Like many of us, Matthew had his feet in two realities. In the Roman world he was called by his Greek name, Matthias, and he had conspired with the Roman occupiers to become a tax collector, a traitor to his people. Tax collectors were local folk who conspired with the government to confiscate taxes and property from their communities, and this is why people hated them. Tax collectors often levied more than they should, keeping ill-gained profit for themselves. As we see in the story of Zacchaeus, he promised Jesus to return money to people for whom he had been a thief. Matthew's friends, the only people to associate with him, were notorious sinners. These people were considered irredeemable by the religious community - thieves, prostitutes, mercenaries who enforced the tax code and confiscation.
If Matthew's Hebrew name is indicative of the tribe from which he came, Levi, this only added insult to injury for his family and community. He should have given his life to the priestly vocation in service to the worship of God. Instead he chose to side with the violent Roman occupiers for his own personal gain. Fortunately, God doesn't waste any experience. God would use Matthew's skill and learning as a tax collector to be one of only four to write the greatest story ever told. Mathew would have known four languages: Greek, Aramaic, Latin, and Hebrew. He would have been a detailed observer and meticulous record keeper. We should never count someone out, because God can redeem and use anyone!
The calling of Matthew is a good model for how we must love one another in spite of our histories and past sins. Peter & Andrew, James & John would have to forgive this tax collector, who had taxed their families and their fishing businesses. According to Mark, Matthew's tax collecting booth was right on the shore of Galilee - most likely so he could watch the daily catch. Jesus presents Matthew with a new reality when He invited Levi to follow him. Unlike the fishermen who could always go back to fishing, Levi left everything to follow Jesus. The first thing he does is to throw a party for Jesus, and enthusiastically invites all of his friends to meet Jesus. The "sinners" receive Jesus gladly while the Pharisees scoff. Here Jesus gives the model to the church for accepting folks - in his commentary on Hosea 6:6 Jesus says that we need to seek out sinners in order that we may introduce them to Jesus. Who are you in this story? Would rather be dining with sinners and Jesus than scoffing outside with the "righteous" Pharisees? Or are we among the silent disciples? Let us be about redeeming sinners, inviting and accepting people who've made a mess of life, introducing them to Jesus and the new reality of living in God's wonderful, amazing grace.
No comments:
Post a Comment