Matthew 9:9

“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.”

Context:Matthew was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. Before his encounter with Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector, an occupation despised by the Jews because tax collectors were often corrupt and associated with the Roman government. In this verse, Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him, and Matthew responds immediately by leaving his profession and following Jesus.

Jesus’ Initiative:In this passage, Jesus takes the initiative to approach Matthew. It is significant because Jesus calls a person from an occupation that was considered sinful and unpopular. It demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and willingness to reach out to those who were marginalised or considered outcasts by society. This event highlights Jesus’ mission to call sinners to repentance and offer them salvation.

The Power of Jesus’ Invitation:Jesus simply says, “Follow me,” and Matthew responds by getting up and following Him. This reveals the authority and power of Jesus’ call. His invitation has the ability to transform lives and draw people into a personal relationship with Him. Matthew’s immediate response indicates his recognition of Jesus’ authority and his willingness to leave everything behind to follow Him.

Leaving Everything Behind:Matthew’s response to Jesus’ call is remarkable. As a tax collector, he had a lucrative profession, but he willingly leaves his job, wealth, and lifestyle behind to follow Jesus. This emphasises the importance of surrendering everything to Jesus. It symbolises a willingness to let go of worldly attachments and prioritise the call of discipleship. Matthew’s example challenges believers to examine their own lives and consider what they may need to leave behind in order to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

Transformation and Redemption:Matthew’s encounter with Jesus leads to a profound transformation in his life. He goes on to become one of the twelve apostles and an author of one of the four Gospels. Jesus’ call not only changed Matthew’s vocation but also his entire identity. It highlights the power of Christ’s redemption to radically transform individuals and use them for His purposes. Matthew’s story encourages believers that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and He can use anyone, regardless of their past or background, for His kingdom.

Application:The story of Matthew’s call invites us to reflect on our own response to Jesus’ call in our lives. Are we willing to leave behind worldly attachments and follow Him? Do we recognise His authority and surrender everything to Him? This passage challenges us to examine our priorities, consider the cost of discipleship, and respond wholeheartedly to Jesus’ invitation.

• Overall:Matthew 9:9 showcases Jesus’ transformative power, His willingness to reach out to sinners, and the radical response required to follow Him. It serves as an inspiration for believers to heed Jesus’ call, leave behind worldly distractions, and pursue a life of discipleship.