Jesus...the Original EOE

Feast of Saint Matthew

 

~~~ Eph 4:1-7, 11-13 ~~~ Psalm 19 ~~~ Matt 9: 9-13 ~~~

 

We are familiar with Matthew's calling to come follow Jesus.

He was the tax collector...one of the least likely to be chosen by Jesus.

The Jews wanted nothing to do with the tax collectors

because of the way they made their money.

They were not looked upon a desirable people, but more as crooks.

 

We should keep in mind that Jesus was a Jew. He was brought up in a typical Jewish family. He was taought the Jewish prayers and customs.

There are many cases when Jesus purposely does something interpreted as contrary to his Jewish upbringing.

Choosing Matthew to join his inner circle would have been noticed as curious at best.

IT is ven more astounding that Matthew went on to become one of the four Evangelist.

 

As a tax collector, Matthew would have been well educated, fluent in Aramaic and Greek, and considerable acquired wealth.

Tax collectors were viewed as sinners by the other Jews.

 

It is not only remarkable that Jesus called Matthew,

but it is even more remarkable that he immediately left his post.

Matthew heard the call from Jesus, closed up shop,

packed up his collection ledgers, and became a disciple. 

 

Soon after joining Jesus' young group,

Matthew invites Jesus to his house for a feast.

As we know sharing a meal together was a sign of inclusion and welcoming.

This gesture of inclusion infuriated the Scribes and Pharisees,

criticizing him for eating with tax collectors and sinners.

Jesus was prompt to answer; he had come to eat with sinners.

 

"...I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

 

 

Matthew's writings is the first of the four synoptic gospels.

Origen believes it actually was the first written gospel account.

Matthew is recognized as a Saint in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox,

Lutheran, and Anglican churches.

His relics are preserved in the Salerno Cathedral in Italy.

 

Today Paul tells the Ephesians and us...

 

"...(I) urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace..."

 

Matthew immediately rises to his calling and leaves his career

working for the establishment.

Matthew may have had previous exposure to Jesus though friends

and family members.

 

Jesus may have been preparing Matthew to be called

in many subtle ways.

He may have been pre-conditioned

to embrace his calling before it came.

Of course he did have his free will

and his intelligence to assist his decision making.

 

Maybe Matthew had some doubts about this new guy (Jesus)

 and his strange ways of looking at the world.

Maybe Matthew was waiting to be called

 before giving up his job security.

I would imagine even back then job security was important.

 

Jesus carefully handpicked his twelve apostles so that they

were a cross representation of all of us.

He picked fisherman and a tax collector and made them equal in his ministry.

Jesus considered the talents and gifts of each person he called,

 thereby creating a balanced group of loyal followers.

 

 

Just as Peter could relate to those who were hard working fishermen,

Matthew could speak to the professionals

and those in positions of authority.

 

It is easy to see that Jesus valued diversity...

just look at who he associated with.

 

You know that old childhood phrase:

Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.

 

 Jesus and his friends did not fit into any prescribed category.

Jesus was then and always be all inclusive...

sinner or saint, rich or poor, fisherman or tax collector...

Jesus was the first equal opportunity employer.

 

That should make each of us feel really good about following Jesus.

No matter who you are, Jesus has a job for you.

Working for Jesus, you will have job security to last a lifetime

and then some.

Who can resist his offer?

Matthew lived in a manner worthy of his call...

Are You?