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As we get closer to Resurrection Day, it remains important to study and meditate on the life of Jesus, including those He called and how they served the Kingdom of Heaven.
Unlike many of the other disciples, Matthew was not an ordinary fisherman or woodworker, but a tax collector. As a tax collector in his day, he was inarguably disliked, perhaps among the most disliked professions. While he was Jewish, like the other disciples, he worked for the Roman system, gathering the dues of the Jewish people.
The Jews at the time, under Roman control, sought freedom from oppression and Roman rule. Hence, it remained even more troubling that they were giving their taxes to a Jewish man employed by their enemy, the Romans.
Many historians speculate that Matthew was one of the eldest disciples, possibly even the eldest. It is conceivable he was older, perhaps even in his 40s, given the nature of his position.
Matthew was naturally gifted, notably in intelligence. He handled money, kept records, and understood tax codes and regulations.
Jesus first mentions Matthew in Luke 5:27–28: “After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.”
Clearly, we learn that Matthew is chosen by God for a different role, soon to minister to mankind.
Matthew 9 tells of Jesus and Matthew sitting together at a meal (Matt. 9:10–11). The Pharisees respond, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Note, tax collectors are categorized in the same sequence as sinners, on purpose. Jewish customs, along with Christian, focus on the need to give to the poor, not take from them. Tax collectors, however, were often seen as corrupt and unclean, which added to their association with sinners. This is a customary teaching that the rich might follow the world more than God.
In response to the Pharisees, Jesus famously says, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matt. 9:12–13).
Matthew is not called out by his profession, yet defended as a sinner. Jesus’ categorization not only implies but teaches that all of the disciples, not just Matthew, are sinners in need of the Savior.
Jesus chose all types of men, some fishermen, some tax collectors, to build His ministry and continue His mission to reach the world for the Gospel.
Like the disciples, Christians today can continue the legacy. It does not matter where you come from, your race, your gender, or your occupation. What matters is that you believe Jesus Christ died for your sins, He rose the third day, conquered death itself, and gives the only hope the world has for eternal salvation.
History tells us that Matthew ministered to the Jews after Jesus’ death, and that even Eusebius wrote that Matthew reached other peoples, including Ethiopians.
Matthew is said to have died a martyr by the sword.
Matthew’s journey reminds us of God’s love and mercy.
Jesus came for sinners and to free the world from the bondage of sin. We are left asking if we will be as brave as Matthew, put away our old selves, and follow Christ.