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Matthew: From Tax Collector to Apostle
This chapter is based on Matthew 9:9-17; Mark 2:14-22; Luke
5:27-39.
Roman officials in Palestine were hated. The fact that a foreign
power had imposed taxes was a continual irritation, a reminder to the
Jews that they had lost their independence. And the tax collectors,
the publicans, were not just 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 was despised
and classed with the worst of society.
Levi-Matthew, whom Jesus would call to His service, was just
such a person—a tax collector. Matthew had listened to the Savior’s
teaching, and as the Spirit of God revealed his sinfulness, he longed
to seek help from Christ; but knowing how the rabbis kept most
other people away, he had no thought that this Great Teacher would
notice him.
Sitting at his toll booth one day, Matthew saw Jesus approaching.
He was astonished to hear Jesus say to him, “Follow Me.”
Matthew “left all, rose up, and followed Him.” There was no
hesitation, no questioning, no thought of the profitable business he
would be exchanging for poverty and hardship. It was enough for
him to be with Jesus, to listen to His words, and unite with Him in
His work.
It was the same way when Jesus called Peter and his companions
to follow Him. Immediately they left their boats and nets. Some had
friends who depended on them for support, but when they received
the Savior’s invitation, they did not ask, “How will I live and provide
for my family?” When Jesus later asked them, “When I sent you
without money bag, sack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” they
could answer, “Nothing.”
Luke 22:35
.
Matthew in his wealth and Andrew and Peter in their poverty
faced the same test. At the moment of success, when the nets were
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