Disciple Matthew: From Tax Collector to Evangelist and Life Journey Article

 

The Life Journey of the Disciple Matthew: From Tax Collector to Evangelist

Introduction

The life of Matthew, also known as Levi, is a remarkable story of transformation, discipleship, and evangelism. As one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, Matthew's journey from a despised tax collector to a revered gospel writer exemplifies the transformative power of Christ's call. This article delves into the life of Matthew, exploring his background, his encounter with Jesus, his role as an apostle, and his contributions to early Christianity, supported by Bible references and historical context.

Background and Early Life

Matthew, son of Alphaeus, was a Jew living in Capernaum, a significant town in the region of Galilee. He worked as a tax collector, a profession that made him unpopular among his fellow Jews. Tax collectors, often viewed as collaborators with the Roman authorities and known for their corrupt practices, were generally despised and considered sinners. Despite these circumstances, Matthew accumulated considerable wealth through his profession, underscoring a notable social and ethical rift between him and the broader Jewish community.

The Call of Matthew

The transformative moment in Matthew's life came when he encountered Jesus. This pivotal event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. In the Gospel of Matthew, the account is brief but powerful:

"As Jesus continued his journey, he came across a man named Matthew stationed at the tax collector’s desk. 'Join me,' he said, and Matthew immediately rose and accompanied him." (Matthew 9:9 )

The simplicity of this narrative belies the profound impact of Jesus' call. Without hesitation, Matthew left his lucrative position and followed Jesus, demonstrating a remarkable act of faith and obedience. This moment underscores Jesus' commitment to extending his compassion to society's outcasts and reveals the profound change his invitation can inspire.

Matthew’s Feast and Association with Sinners

After responding to Jesus' call, Matthew hosted a feast at his house, inviting Jesus and his disciples, along with many tax collectors and sinners. This event is significant because it underscores the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry and the controversy it sparked among the religious elite. The Gospel of Matthew records this incident as follows:

During a meal at Matthew's home, Jesus was joined by a diverse group of tax collectors and sinners who gathered to share the feast with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. "Explore the depth of this message: 'I seek compassion, not ritual offerings.' My mission isn't to summon the virtuous, but to reach out to those in need of redemption."(Matthew 9:10-13 )

This passage highlights Jesus' mission to rescue and redeem those who are lost, regardless of their social standing or past transgressions. Matthew's association with sinners and his subsequent transformation serve as a powerful testimony to the grace and mercy of Christ.

Matthew as an Apostle

Following his call, Matthew was selected as one of the twelve apostles, a distinguished circle handpicked by Jesus to be his intimate companions and to advance his divine mission. The list of the twelve apostles includes Matthew, confirming his integral role in this inner circle:

Here are the names of the twelve apostles: Simon, also known as Peter, along with his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his sibling John; Philip paired with Bartholomew; Thomas alongside Matthew, the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon, known as the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who would betray him. (Matthew 10:2-4 )

As one of Jesus' apostles, Matthew experienced firsthand the profound teachings, miraculous deeds, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection of Christ. He was a direct recipient of Jesus' teachings and participated in the early missionary activities that laid the foundation for the spread of Christianity.

The Gospel of Matthew

One of Matthew's most pivotal legacies in Christianity is the Gospel that carries his name. Written primarily for a Jewish audience, the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the long-awaited Messiah. It begins with a genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage back to Abraham, underscoring his Jewish heritage and messianic credentials:

"Here unfolds the ancestral lineage of Jesus the Christ, tracing back through David's bloodline and Abraham's heritage..."(Matthew 1:1 )

The Gospel of Matthew is meticulously structured and contains several key sections that highlight Jesus' teachings and actions. Notably, it includes the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), a comprehensive compilation of Jesus' moral teachings. The Beatitudes, a key element of this sermon, distill the core ethical and spiritual teachings of Jesus' message:

"Fortunate are the humble in heart, for they shall inherit the realm of the divine. Joyful are those who grieve, for solace will be theirs..." (Matthew 5:3-12 )

Matthew’s Emphasis on the Kingdom of Heaven

A distinctive feature of Matthew's Gospel is the frequent use of the term "Kingdom of Heaven," which appears 32 times. This term underscores the Jewish practice of honoring God's name by substituting it with a synonymous expression to show respect. In his writings, Matthew highlights the Kingdom's significance both in the present and the future, illustrating it as a tangible reality and an anticipated hope. This is exemplified through parables like the Parable of the Sower.(Matthew 13:1-23) and the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32), Matthew illustrates the nature and growth of the Kingdom.

The Great Commission

The Gospel of Matthew concludes with the Great Commission, Jesus' final instructions to his disciples. This passage has been a cornerstone for Christian missionary work throughout the centuries:

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. "Go forth and spread the teachings to every corner of the earth, baptizing people in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Guide them in following all that I have instructed you. Know that I will be by your side, steadfast and present, until the end of time." (Matthew 28:18-20 )

This commission highlights the far-reaching vision of Jesus' mission and emphasizes the duty of his followers to disseminate the Gospel across every nation.

Matthew’s Ministry and Martyrdom

While the New Testament does not provide detailed accounts of Matthew's ministry after Jesus' ascension, early church traditions and historical sources offer some insights. Different traditions recount that Matthew spread the Gospel across multiple regions, such as Ethiopia, Persia, and potentially even Parthia. These accounts, though varied, consistently portray Matthew as a dedicated evangelist who traveled extensively to spread the message of Christ.

Tradition also holds that Matthew was martyred for his faith. Though the precise details of his death remain uncertain, it is widely accepted that he met his end as a martyr in Ethiopia, which encompasses present-day Sudan and parts of Egypt. His steadfast dedication to his faith, even in the face of death, illustrates the remarkable change he experienced from being a tax collector to becoming a fervent apostle of Christ.

Legacy and Influence

Matthew's legacy endures through his Gospel, which has been a foundational text for Christian theology, liturgy, and ethics. The Gospel of Matthew has shaped the understanding of Jesus' life and teachings for countless generations of Christians. Its focus on Jesus as the realization of prophecy, the moral obligations of following Him, and the welcoming essence of the Kingdom of Heaven persist in both motivating and challenging those of faith.

Matthew's life narrative stands as a compelling testament to the transformative impact of Jesus' call. His evolution from a widely reviled tax collector to a respected apostle underscores the breadth of Jesus' ministry and the profound possibility for transformation in the lives of those who heed his invitation.

Conclusion

The life of Matthew, the tax collector turned apostle, is a compelling narrative of transformation, discipleship, and evangelism. In his Gospel, Matthew has profoundly influenced Christian history with a compelling portrayal of Jesus' life and teachings. His narrative highlights the all-encompassing nature of Jesus' mission, the life-changing effect of his call, and the lasting significance of his message. Reflecting on Matthew's account, we are reminded of Christ’s deep grace and mercy, inviting each of us to embrace his love and experience transformation.