Matthew: The Tax Collector Turned Disciple
Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is traditionally credited as the author of the Gospel of Matthew. His remarkable transformation from a tax collector—a profession despised in Jewish society—to a devoted disciple of Christ exemplifies the transformative power of grace and redemption.
Matthew worked as a tax collector in Capernaum, a position that made him a social outcast among his fellow Jews. Tax collectors were viewed as traitors for collaborating with the occupying Roman government and were often associated with corruption and greed. Despite this, Jesus saw Matthew sitting at his tax booth and simply said, “Follow me.” In a striking display of faith, Matthew immediately left his post and followed Jesus, willingly abandoning his lucrative and stable career to embrace a new life of discipleship.
Not long after his calling, Matthew hosted a large feast in his home, inviting many tax collectors and sinners to dine with Jesus. When the Pharisees criticized Jesus for associating with such people, He responded with the well-known words: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12-13). This moment highlighted Jesus’ mission of redemption and inclusivity, which Matthew’s own life symbolized.
Although little is recorded about Matthew’s specific actions during Jesus’ ministry, his background as a tax collector underscored Jesus’ inclusive message: salvation is available to everyone, even those ostracized or considered irredeemable by society. Matthew’s calling exemplified the transformative grace of God, which welcomes all to repentance and renewal.
The Gospel of Matthew, traditionally attributed to him, was written primarily for a Jewish audience. It emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Matthew carefully connects events in Jesus’ life and ministry to prophetic scriptures, presenting Jesus as the long-awaited Savior. His Gospel is distinctive in its frequent use of the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” to describe God’s reign. Drawing from his own experience of grace, Matthew highlights Jesus’ mercy toward sinners and the marginalized, showcasing the inclusivity of the gospel.
After Jesus’ resurrection, tradition holds that Matthew became a missionary, spreading the gospel in various regions, including Ethiopia, Persia (modern-day Iran), or Parthia (a historical region in northeast Iran). Various accounts suggest that Matthew was martyred for his faith, although the exact circumstances remain unclear. Some traditions state that he was stabbed to death while sharing the gospel, sealing his legacy as a faithful servant of Christ.