10
From Tax Collector to Disciple
Matthew 9:9-13 & Luke 5:27-32
Simon walks thoughtfully alongside Jesus through the streets of Capernaum, accompanied by a group of regular disciples who have chosen to follow Him. Some, like his brother Andrew, John, and James, have been with Jesus from the very beginning. Others joined later, while some eventually decided that following this Rabbi day after day was simply too much to ask.
In the back of Simon’s mind, yesterday’s prayer that Jesus taught them is still echoing. Simon feels his irritation flare up again just thinking about it - how can he be expected to forgive the Romans? That is asking too much from a true Jew!
And then, to make matters worse, a tax collector sits before them in his toll booth. Simon would rather look the other way. These men are traitors! They buy a contract from the Romans to collect taxes, but the only way they can make a living is by charging the people more than what they owe the Roman government. Most of these tax collectors exploit the system and extort their own people. No wonder everyone despises them!
To Simon’s shock, Jesus stops right in front of the tax collector. Simon tugs at Jesus' sleeve: "Master, this man is not kosher. Let’s move along, please."
But it’s too late - Jesus has already started a conversation with the unsavory man.
"What is your name, my friend?"
"Matthew. But my pals just call me Levi."
"Matthew, I want you to follow Me. Become My disciple!"
Simon turns ice-cold. He feels the blood drain from his face. He feels sick. "Master, how can You?" he whispers to Jesus. "Do You even know who and what this miserable man is?"
But then, Jesus delivers the final blow to Simon’s pride: "Matthew, My disciples and I will dine at your house tonight."
Simon shakes his head, utterly displeased. This means he also has to go along to this traitor’s house! How could his Master do this? It is, to say the least, humiliating! Just imagine how his fisherman friends will mock him for this! But thankfully, Simon is not alone in this disaster - his fellow-disciples are just as shocked and confused by Jesus’ strange behaviour.
Simon consoles himself with the thought that surely, tonight, Jesus will use the opportunity to properly preach to that miserable tax collector!
Meanwhile, Matthew is overjoyed. He has heard all the rumors about this Jesus, and he has been longing to have a conversation with Him. But how could he, a lowly tax collector, ever approach such an important Rabbi? Their social worlds are miles apart! He could hardly believe his eyes when Jesus walked straight up to him and started talking! Immediately, he felt the warmth and sincerity in Jesus' voice - this was no empty gesture!
Matthew abandons his toll booth on the spot and sprints home as fast as he can. If Jesus is coming to his house, then there must be a feast worthy of the occasion!
With a song in his heart and a cheerful tune on his lips, he rushes through the streets.
"Levi, my friend!" One of his colleagues grabs him by the arm. "What's wrong? Where are you rushing off to?"
"That famous Rabbi, Jesus, is coming to my house tonight!" Matthew exclaims.
"I wouldn't miss that for the world! Please, Levi, can I come too?"
"Yes, of course!" But suddenly, Matthew wonders - has he done the right thing?
Back home, the place is buzzing with activity. The news spreads like wildfire, and one by one, all his rough friends show up, hoping to find a spot at the table. How could he turn them away?
Meanwhile, Simon’s fellow-disciples have one by one disappeared, leaving only the stubborn few who are determined to stick it out. Heads hung low, dragging their feet, Simon and his companions make their way to the tax collector’s house. They look like a funeral procession trudging down the dusty road. Jesus is the only one who is cheerful and talkative.
"What are we going to find there?" Simon wonders anxiously. "And what will people say?"
How do you and I feel when we are pulled out of our comfort zones? Culture shock can be very real. I have, on many occasions, crossed language and cultural barriers to share the Gospel with others. Sometimes, it can be incredibly uncomfortable! You have to swallow your pride - especially when the differences are vast.
Yes, and just like Simon long ago, there is always that nagging thought: "What will people say when they see me mixing with them?"
But what is more important - my status, my friendships, my comfort? Or God’s Kingdom?
Prayer:
Lord,
I want to serve You, no matter the circumstances!