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Matthew (Levi): The Tax Collector Turned Apostle
Matthew (Levi): The Tax Collector Turned Apostle
Among the twelve chosen disciples of Jesus Christ, few had a more dramatic and public transformation than Matthew, also known as Levi. His calling from a despised profession to the intimate circle of the Son of God stands as a profound testament to the boundless grace and inclusive love of the Lord. Matthew was a publican, a tax collector, a profession that rendered him an outcast in Jewish society. Publicans were notorious for their extortion, their collaboration with the Roman occupiers, and their perceived betrayal of their own people. Yet, it was precisely such a man that Jesus called to follow Him, demonstrating that no past sin or societal stigma is too great for God's redemptive power.
The Radical Call of Levi
The Gospels record this pivotal moment with striking brevity, highlighting the immediate and profound impact of Jesus' words. Matthew, in his own Gospel, recounts it simply:
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
Mark and Luke provide additional details, identifying him as Levi, the son of Alphaeus, and emphasizing his prompt obedience.
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
The phrase "he left all, rose up, and followed him" from Luke's account underscores the radical nature of Matthew's decision. He abandoned a lucrative, albeit disreputable, career for an uncertain future with a itinerant preacher. This was not a gradual process but an instantaneous surrender to the Lordship of Christ. His immediate response serves as a powerful example of true discipleship – a willingness to forsake worldly security for the higher calling of God.
The Feast for Jesus: Mercy Over Sacrifice
Matthew's transformation was not kept private. In an act of profound gratitude and perhaps a desire to introduce his former colleagues to his new Master, he hosted a great feast for Jesus. This gathering, attended by "a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them" (Luke 5:29), quickly drew the critical eye of the religious elite.
But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
The Pharisees, self-appointed guardians of Mosaic law, viewed such association as defiling. Their question revealed their spiritual blindness and their conviction that righteousness was found in separation from "sinners." Jesus' response, however, cut to the heart of His mission:
But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
This declaration is a cornerstone of Christian theology. Jesus made it clear that He came not for those who perceived themselves as righteous, but for the spiritually sick and lost. His purpose was to extend mercy, which often supersedes ritualistic adherence. Matthew's home became a powerful illustration of God's grace reaching the marginalized, a place where the King of kings sat with those considered the lowest of society.
Matthew's Discipleship and Apostolic Ministry
Following his calling, Matthew became one of the twelve apostles, a foundational pillar of the early church. His life, once dedicated to collecting earthly tribute for Rome, was now devoted to proclaiming the heavenly kingdom. He witnessed Jesus' miracles, heard His profound teachings, and was privy to the intimate moments shared among the disciples. His transformation from a symbol of oppression to a messenger of salvation was a living testimony to the power of Christ.
As an apostle, Matthew would have played a crucial role in spreading the Gospel after Jesus' ascension. Though specific details of his post-Pentecost ministry are scarce in the biblical record, tradition holds that he preached extensively, particularly to the Jews, before venturing into other regions. His former meticulousness as a tax collector, a man accustomed to keeping records and accounts, would have been a valuable asset in his new role as a chronicler of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel According to Matthew
Matthew's enduring legacy is undoubtedly the Gospel that bears his name. This divinely inspired account of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is strategically placed as the first book in the New Testament, serving as a bridge between the Old and New Covenants. Matthew's Gospel is distinct in several ways:
- Target Audience: Primarily written for a Jewish audience, it frequently emphasizes Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Phrases like "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet" appear repeatedly throughout the book.
- Jesus as Messiah: Matthew meticulously presents Jesus as the long-awaited King of Israel, the Son of David, and the promised Messiah. He traces Jesus' lineage back to Abraham and David, validating His claim to the throne.
- The Kingdom of Heaven: Matthew uses the phrase "kingdom of heaven" more than any other Gospel writer, reflecting a particular emphasis on the spiritual realm and God's sovereign rule.
- Sermon on the Mount: He provides the most extensive record of Jesus' ethical teachings, including the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer, found in Matthew 5-7.
- Great Commission: His Gospel concludes with the powerful mandate given by the resurrected Christ to His disciples, to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19).
Matthew's perspective as a former tax collector likely informed his Gospel. He, more than anyone, understood the weight of sin and the profound relief of forgiveness. He knew what it meant to be an outsider brought in, a sinner welcomed by the Saviour. This personal experience surely shaped his emphasis on God's mercy, the availability of salvation, and the radical transformation that occurs when one truly follows Christ.
Enduring Lessons from Matthew's Life
The life of Matthew (Levi) offers timeless truths for believers across generations:
Conclusion
Matthew, the tax collector turned Apostle, stands as a beacon of God's incredible grace. His story is a powerful narrative of repentance, radical transformation, and unwavering discipleship. He reminds us that Christ's invitation extends to all, regardless of their past or their present standing in the eyes of the world. His life and his inspired Gospel continue to proclaim the foundational truth that Jesus came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). May we, like Matthew, hear the call of Christ, leave all, and follow Him with immediate and steadfast devotion, becoming witnesses of His boundless mercy and redeeming power.
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