Matthew (Levi): A Tax Collector And Author of The Gospel of Matthew
Do you know why Matthew called Jesus with the word King?
In fact, Matthew was a Jew and he knew all the things of Judaism. The prophet in the Jewish book of the Old Testament was called by the name of King. Therefore, Matthew called Jesus with the words of the King in his book. He took all the clues in the Old Testament and tried to prove that Jesus is the prophet whose prophecies are found in the Old Testament.
Introduction
Matthew was a Jew. He worked as a tax collector by profession. It was a very disreputable profession among the Jews. Matthew had to face many difficulties to live in society, He is also called Levi. He has a very important role in Christianity because he is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. He was considered inferior because his profession was notorious, but when Jesus called Matthew and told him the religion of love, he quickly accepted the religion. This decision has completely changed Matthew’s life. His life took a turn from lowliness to honor.
Verse
“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.” (Matthew 9:9)
Verse
“And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.” (Mark 2:14)
Matthew’s Calling by Jesus
Matthew used to work as a text collector, because of which He was looked upon with great hatred. Matthew’s life was very difficult, he had to face challenges. But Christianity changed his life. Matthew was doing his work once, Jesus said, “Follow me. I have something to talk to you about.” Matthew obeyed Jesus and followed him. Jesus brought him the message of Christianity. Matthew was so impressed by Christianity that he accepted Christianity without thinking. This decision of Matthew made his life easier, but he faced a lot of difficulties to convey the message of the Bible. When he was a Jew, he was looked down upon, but when he became a Christian, he found a destination and was respected.
Verse
“After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” (Luke 5:27)
Verse
“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.” (Matthew 9:9)
Matthew’s Invitation For Jesus
Matthew’s past is that he was a text collector and is considered sinful and very inferior. Matthew became a Christian when Jesus preached the Bible. After becoming a Christian, Matthew invited Jesus to his home for dinner and also invited his companions. Matthew was accompanied by mostly text collectors. When they came to eat, there were some people with Jesus. These people said to Jesus that you are feasting in the house of these sinners? You do not think it is inappropriate. Jesus said that doctors are always needed by the sick. Healthy people don’t need it. That’s why I came here. This shows that Jesus honored them and made everyone equal in Christianity.
Verse
“And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them.” (Luke 5:29)
Verse
“And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.” (Matthew 9:10)
Matthew’s Role
Matthew played a very important role in Christianity. He was one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus and was very close to Jesus. He participated in preaching activities and brought the teachings of the Bible to others. Matthew went on many missionary journeys with Jesus. Even after Jesus, he ministered to people and converted them to Christianity. He was that person who wrote the Gospel of Matthew, this is Matthew’s greatest contribution to Christianity.
Verse
“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” (Matthew 10:1-4)
Verse
“He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” (Mark 3:16-19)
Writer of Gospel of Matthew
Matthew wrote the Gospel of Matthew, he wrote about the life and death of Jesus in this book. The Jews did not believe that Jesus was a prophet. It was confirmed by Matthew in the book of Matthew that the prophet mentioned in the Old Testament, which was the book of the Jews, is the same Jesus. The book of Matthew is very important in Christianity.
Verse
“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Matthew was a very faithful disciple of Jesus. After the death of Jesus, Matthew traveled to many regions and countries to bring the message of the Bible to the corners of the world. Reading Matthew’s story teaches us that God’s mercy is equal for everyone. Matthew, who was an inferior person, God gave him an honorable life. Matthew lived his whole life with faith, loyalty and love.
Verse
“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:14)
Verse
“Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28)
