Matthew’s story is told in Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32
Who is Matthew?
Background
- Occupation: Tax Collector
- Tax collectors were generally despised by Jews for working for the Roman Empire and often being corrupt.
- Family and Origin: Little is known, but he was the son of Alphaeus.
- Identity: One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ
- Also Known As: Levi in the Gospels of Mark and Luke
Conversion
- Matthew’s conversion is dramatic. Jesus simply says, “Follow me,” and he does—leaving behind his tax booth and presumably a good amount of wealth.
Strengths and Accomplishments
Openness to Transformation
- Matthew responds instantly to Jesus’ call, showing his willingness for transformation.
Writings
- Matthew is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical Gospels.
Inclusion and Evangelism
- Hosts a banquet for Jesus, inviting other tax collectors and sinners, thereby opening the door for their transformation as well.
Loyalty
- Follows Jesus throughout his ministry, is present during crucial moments, and witnesses the resurrection.
Weaknesses and Mistakes
Initially Part of a Corrupt System
- As a tax collector, he was initially part of a system that was oppressive to his own people.
A Less Prominent Role
- Not as prominent as Peter, James, or John in the narrative, and doesn’t make any major speeches or perform miracles.
Lessons from His Life
The Power of Transformation
- Matthew’s life shows that no one is beyond redemption.
Openness to Call
- Shows that when you hear a call that resonates with your soul, it’s worth leaving everything behind to follow it.
The Importance of Inclusion
- By inviting others like him to meet Jesus, Matthew practices early evangelism, showing the importance of outreach.
Key Verses (NIV Version)
- Matthew 9:9
- “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.”
- Matthew 10:3
- “Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;”
- Matthew 9:10-11
- “While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?'”