The story of Matthew in the Bible is an extraordinary example of how God can completely change the direction of someone’s life. Matthew, also known as Levi, was originally a tax collector. At that time, tax collectors were considered despicable, sinful, and hated by many people because they worked for the Roman government and often took advantage of the people (Luke 5:27-28). Yet it was precisely from this dirty background that Jesus called Matthew to be His disciple.
Imagine the situation: a tax collector, regarded as unclean by society, suddenly called directly by Jesus with the simple words, “Follow Me.” (Matthew 9:9). Without much argument, Matthew stood up, left his tax table, and followed Jesus. That decision was not just about leaving his job, but also leaving his old way of life.
Here we see that God does not judge a person’s past, but looks at the potential that can be used for His glory. What others see as disgraceful, God uses as a channel of blessing. Matthew, who once sat at the tax table, now wrote one of the Gospels that became the foundation of the Christian faith. The Gospel of Matthew is filled with explanations that Jesus is the promised Messiah, carefully written for the Jewish people so they could understand the fulfilled prophecies.
This story reminds us that no one is too sinful or too far away to be used by God. Matthew’s life change began when he dared to leave his old comfort to follow Jesus’ call. Just like Matthew, we are also called to courageously say “yes” to God even if it means leaving behind things that once made us comfortable.
Jesus once said in John 15:16, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” This verse encourages us that when God calls, He has already prepared the way for our lives to bear fruit.
Perhaps some of us feel unworthy because of our past, or feel too unclean to serve. But remember the story of Matthew: from tax collector to evangelist. God is able to rewrite our life story if we are willing to obey His call.
Lord Jesus, thank You for seeing me not by my past, but by Your beautiful plan. Teach me to leave behind the things that bind me and to courageously follow Your call. Use my life to be a witness that brings many people to know You. Amen.
