About this episode

This episode explores the fear associated with following Jesus' call, as exemplified by Matthew's response to leave his life behind.

Jesus doesn’t call disciples to “Follow their feelings,” nor to “follow culture and the crowd,” nor to “follow their own dreams and desires.” Rather, Jesus summons Matthew and us to “Follow Me.” Jesus’ call can elicit fear in us, as Matthew’s eyes indicate in Caravaggio’s first painting The Calling of St. Matthew. Lord, You’re calling me? (Implied lump in the throat) Did Matthew follow? Did he leave his fears behind? Oh yes, and he held a great banquet to celebrate Jesus’ marvelous grace! Jesus is calling right here, right now? How will we respond to His gracious call? Textual questions to ponder: ​​ 1. Jesus called Levi—whom we know as Matthew—to leave his comfortable and prosperous life as a tax-collector. What is Jesus asking you to leave behind? Why does that bring fear? 2. “Levi got up, left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:28) Why would anyone in their right mind do something like this? 3. What would your life look like if you answered Christ’s call to follow him? What is holding you back?

People in this episode

Host: St. Peter Lutheran Church

Topics covered

• discipleship
• faith
• fear
• grace
• calling

Keywords

• discipleship
• fear
• Jesus
• Matthew
• calling
• grace
• faith

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Calling of St. Matthew

More episodes of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights, Illinois

• Our All-Powerful God · July 20, 2026
• Our All-Knowing God · July 13, 2026
• Freedom to Serve · July 6, 2026
• I Am His Story: Madison · June 30, 2026
• The Fear of Rejection · June 15, 2026

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights, Illinois podcast page.