Chapter 28—Levi-Matthew
This chapter is based on
Matthew 9:9-17
;
Mark 2:14-22
;
Luke
5:27-39
.
Of the Roman officials in Palestine, none were more hated than
the publicans. The fact that the taxes were imposed by a foreign
power was a continual irritation to the Jews, being a reminder that their
independence had departed. And the taxgatherers were not merely the
instruments of Roman oppression; they were extortioners on their own
account, enriching themselves at the expense of the people. A Jew
who accepted this office at the hands of the Romans was looked upon
as betraying the honor of his nation. He was despised as an apostate,
and was classed with the vilest of society.
To this class belonged Levi-Matthew, who, after the four disciples
at Gennesaret, was the next to be called to Christ’s service. The
Pharisees had judged Matthew according to his employment, but Jesus
saw in this man a heart open for the reception of truth. Matthew had
listened to the Saviour’s teaching. As the convicting Spirit of God
revealed his sinfulness, he longed to seek help from Christ; but he was
accustomed to the exclusiveness of the rabbis, and had no thought that
this Great Teacher would notice him.
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Sitting at his toll booth one day, the publican saw Jesus approach-
ing. Great was his astonishment to hear the words addressed to himself,
“Follow Me.”
Matthew “left all, rose up, and followed Him.” There was no
hesitation, no questioning, no thought of the lucrative business to be
exchanged for poverty and hardship. It was enough for him that he
was to be with Jesus, that he might listen to His words, and unite with
Him in His work.
So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade
Peter and his companions follow Him, immediately they left their
boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on
them for support; but when they received the Saviour’s invitation,
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