Matthew 9:9-10
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...Matthew 9:9-10
In chapters eight and nine, Matthew emphasized how Jesus had gone to the outcasts of society. His miracles included a leper, a woman, a Gentile and two demon-possessed men. In the midst of this, Matthew now records his own call to follow Jesus. Matthew was a tax collector and also considered an outcast among the Jews. The Romans allowed the tax collectors to collect more than the required tax in order to pay their own wage. This led to corruption as tax collectors typically over-charged. Jewish tax collectors were also hated because they were seen as traitors among their own people who bristled under the yoke of Roman rule.The presence of Matthew among Jesus’ disciples makes an interesting group of men. Most of them are Galilean fishermen who were certainly not highly respected since they were uneducated men. Now we see Matthew in the group, and later, Simon the Zealot (Acts 1:13). The Zealots were a small sect of Jews bent on the violent overthrow of the Roman government. Only in Christ could a Zealot and a tax collector be united. Just imagine how amazing it is that this rag-tag group of men were able to trigger a spiritual revolution that would turn the world upside down. It is only by the power of God that it is possible.
Luke’s account tells us that after Jesus’ call, Matthew held a feast at his house and invited a large group of his tax collector and sinner friends. Matthew leaves us a wonderful example of how to reach lost people - invite them into your home where they can mingle with Christians. Matthew gave his friends an opportunity to be around Jesus. If we are going to save a lost world, we must use our homes to make connections with those who will respond to the gospel.
Berry Kercheville
