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Chapter 28—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 taxes were
imposed by a foreign power was a continual irritation, a reminder to
the Jews that their independence had departed. And the taxgatherers,
the publicans, were not merely 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 vilest of society.
To this class belonged Levi-Matthew, who was to be called to
Christ’s service. Matthew had listened to the Saviour’s teaching, and
as the Spirit of God revealed his sinfulness he longed to seek help
from Christ; but accustomed to the exclusiveness of the rabbis, he
had no thought that this Great Teacher would notice him.
Sitting at his toll booth one day, the publican saw Jesus ap-
proaching. 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 to be
with Jesus, to listen to His words, and unite with Him in His work.
So it was when Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow
Him. Immediately they left their boats and nets. Some had friends
dependent on them for support, but when they received the Saviour’s
invitation, they did not inquire, How shall I live, and sustain my
family? When afterward Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without
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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. At the moment of success, when
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