Day 231 – Matthew: Character sketch of Matthew
“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.” Matthew 9:9 NLT
More than any other disciple, Matthew had a clear idea of how much it would cost to follow Jesus, yet he did not hesitate for a moment. When he left his tax collector’s booth, he guaranteed himself unemployment. Several of the other disciples could always return to fishing, but for Matthew, there was no turning back.
Two changes happened to Matthew when he decided to follow Jesus. First, Jesus gave him a new life. He not only belonged to a new group; he belonged to the Son of God. He was not just accepting a different way of life; he was now an accepted person. Second, Jesus gave Matthew a new purpose for his skills; the only tool from his past job that he carried with him was his pen, and from the beginning, God had made him a record keeper. Jesus’ call eventually allowed him to put his skills to their finest work in recording the details that made up the Gospel of Matthew.
He was a keen observer and, in his experience, points out that every person, from the beginning, is one of God’s works in progress. Much of what God has for us, He gives long before we can consciously respond to Him. He has made each of us capable of being His servant, and when we trust Him with the skills and abilities, we are following the greatest adventure of our lives.
Strengths and accomplishments
Matthew responded immediately to Jesus’ call and invited many friends to his home to meet Jesus. By writing the Gospel of Matthew, he also used it to clarify for the Jewish audience Jesus’ fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies.
Lessons from Matthew’s life
Jesus accepts people from every level of society, and when God gives them a new life, He often gives that person unique abilities and a new purpose for the Kingdom.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the life of Matthew and for showing us through His character that You call all to Your heart – even when we look at them with judgment and contempt. Thank You that You equip us with everything we need to serve You – even if it is just a pen. Amen.
