In the bustling city of Capernaum, Jesus was teaching by the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd had gathered to hear His words, and among them was a man named Matthew. Matthew was a tax collector, a job that made him unpopular with many people because of the high taxes he collected for the Roman Empire.
Jesus Sees Matthew's Heart
Jesus, however, saw more than just Matthew's job. He saw the potential in Matthew's heart. As Jesus looked around, He saw Matthew sitting at his tax booth and said, "Follow me." It was a simple invitation, but it held a world of meaning. Jesus was not just inviting Matthew to follow Him physically, but also to leave his old life behind and become a new creation in Him.
Matthew's Response
Matthew, surprised and perhaps a bit overwhelmed, got up and followed Jesus. He didn't hesitate or ask questions. He simply left everything behind - his job, his money, his old life - and followed Jesus. This act of obedience showed his faith and trust in Jesus. It was a turning point in Matthew's life, and it all started with a simple call.
Jesus Eats with Sinners
Jesus and His new disciple went to Matthew's house, where Jesus ate with Matthew and his friends. These were not the kind of people that the religious leaders of the time would have associated with. They were tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts. But Jesus saw them differently. He saw them as people who needed love, forgiveness, and a new beginning.
Why Did Jesus Do This?
Jesus' actions were a stark contrast to the religious leaders of the time. They believed in keeping themselves pure by avoiding "sinners." But Jesus, as the Son of God, came to save sinners, not to avoid them. He came to bring hope, healing, and a new life to those who were lost and broken.
Jesus' Teachings on Tax Collectors
When the Pharisees saw Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners, they asked His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" Jesus overheard them and said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." (Matthew 9:12-13, NLT)
Jesus' Example for Us
Jesus' example teaches us that we should not avoid people who are different from us or who have made mistakes. Instead, we should love them, pray for them, and share the good news of Jesus with them. We should be like Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
Matthew's New Life
Matthew's life took a dramatic turn after he met Jesus. He became one of Jesus' twelve disciples and wrote the first Gospel in the New Testament, which is known as the Gospel of Matthew. He used his knowledge of tax laws and his understanding of the Jewish Scriptures to write about Jesus, showing that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah.
Matthew's Legacy
Matthew's legacy is a reminder that Jesus can call anyone, no matter who they are or what they've done. He can transform their lives and use them for His glory. Matthew's story is a testament to the power of Jesus' call and the potential for transformation in our own lives.
So, the next time you hear Jesus calling your name, remember Matthew. Remember that Jesus sees the potential in your heart, and He wants to transform your life. All you need to do is follow Him.
