Jesus Is Our "Light of the World"નમૂનો

Jesus Forgives and Changes Me

Jesus transforms lives—no matter where a person is or what they have done. Today, we look at the life of a tax collector named Levi, who became known as Matthew. In his role as a tax collector, Matthew was despised because he was working with Rome and often cheating his own people.

One day, as Jesus passed by Matthew’s tax booth, He simply said, “Follow me.” Jesus saw Matthew not as a sinner to be condemned, but as a person in need of forgiveness and a new purpose. Without hesitation, Matthew left everything to follow Jesus.

As we see in the Bible, Matthew was so filled with gratitude and excitement, he hosted a party at his home for his friends. In Matthew 9, we see angry religious leaders wondering, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Through Jesus’ words and actions, Matthew learned redemption isn’t reserved for people who are “good enough”—it’s for all of us who know we need Jesus as our Savior. Matthew, the former tax collector, became a devoted disciple of Jesus and is the author of one of the four Gospels. Jesus not only forgave Matthew, but He also gave him a new identity and mission.

This story reminds us that Jesus …

• Sees us
• Invites us to follow Him
• Changes us
• Offers us a new purpose

“Follow me.” Will you respond to Jesus’ invitation today?

Reflection Questions

• Have you ever said YES when Jesus says, “Follow me”? If not, are you ready today?
• When Matthew said yes, his life changed forever. What do you think Jesus would like to see changed in you?
• Who do you know who needs to hear Jesus’ invitation to “follow me”?