The Meaning

The name “Levi” originated in the Bible when Jacob’s wife Leah bore him a third son. She named him Levi, which sounds like the Hebrew word for “attached,” as she hoped to be united with her husband who favored her sister Rachael. Levi and his descendants became the tribe of Israel that is distinct from the others; this tribe uniquely glorifies God by taking on several spiritual leadership roles including music. They would unite the people in harmony and lead the people in worship of the almighty God.

One likely descendant of the original Levi was a man given the Greek name Matthew, though his Hebrew name in the Gospel according to Mark is in fact Levi. He was a tax collector for the Roman empire which ruled over Israel in the early New Testament time. Taking up such a job was a highly traitorous act in the eyes of the Jews since his career gained for him a wealthy lifestyle through overcharging his own people for an enemy nation. As a result, this Levi probably faced a lot of rejection from his people and even his own family.

Then one day, a Rabbi named Jesus of Nazareth did the unthinkable: he called Levi the tax collector to be one of his disciples! Perhaps seeing a glimpse of acceptance for the first time, he quit his lucrative job on the spot and left his tax booth unmanned to follow Jesus.

Then Levi hosted Jesus at a dinner party along with “many tax collectors and sinners” (Mark 2:15 ESV). This would be like a gathering of drug addicts and criminals. Jesus was undaunted and had no problem accepting Levi, even when the religious leaders came to shame Him for associating with such people. Jesus said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (v.17).

Levi Square is like that gathering. We’ve all been rejected; we’ve all been ashamed of ourselves; we’ve all thought we were unloved. Even still, there is One who sees us. He sees our rejection and leads us to a family where we will be loved. He sees our brokenness and invites us to be healed. He sees our worst mistakes and restores our purity of heart. In Levi Square, we gather in harmony and use our unique talents to bring glory to God.