Messengers of the GospelSýnishorn

The Calling of Matthew

When it came to choosing followers, Jesus selected a number of people who made sense. Most invitees were regular, hard-working, upright Jewish men who were accepted in their community. But then there was Matthew. He was perhaps the most unlikely disciple of all.

Although a Jew, Matthew had defected to the dark side and become a tax collector— a collaborator with the hated Roman regime who antagonized his Jewish brethren. He had long been ostracized from his community. He was a misfit at best.

Matthew’s entry into Jesus’ inner circle is described in three of the Gospels. Jesus used a fairly standard invitation that had been extended to the other potential disciples. As Jesus was leaving an area where He had cast out demons and healed many, 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 9:9 NIV).

However, what happened next is striking. We are told that “while Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples.” (Matthew 9:10 NIV). This activity alarmed and outraged the Pharisees. They could not understand why a Jewish religious teacher would not only associate or speak with outcasts and sinners, but would actually go to their homes and eat dinner with them!

Jesus responded to their outrage by saying, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. … I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12, 13b NIV). In this way, Jesus made it clear that His ministry extended not only to those who went to the Temple and followed the law of Moses but also to those who had strayed or turned their back on God.

The invitation “follow me” changed Matthew’s life forever.

Matthew’s behavior is also noteworthy. When Jesus called, he responded. He got up and left everything behind. The opportunity to follow Jesus was worth more than anything else in the world. It was an opportunity that he would not keep to himself. In the very next verse, Matthew hosted a dinner for Jesus, and many other tax collectors and “sinners” got to meet Jesus face to face. Imagine Matthew’s excitement and joy as each one of these old acquaintances also had the chance to meet Jesus face to face. Matthew was called while at work IN the tax booth and became a messenger of the Gospel immediately after responding to Jesus by inviting others to come and see Jesus. At that time, he had no training or preparation. He simply created a setting for the people around him to encounter the authentic Jesus.

Do you ever feel unworthy of the call of Jesus?

Do you feel unprepared to introduce others to Jesus?

Learn from Matthew's story. Don’t let shame or fear hold you back. It’s not about you; it's about what Jesus has done for you! Respond boldly to Jesus' call and don’t wait to share the good news with others.

We have received His grace and mercy and can share that good news with those around us so that they, too, can experience His love, acceptance, and salvation.

So, what are you waiting for?

Reflection:

Why do you think the other tax collectors were comfortable meeting Jesus at Matthew’s house?

Are there people who would come to your home, but are not comfortable stepping inside a church?