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they did not hesitate, and inquire, How shall I live, and sustain my
family? They were obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus
asked them, “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes,
lacked ye anything?” they could answer, “Nothing.”
Luke 22:35
.
To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty,
the same test was brought; the same consecration was made by each.
At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the
impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the
sea to leave all for the work of the gospel. So every soul is tested as to
whether the desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is
strongest.
Principle is always exacting. No man can succeed in the service of
God unless his whole heart is in the work and he counts all things but
loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. No man who makes
any reserve can be the disciple of Christ, much less can he be His
colaborer. When men appreciate the great salvation, the self-sacrifice
seen in Christ’s life will be seen in theirs. Wherever He leads the way,
they will rejoice to follow.
The calling of Matthew to be one of Christ’s disciples excited great
indignation. For a religious teacher to choose a publican as one of his
immediate attendants was an offense against the religious, social, and
national customs. By appealing to the prejudices of the people the
Pharisees hoped to turn the current of popular feeling against Jesus.
Among the publicans a widespread interest was created. Their
hearts were drawn toward the divine Teacher. In the joy of his new
discipleship, Matthew longed to bring his former associates to Jesus.
Accordingly he made a feast at his own house, and called together
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his relatives and friends. Not only were publicans included, but many
others who were of doubtful reputation, and were proscribed by their
more scrupulous neighbors.
The entertainment was given in honor of Jesus, and He did not
hesitate to accept the courtesy. He well knew that this would give
offense to the Pharisaic party, and would also compromise Him in
the eyes of the people. But no question of policy could influence His
movements. With Him external distinctions weighed nothing. That
which appealed to His heart was a soul thirsting for the water of life.
Jesus sat as an honored guest at the table of the publicans, by His
sympathy and social kindliness showing that He recognized the dignity