36. Matthew

Explore

The calling and life of Matthew (aka Levi) is a really exciting one, as this is a guy who society would never have expected to see change, his life was too dirty, too messy for any sort of salvation. 

But, the invitation he found from Jesus literally transformed his life.

Idea 1: Scum bags It is important to not quickly skip past the fact that Jesus was even willing to associate with this type of fella. So often we fall into our cliques and groups that sit well with our lifestyle, education, background, postcode, whatever. Jesus didn’t work that way, I have heard it said that when we draw a line, Jesus stands on the opposite side of it each time. 

Jesus held the friendship and company of the scum bags, the people in society riddled with illness, infection, corruption, deceit, scandal and lies. He chose to be with them, not forced or trapped, Jesus wanted to take the good news to them, and he did. 

What does this look like for you? Your church? Your men’s group? Are you a person looking to find friendship and be identified with those in society who are thrust up against the ugliest bit of it? 

Idea 2: Eat with me Stop and think about Levi for a moment, he didn’t follow Jesus because he had some moment of introspection seeing Jesus die on the cross. He didn’t follow Jesus off the back of some mega miracle, or read because of his theology of the Old Testament, he followed Jesus because Jesus ate with him, was willing to say ‘Levi, you are ok.’

Jesus saw the mess and sin in his life, called it out, sure, but he also allowed himself to be with Levi, and in doing so accepted him. 

Does this work in any situations you are in? At work, at home? 

Idea 3: Where is your toll booth? Levi worked at the Roman toll booth, it was his thing, his place of greed, lies and deception but I think we can all have our toll booths. Maybe it is a secret sin, a greed that won’t fade or a selfishness that fills your heart with pride and ego.

Where is your toll booth? Perhaps Jesus is looking to call you from it, like he did Levi.

Action

Pray over some of this stuff, explore it with honesty and see if this resonates in your life and needs some sorting out. Remember Levi simply said yes to Jesus, you can too.