Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew. Before his call to discipleship, Matthew worked as a tax collector, a profession despised by his fellow Jews for its association with Roman oppression and corruption. Despite his disreputable occupation, Matthew responded immediately to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, leaving behind his lucrative career to become a devoted disciple. Matthew’s transformation from a tax collector to an apostle highlights the power of Jesus’ call and the profound change that occurs when one chooses to follow Him. His life and ministry offer valuable lessons on repentance, grace, and the inclusivity of the Gospel.
Matthew’s call to discipleship is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. While sitting at the tax collector’s booth, Matthew encountered Jesus, who simply said to him, “Follow me.” Without hesitation, Matthew got up, left everything behind, and followed Jesus Matthew 9:9. This immediate response is significant, as it demonstrates Matthew’s willingness to abandon his former life and embrace a new path as a disciple of Christ. Tax collectors were generally viewed with contempt by the Jewish community because they collected taxes for the Roman authorities and often enriched themselves by overcharging the people. Matthew’s decision to leave his profitable position reflects his recognition of the value of the spiritual riches that Jesus offered, far surpassing any material wealth.
Shortly after his call, Matthew hosted a large banquet at his home in honor of Jesus. He invited many of his fellow tax collectors and other “sinners” to the feast, providing them with an opportunity to meet Jesus Luke 5:29. The presence of these individuals at the banquet drew criticism from the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who questioned why Jesus would associate with such disreputable people. Jesus responded by saying, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick... I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” Matthew 9:12-13. This event highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry and Matthew’s desire to share the transformative power of Christ with those who were marginalized and looked down upon by society. It also underscores the idea that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their past, and that repentance and redemption are available to all who seek them.
Matthew is traditionally regarded as the author of the Gospel that bears his name, the first book of the New Testament. The Gospel of Matthew was likely written for a Jewish audience, as it emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and portrays Him as the long-awaited Messiah. Matthew’s Gospel includes the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to Abraham, and it contains numerous references to the Hebrew Scriptures Matthew 1:1-17. This Gospel also contains key teachings of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Great Commission Matthew 5:1-12, Matthew 6:9-13, Matthew 28:19-20. Matthew’s background as a tax collector, someone who meticulously recorded details, may have contributed to his precise and structured presentation of Jesus’ life and teachings. Through his Gospel, Matthew sought to demonstrate that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and that He is the Savior of the world.
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Matthew continued to spread the Gospel, though details of his later ministry are scarce. Tradition holds that Matthew preached in various regions, including Ethiopia and Persia, and that he was martyred for his faith, though the exact circumstances of his death are unclear. Despite the limited information about his later life, Matthew’s impact on the Christian faith is undeniable through his Gospel, which has been instrumental in shaping Christian doctrine and practice. His legacy as a former tax collector turned apostle serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Jesus’ call and the boundless grace of God. Matthew’s life encourages believers to embrace the call to discipleship, no matter their past, and to faithfully share the message of Christ with others.
Matthew, also known as Levi, the apostle who left everything to follow Jesus, is a compelling example of the power of repentance and the grace of God. His life, marked by his immediate response to Jesus’ call, his desire to introduce others to Christ, and his role as a Gospel writer, offers valuable lessons on the importance of embracing the call to discipleship and sharing the Good News with all people. Matthew’s legacy continues to inspire believers to live out their faith with sincerity and to recognize that God’s grace can transform any life, no matter its starting point. For those interested in exploring Matthew’s life and legacy further, the linked Bible passages provide a deeper understanding of his significance in the biblical narrative and the enduring lessons from his ministry.
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