Jesus Biographers - Flipbook - Page 3
Matthew
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. For a despised tax collector, that change must
have been wonderful! Second, Jesus gave Matthew a new purpose for his skills. When he followed
Jesus, the only tool from his past job that he carried with him was his pen. From the beginning, God
had made him a record keeper. Jesus’ call eventually allowed him to put his skills to their finest work.
Matthew was a keen observer, and he undoubtedly recorded what he saw going on around him. The
Gospel that bears his name came as a result.
Matthew’s 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 are able to consciously respond to
him. He trusts us with skills and abilities ahead of schedule. He has made each of us capable of being
his servant. When we trust him with what he has given us, we begin a life of real adventure. Matthew
couldn’t have known that God would use the very skills he had sharpened as a tax collector to record
the greatest story ever lived. And God has no less meaningful a purpose for each one of us. Have you
recognized Jesus saying to you, “Follow me”? What has been your response?
MATTHEW (JESUS’ DISCIPLE)
Strengths and accomplishments
Responded immediately to Jesus’ call
Invited many friends to his home to meet Jesus
Wrote the Gospel of Matthew
Clarified for his Jewish audience Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies
Notable facts
One of Jesus’ original 12 disciples
A social outcast among Jesus’ disciples (along with Simon the zealot)
Jesus’ Biographers: A look at the writers of the four Gospels.The inside story of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
