“Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. – Matthew 9:9
The story of Matthew in the Bible is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector despised by his own people. However, when Jesus called him to follow him, Matthew immediately obeyed, leaving behind his life of sin and immersing himself in the teachings of Christ. Through this encounter, Matthew’s life was forever changed, leading him to become one of the twelve disciples and eventually a gospel writer.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10
In the gospel of Matthew, we see the story of a man who was lost but was found by Jesus. As a tax collector, Matthew was seen as a traitor and a sinner, yet Jesus saw beyond his flaws and called him to be a disciple. Through his experiences with Jesus, Matthew learned about love, forgiveness, and redemption. His story serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and that through Jesus, we can all find transformation and salvation.
The Early Life and Calling of Matthew
The early life of Matthew is not extensively documented in the Bible. However, we do know that he was a tax collector, known in those times as a publican, before he was called by Jesus to become one of His disciples. Tax collectors were often seen as traitors to the Jewish people because they collected taxes for the Roman government, the occupying power in Israel at that time. Despite this, Jesus reached out to Matthew and called him to follow Him.
1. Matthew the Publican:
– Matthew was a tax collector, considered a sinner by his fellow Jews.
– His occupation made him an outcast in society, despised by many.
Matthew 9:9
“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.”
2. Called by Jesus:
– Jesus saw beyond Matthew’s occupation and public perception, choosing him to be one of His disciples.
– This demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to reach out to those who are considered unworthy by society.
Matthew 9:13
“Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mark 2:17
“And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'”
3. Transformation of Matthew:
– Matthew’s encounter with Jesus led to a transformation in his life.
– He left behind his old life as a tax collector and followed Jesus wholeheartedly.
Matthew 4:19
“And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'”
4. Matthew the Apostle:
– After his calling, Matthew became one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus.
– He accompanied Jesus during His ministry and witnessed His teachings, miracles, and ultimately His crucifixion and resurrection.
Matthew 10:3
“Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;”
5. Matthew the Gospel Writer:
– Matthew went on to write the Gospel that bears his name, where he shared the life and teachings of Jesus with others.
– Through his writing, Matthew continued to fulfill his calling to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In conclusion, serve as a powerful example of Jesus’ transformative love and grace. Despite his past as a tax collector, Jesus saw the potential in Matthew and called him to be a disciple, apostle, and Gospel writer. Matthew’s life reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus’ redemption and that He calls each of us to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Matthew’s Transformation and Redemption Through Jesus
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before he encountered Jesus. Tax collectors were often seen as traitors to their own people as they worked for the Roman government, collecting taxes from the Jewish population. Despite his profession, Jesus called Matthew to be one of His disciples, showing that no one is beyond redemption.
The Call of Matthew
- Jesus saw Matthew sitting at the tax booth and said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. – Matthew 9:9
Matthew’s encounter with Jesus led to a transformation in his life. He left behind his old life as a tax collector and became a follower of Jesus. The love and grace of Jesus transformed Matthew, leading him to a life of redemption and purpose.
Transformation Through Forgiveness
- Jesus said to him, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Mark 2:17
Through Jesus’ forgiveness and acceptance, Matthew found redemption for his past sins. Jesus came to save sinners, offering them a chance for transformation and a new life in Him. Matthew’s encounter with Jesus is a powerful example of God’s grace and mercy for all who seek Him.
Embracing New Identity in Christ
- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Matthew’s transformation through Jesus led him to embrace a new identity in Christ. He went from being a tax collector to a disciple and evangelist, sharing the good news of Jesus with others. Through his obedience to Jesus, Matthew’s life was forever changed.
Living Out Redemption Through Service
- For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45
led him to a life of service and obedience to God. He followed Jesus’ example of serving others and spreading the message of salvation. Through his testimony and actions, Matthew showed the transformative power of Jesus in his life.
Continual Growth and Reflection in Christ
- But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. – 2 Peter 3:18
Matthew’s journey with Jesus was a continual process of growth and reflection. He learned to depend on Christ for strength and guidance, allowing his faith to deepen over time. Through his experiences with Jesus, Matthew’s transformation and redemption were ongoing, illustrating the never-ending grace and love of God.
Matthew’s Role as a Disciple and Gospel Writer
Matthew was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to follow Him during His earthly ministry. Not only was Matthew a devoted follower of Christ, but he also played a significant role as a gospel writer, penning the first book of the New Testament.
The Calling of Matthew
- As a tax collector, Matthew was considered a sinner and an outcast in Jewish society.
- Despite his reputation, Jesus saw potential in Matthew and called him to be one of His disciples.
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Matthew 9:9
– “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.”
Matthew’s Transformation
- After answering Jesus’ call, Matthew’s life was transformed, and he became a devoted follower of Christ.
- Matthew’s encounter with Jesus led him to leave his old life behind and embark on a new journey as a disciple.
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Matthew 9:13
– “Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew the Gospel Writer
- Matthew not only followed Jesus during His ministry but also recorded the teachings and miracles of Jesus in his gospel.
- His gospel emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the long-awaited Messiah.
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Matthew 1:1
– “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
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Matthew 28:19-20
– “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew’s Role in Spreading the Gospel
- As a gospel writer, Matthew played a crucial role in spreading the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
- His gospel continues to impact readers and believers by pointing them to the person and work of Jesus.
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Matthew 24:14
– “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Lessons from Matthew’s Story for Modern Believers
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector who left everything to follow Jesus. His story is one of transformation, redemption, and faith. Here are some valuable lessons that modern believers can learn from Matthew’s story:
1. Respond to the Call
Matthew’s response to Jesus’ call to follow him was immediate and wholehearted. In Matthew 9:9, we read:
Matthew 9:9 (NIV)
“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.”
Modern believers can learn from Matthew’s example to respond to God’s calling without hesitation or reservation.
2. Embrace Transformation
Matthew’s encounter with Jesus led to a radical transformation in his life. He went from being a greedy tax collector to a devoted disciple and apostle. Romans 12:2 reminds us:
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Modern believers can learn from Matthew’s story that encountering Jesus leads to personal transformation and a renewed mind.
3. Extend Grace to Others
After his transformation, Matthew invited Jesus to his house for a meal, where he also welcomed other tax collectors and sinners. This act of grace and inclusion teaches us to extend grace to others, just as Jesus did. In Matthew 9:13, Jesus says:
Matthew 9:13 (NIV)
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Modern believers can learn from Matthew’s example to show grace and mercy to all, regardless of their past or social status.
4. Prioritize Relationship Over Religion
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus prioritizing relationship over religious traditions and laws. Matthew’s story reflects this emphasis on relationship, as Jesus chose to dine with tax collectors and sinners, disregarding societal expectations. In Matthew 12:7, Jesus says:
Matthew 12:7 (NIV)
“If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.”
Modern believers can learn from Matthew’s story to prioritize authentic relationships with God and others over religious practices or legalism.
5. Trust in God’s Plan
Matthew’s decision to follow Jesus may have seemed risky or illogical to others, but he trusted in God’s plan for his life. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Modern believers can learn from Matthew’s faith to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems counterintuitive or challenging.
As we delve into the story of Matthew in the Bible, we uncover a tale of redemption, faith, and ultimate transformation. From tax collector to disciple, Matthew’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God’s grace and love. May his story inspire us to seek truth, embrace change, and walk the path of righteousness with unwavering faith. So let us continue to reflect on the lessons learned from Matthew’s life and strive to live by his example, trusting in the divine guidance that leads us towards salvation.