Even though Matthew was well-known within the community, little is known of his personal biography other than he was a tax collector for the government. He was despised by fellow Jews as a traitor because he worked for the Gentiles and gathered much wealth to himself. He wrote the first book listed in the New Testament under his name which began with the genealogy of Joseph for Jesus.
We can rightfully assume that Matthew had a deep longing for redemption. He may have enjoyed his wealth but did not enjoy his reputation. There was no elaborate calling for this disciple by Jesus who only said, “Follow me.” No doubt Jesus was sensitive to this man’s spiritual injuries. I have often wondered why Matthew was not selected to be the treasurer of the group since he was familiar with money. That selection went to Judas Iscariot that the Bible calls a thief. To me, it indicates that Matthew had no desire to reflect back on his former life. Instead, his familiarity with bookkeeping and statistics made him a prime choice to be the author of the Gospel of Matthew.
I can visualize Jesus, walking past Matthew’s tax collector station, glancing down at him where he set, and uttering only those two words. This is reminiscent of what Jesus later said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16: 24) Jesus spoke those words to others who did not follow him. He said it to the scribe. He said to those who would follow him but made excuses that had to be accomplished before they followed him. He said it to the rich young ruler who wanted to know how he could go to heaven but when told the answer followed his own desires and left Jesus. He said it only to Philip as an invitation to become a disciple, much more dialogue was involved in the calling.
What powerful words these are, “Follow me.” It drives to the heart of the matter. It brushes aside all empty distractions of life. It calls out to the longings buried deep within a man’s heart. It confirms an assurance that in following Jesus there is a new life and a better life serving God. Those same words echo down the chambers of time to us. Had we lived at the time of Matthew, would Jesus had said those words to any of us? This strikes a bold statement that says whatever you have been dealing with, give it to me. It also catapults us to the future that through Christ a true believer will trend a new path ordained by Jesus.
The man who stood at the threshold between government and religion suddenly disallowed both. There were no excuses. There were no agreements connected to following Jesus. There were no ulterior plans. To follow Jesus is to put aside the primary motive about community and formalize religion. What the community and the government says does not matter. What formalize religion says with its programs, plans, rituals, or edicts suddenly has no place when it comes to a genuine relationship with Christ. Following Jesus is a literal way to disavow mankind’s thinking in favor of God’s intentions for one’s personal life. What curiosities you have entertained in your mind, what spiritual questions haunt the secret chambers of your heart they are all answered when we rise up and follow Jesus.
Christian Writer 