanations and committed enough to leave everything behind. I’ve been in both groups at different times in my life. Get full access to More Like Jesus by Len Wilson at lenwilson.substack.com/subscribe [https://lenwilson.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

I Don’t Belong | Mark 2:13-17

The gentle waves of the Sea of Galilee shimmer in the morning light. Fishermen clean their boats and mend their nets. Jesus walks along the shore, where the town’s economy hums. He passes a customs booth, one of many stationed along the roads and docks. A man named Levi sits inside. His job: collect fees from merchants, fishermen, and travelers. Whereas the fishermen farm the waters, Levi farms taxes. Everyone knows what tax collectors are. Parasites. Roman collaborators. Traitors who grow rich on their neighbors’ work. Jesus stops, looks at Levi, and says two words. “Follow me.” Levi puts down his stylus, stands up, and walks out of his booth—and all of the income it represents. Get full access to More Like Jesus by Len Wilson at lenwilson.substack.com/subscribe [https://lenwilson.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Lie That Christianity is for “Good” People

When you’re an outsider, you scan for signals. The way people dress. The cultural references they make. The things they say or don’t say to a newcomer. Whether anyone makes eye contact with you. The real question underneath it all is: Do I belong? When Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, the first thing everyone notices is what he is, not who he is. Everyone knows what tax collectors are. Parasites. Roman collaborators. Traitors who grew rich off their neighbors’ backs. Levi is not someone you associate with. The Pharisees are scandalized. Why does he eat with them? Their feelings were clear: he does not belong. I know what that feels like. Get full access to More Like Jesus by Len Wilson at lenwilson.substack.com/subscribe [https://lenwilson.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]