This is probably the same Matthew who is universally thought to be the author of this Gospel. He was one of the 12, chosen by Jesus, but before had been employed by the occupying Romans (v 9). This would have made him unpopular. He was in a profession known for dishonesty, as tax collectors tended to syphon off funds for themselves. 

But Jesus didn’t care about reputation – his, or Matthew’s. Why? Because Matthew was exactly the reason that God sent his Son into the world – to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).

With a cryptic remark about healthy and sick people (vs 12,13), Jesus made it clear that he had a specific ministry. His comments hinted at the coming of God’s kingdom on earth, and that he was the Messiah – the Chosen One – the Jews were waiting for. 

Meanwhile, Matthew responded immediately to Jesus’ simple request. Are we too dependent on our twenty-first-century lifestyle? Does it hinder our response to Jesus? As I write these notes, we’re in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Who knows what will have happened by the time you read this? What we do know, though, is that Jesus still calls us to follow him, day by day. Are you ready to respond obediently to him, whatever may be going on around you?

‘Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.’¹

The journey of faith is often wrongly perceived as solely a matter of individual belief and conviction, but it is equally about how we interact with other people. This passage shows us how Jesus discipled Matthew and the example he set both for the Pharisees and for us as we seek to disciple others.

There is a discernible pattern in Matthew’s calling. First, Jesus calls him and Matthew responds by following him (v 9). Next, Matthew invites Jesus and his disciples into his home for dinner. Then, they eat together, joined by other tax collectors and sinners (v 10). Both Jesus and Matthew take initiative in this relationship and each responds to the other: Jesus calls, Matthew responds; Matthew invites, Jesus responds. Most importantly, their relationship involves being and sharing together and including others in their being and sharing: this is a relationship of mutual respect, not one in which Jesus dictates what he wants. 

The Pharisees find this hard (v 11). Tax collectors were largely reviled by Jews, perceived to be guilty of malpractice and of collaboration with the Romans. The term ‘sinner’ is debated, but at least partly denoted those who did not keep the Jewish law.² Surely, Jesus in discipling them should be encouraging them to reform? Teaching them to believe, and do, the right things – not just ‘being’ with them? Jesus, however, challenges the Pharisees’ assumptions. It is they who need to learn here, not the ‘sinners’. Likewise, we must learn to be slow to judge or demand lifestyle changes from those whose background or standards of behaviour are different from our own. Our primary calling is to show mercy to our brothers and sisters. As we do so, we will perhaps learn that we can receive it, too.

Consider one way in which you could share hospitality this week with someone who is different from you.

¹ Ps 40:11  ² Paula Gooder, Let me go there, Canterbury Press, 2016, p97