What is the meaning of Matthew 9:9? As Jesus went on from there • The verse opens with Jesus moving forward from the scene where He healed the paralytic and declared, “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Matthew 9:6). His steps are purposeful; as He says elsewhere, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns so I may preach there also, because that is why I have come” (Mark 1:38). • Every transition in the Gospels reminds us that Christ is actively seeking the lost—“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Matthew’s call is part of that ongoing mission. He saw a man named Matthew • Jesus “saw” a man others likely ignored or despised. Divine sight is always intentional; He “knows His own” (John 10:14). • Matthew is the very author of the Gospel we are reading. His quiet self-reference mirrors John’s “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20); humility marks true disciples. • In Mark 2:14 and Luke 5:27 he is called “Levi,” indicating either a dual name or a change that highlighted his new identity in Christ—similar to Simon becoming Peter (John 1:42). Sitting at the tax booth • Tax collectors partnered with Rome and were viewed as traitors. Luke 15:1-2 notes that “tax collectors and sinners were all gathering to hear Him,” provoking Pharisaic scorn. • The booth signals wealth and security, yet also isolation from covenant community (Matthew 18:17 pairs “tax collector” with “Gentile” as an outsider). • Jesus intentionally steps into that space, proving again that “those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Matthew 9:12). “Follow Me,” He told him • The call is brief, clear, and authoritative—no negotiations. It echoes Matthew 4:19: “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” • Discipleship is relational before it is instructional; it begins with attachment to Jesus Himself (John 12:26: “Where I am, there My servant will be also”). • His voice carries power: “My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). What religion burdened with rules could not do, a two-word summons accomplishes. Matthew got up and followed Him • The response is immediate. Luke adds, “Levi left everything, got up, and followed Him” (Luke 5:28). No delay, no stipend, no farewell tour. • Leaving a lucrative post underscores genuine repentance; contrast the rich young ruler who “went away in sorrow” (Matthew 19:22). • Peter later says, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You” (Matthew 19:27). Matthew now shares that same testimony. • Paul voices the same heart: “Whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7). True conversion shifts treasure from ledger to Lord. summary Jesus purposefully moves, sees, calls, and transforms. Matthew’s story shows that no one sits too far from grace, no occupation is beyond redemption, and no command from Christ is optional. The Word made flesh speaks, and sinners rise to walk with Him. |
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