Matthew: When opportunity arises
God’s People on Mission
Matthew: When opportunity arises
The first of the four Gospels carries the name of Matthew, one of the disciples of Jesus. We are not given a whole lot of detail or insight into the life of Matthew (also called Levi), but we are truly blessed that he is called, and for us, that blessing is seen most evidently in the most detailed of all the Gospels.
Matthew’s educated background and attention to detail, alongside witnessing firsthand many of the events of the ministry of Jesus, makes for the perfect record, especially when it comes to recording the teachings of Jesus. Matthew’s Gospel contains some of the longest discourses including the Sermon on the Mount and the Olivet Discourse. As we’ve come to recognize repeatedly; The Holy Spirit does all things well.
This is what we read of Matthew’s call, the brief and seemingly sudden encounter when he is invited to make a life, and eternity, changing decision. Note that here Matthew is referred to as Levi:
After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.
Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. (Luke 5:27-31)
Judging by Matthew’s response, The Holy Spirit had already been working on him long before Jesus came and gave His invitation to leave everything behind and follow Him. Was Matthew feeling the loneliness and emptiness of a life that financially provided all he could ever wish for, but alienated him from family and neighbours? Had Matthew heard the stories, maybe even witnessed firsthand the teachings and miracles of Jesus? Had he noticed something of the Messiah’s loving concern for people that most others ignored, overlooked or scorned? Whatever the case, the Holy Spirit had been at work, and he was ready when Jesus came to him.
And boy, did he respond. Matthew doesn’t shyly fall into line behind the rest of the disciples, he calls all his ‘outcast friends’ and holds a ‘great feast in Jesus’ honour!’ He’s not holding back, Jesus has loved him, saved him and welcomed him, and he is out to tell the world, and invite others to know Jesus too.
There are so many powerful reminders to us in this story. To those who feel small, forgotten and unseen, we are reminded that God always sees and He comes to us and invites us to know Him.
It reminds us as His witnesses, we are called to be on the lookout for people where God has been working in their heart and life to receive Him. Sometimes it looks like people have it all together, but God is the One who knows the heart and so we must be ready to walk up and invite them, and guide them, on the journey on His behalf.
And this story also speaks to me of opportunity. How many people hold back, turn away, or just freeze when God comes and invites them to receive Eternal Life, or to walk a path of opportunity that He is calling us into.
When the Lord comes to us and invites us to follow Him; whether that is at the start of our journey of faith, or anywhere along the road, our response should always be an enthusiastic yes! And forsaking everything that He calls us to leave behind, to follow Him joyfully.
Like Matthew experienced, we might have a few mockers and scoffers that want to cast dispersions on our decision or suitability for the call of God. The solution to that is simple: Ignore them! Keep your eyes fixed on Christ, and follow Him.
