Let God Speak #40: Why Matthew?

Matthew 9:9, “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

Why Matthew?

Why would Jesus call Matthew to follow him? Matthew was a tax collector. They worked for Rome (the enemy!) and cheated their fellow Israelites out of money. Matthew probably had no friends. Everyone most likely despised him. His family very well could have disowned him. Everyone despised tax collectors.

“Follow me,” Jesus said. Matthew got up and followed him. Why Matthew? We would pick the wealthy, popular, or charismatic. People who deserve God’s favor. We operate by what we see. That’s not how God works.

The little reading demonstrates God’s grace to us. Grace’s definition is simple: Love to someone who deserves the opposite. Matthew deserved rejection. But Jesus called him, saved him, and even made him an apostle! Grace. Love for someone who deserves the opposite. 

Jesus also deals with us in grace. I could ask the same question, “Why me?” Why would God ever call me to follow him? I’m arrogant and selfish. My family and friends know my faults all too well. Why me? Why you? On our own, we deserve God’s wrath and punishment.     

Grace. God gives us the opposite. He forgives our sins through the blood of Jesus. He promises us resurrection from the dead and eternal life. Unasked and unearned. What amazing grace this is.