The calling of Matthew, also known as Levi, is a significant event in the ministry of Jesus Christ, illustrating His mission to reach out to sinners and those marginalized by society. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, and Luke 5:27-32. The account takes place in Capernaum, a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry.

Context and Background

Matthew, the son of Alphaeus, was a tax collector, a profession often despised by the Jewish people due to its association with Roman oppression and corruption. Tax collectors were seen as traitors and sinners, as they collected taxes for the occupying Roman authorities and were known for extorting money from their fellow Jews. Despite this, Jesus saw beyond Matthew's occupation and societal status, recognizing his potential for transformation and service in the Kingdom of God.

The Call

The Gospel of Matthew provides a succinct account of this pivotal moment: "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. 'Follow Me,' He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him" (Matthew 9:9). This simple yet profound invitation, "Follow Me," encapsulates the essence of discipleship—leaving behind one's former life to embrace a new identity and purpose in Christ.

Response and Transformation

Matthew's immediate response to Jesus' call is noteworthy. He left his lucrative position and the security it provided to follow Jesus, demonstrating a radical commitment and faith. This act of obedience highlights the transformative power of Jesus' call, which compels individuals to forsake worldly attachments for the sake of the Gospel.

The Banquet and Jesus' Mission

Following his call, Matthew hosted a banquet in his home, inviting Jesus, His disciples, and many tax collectors and sinners. This gathering drew criticism from the Pharisees, who questioned why Jesus would associate with such people. Jesus' response is recorded in Matthew 9:12-13: "On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners'" .

This statement underscores Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, emphasizing mercy and compassion over ritualistic adherence to the law. It reveals the heart of the Gospel, which offers grace and redemption to all, regardless of their past.

Legacy and Significance

Matthew's calling and subsequent transformation serve as a powerful testament to the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry. As one of the twelve apostles, Matthew played a crucial role in the early Church and is traditionally credited with authoring the Gospel that bears his name. His story is a reminder of the hope and new beginnings available through Christ, who calls individuals from all walks of life to follow Him and participate in His redemptive work.

In conclusion, the calling of Matthew in Capernaum is a profound example of Jesus' love and grace, challenging societal norms and extending an invitation to all to experience the transformative power of the Gospel.Matthew 9:9
And as Jesus passed forth from there, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said to him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
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Mark 2:13,14
And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted to him, and he taught them.
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Luke 5:27,28
And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said to him, Follow me.
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Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
... God calls the busy to his business. ... [Jesus here shows the purpose for which this
miracle had been ... of Zebedee, was one of those who ministered to Christ out of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxx jesus calls four fishermen.htm

The Call of Matthew
... and follow it with an account of Christ's answers to ... Luke call the publican Levi,
he calls himself Matthew ... was not the first of Matthew's knowledge of Jesus. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the call of matthew.htm

Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician Woman
... Mark more specifically calls them, the borders of Tyre ... attach to the objects which
determined Christ's journey to ... it.' That house in which Jesus sought shelter ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxiii jesus and the.htm

The Harmony of the Gospels.
... 241]121; sets apart the twelve, [242]125; His reply to the scribe who offered to
follow Him, [243]128; calls Matthew, [244]131; His ... Jesus. See [348]Christ. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/the harmony of the gospels.htm

Sodom, Capernaum, Manchester
... Matthew here introduces them in an order which seems not to ... 'Cities,' our Bible calls
them; two ... of God anywhere else as there is in the face of Jesus Christ. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/sodom capernaum manchester.htm

Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
... as thus using the double "verily." Matthew quotes the ... of ministering angels shall
be by means of Christ. Jesus calls himself the Son of man upwards of eighty ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxi jesus makes his first.htm

Some Words and Works of Jesus
... Jesus Christ's body must often have felt very tired, for ... But Jesus told them that
His Heavenly Father was never ... They said, 'He calls God His own Father, making ...
/.../anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter vi some words and.htm

The Gospel of Matthew
... purpose to convince the Jews that Jesus was the ... King." On seven different occasions
he calls the Lord ... of David." In harmony with the prophets Christ the King ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of matthew.htm

Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John
... John Calls Jesus a "Lamb." Why Does He Name This Animal Specially ... Of the Effects
of the Death of Christ, of His Triumph After It, and ... 1. Jesus Comes to Capernaum ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... over his brethren is nowhere stated by Christ, or claimed ... On the contrary, the statement
of Jesus places the apostles upon a ... Matthew calls himself the publican ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

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