Matthew Also Called Levi
Matthew also called Levi was a hated tax collector before he was called by Jesus to become one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew did not hesitate and became an eyewitness of the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Matthew also was the author of the Gospel of Matthew and recorded details of the life of Jesus. Matthew 9:9, 10:3; Mark 2:14, 3:18; Luke 5:27-29; 6:15; Acts 1:13.
Matthew was a tax collector. A tax gatherer, collector of taxes or tolls, one employed by a publican or farmer general in the collection of taxes. The tax collectors were as a class, disliked not only by the Jews, but by other nations also, both on account of their employment and of the harshness, greed, and deception, with which they did their job.
Jesus in Capernaum, passed by and saw Matthew sitting at the receipt of custom where Matthew would collect the taxes and told him to “Follow me.” Matthew arose and followed Jesus. Matthew was also called Levi the son of Alphaeus in the books of Mark and Luke.
Jesus had been asked to the house of Matthew to have a meal. The publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his chosen disciples. Matthew threw a feast for honoring Jesus so his friends could meet Jesus.
Matthew was with the disciples when Jesus was taken up into heaven, called the Ascension of Jesus. Matthew wrote the Gospel of Matthew beginning with the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Matthew wrote to the Jews. The main theme is the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
What Can This Story Teach Us?
Jesus calling Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him and become a disciple. Matthew was a dishonest tax collector driven by greed, until Jesus Christ chose him as a disciple. Once Jesus called Matthew/Levi Matthew immediately followed Jesus.
Matthew threw a great farewell feast in his home in Capernaum. Matthew inviting his friends so they could also meet Jesus. His life had changed instead of collecting tax money, Matthew collected souls for Christ.
When we are called by Jesus we should also leave everything and follow Him. Matthew is a great example of the importance of collecting souls for Jesus Christ instead of collecting money.
Matthew had lived a life of wealth and safety for a life of poverty and uncertainty. He abandoned the pleasures of this world for the promise of eternal life. What a trade counting coins for a walking and talking with Jesus.
Matthew was one of the four Gospel writers, and presented Jesus to the Jews as their hoped for the Messiah. He became an eyewitness of the life and teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Cite Article Source
MLA Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne “Matthew Also Called Levi:.” Becker Bible Studies Library Oct 2014.< https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=1742,>.
APA Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne (2014, October) “Matthew Also Called Levi:.” Becker Bible Studies Library. Retrieved from https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=1742,.
Chicago Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne (2014) “Matthew Also Called Levi:.” Becker Bible Studies Library (October), https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=1742, (accessed).
