Matthew: from hated tax collector to gospel writer; from an old life to a new purpose

Capernaum was a key military center for Roman troops with a thriving business community as several major highways passed through bringing merchants as far away as Egypt and Mesopotamia. Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum who was called by Jesus, left his booth and followed Jesus, observing and taking notes. His observations would become the Gospel of Matthew. There is not much known about Matthew. In the other gospels, Matthew is referred to as Levi, son of Alphaeus. The name may reflect his Jewish heritage as Levi is one of the tribes of Israel. The name, Matthew, may be the name he used when dealing with the Romans. It was common for people to have more than one name especially if they interacted with both Jewish and Roman cultures. Why is Matthew’s occupation an important note? What is special about Matthew’s gospel? What can we learn about the two major changes in Matthew’s life?

Tax collectors were collecting taxes from citizens and merchants passing through town. They were expected to take a commission on the taxes they collected. Tax collectors developed a reputation for overcharging in order to take a greater profit. It was financially profitable, albeit corrupt, therefore, tax collectors were hated among the citizens for cheating as well as their support of Rome. Matthew was a Jewish man, appointed by the Romans to be the area’s tax collector. Matthew may have been hated more as a Jewish man, taking taxes, and handing it over to the Romans, the pagan occupiers. When Jesus called Matthew to follow him, Matthew did more than just follow. He left his wealth (Luke 5:28). He left a lucrative career, guaranteed unemployment. Matthew would not have a job to go back to, unlike the other disciples like Peter and John, who had a trade to fall back on. The first thing Matthew does after he answers Jesus’s call, he invites friends to his home to meet Jesus (Matthew 9:10; Mark 2:15; Luke 5:29). He didn’t waste any time to witness. He was a changed man and he wanted others to see the reason for that change and hopefully be changed as well. 

The purpose of Matthew’s gospel is to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King, particularly for the Jewish audience. The gospel opens with the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-16). The purpose of this genealogy was to show Jesus in the kingly line from the connection Abraham to King David to Jesus. Matthew’s genealogy also includes four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba. Three of these four women were involved in sexual scandals: Tamar and Judah in Genesis 38:15-19, Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho (Joshua 2:1) and Bathsheba committed adultery with King David (2 Samuel 11:1-4). Ruth was a Moabite (Ruth 1:4). Why is this important? It is an example that God works through all people, ordinary people, for his purpose. His work is not limited to human failures or sins. The gospel of Matthew is also the only gospel to record the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). As Matthew is writing for the Jewish audience in mind, this sermon serves as the fulfillment of the Torah as Jesus reveals the true spiritual intent of the Law that is more than simply observance. It is a deeper righteousness and call to true discipleship through love, humility and purity of heart. 

When Jesus called Matthew, there were two changes. First, a new life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that we are new creations in Jesus as the old has gone and the new has come. Matthew went from hated to accepted. He was a despised outcast because of his job; but in Jesus, he has a new life. In Jesus, hope is restored and death is reversed like a new bud on a dying plant, God gives us new hearts to love, new eyes to see Him and new minds to bear witness to His miracles. Romans 6:4 tells us that God gives us a new life just as He raised Jesus from the dead. Second, a new purpose. When he decided to follow Jesus, Matthew wasted no time introducing other Jesus. Sometimes new believers are taught that they need to wait for spiritual maturity before introducing others to Jesus. However, believers can and should share their faith regardless of where they are in their journey because God can use whatever knowledge, skill or experience they already have for those in their lives at the moment. There is always an opportunity to share the gospel whether you are a new believer or a lifelong believer. 

In conclusion, little is known about Matthew beyond a handful of mentions in the gospel and his presence at the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) with no substantial record on his role in the early church. Christian tradition honors Matthew as a martyr; although, there is no record of where or how he died. Some traditions say he was stoned, beheaded, burned or stabbed. Other traditions suggest he died of natural causes like John. However, the important lesson from Matthew’s life is that Jesus accepts people from every level of society. Jesus eating with sinners at Matthew’s home shows that God’s love and message is for everyone. The Gospel of Matthew emphases Jesus’s compassion for sinners, the sick, the outcasts and the ignored. Being a follower of Jesus is not for people who think they are already good or righteous. It is for people who know they have failed and need a Savior.