Day 22: Matthew, the Tax Collector (Luke: 5: 27-32)
Jesus had created more than just a little stir in Capernaum. He taught with great authority, He was casting out evil spirits, and He was healing people of many different diseases. News about Him spread throughout the city, and soon the whole city was camped outside the home where he was staying. Knowing it was time to minister in other cities, Jesus and His few followers left Capernaum. But after awhile, He returned, and it didn’t take very long for the word to get out that He had returned. Again, the crowds were attracted to the Man with power. One day so many gathered in the home where He was that people had to be turned away because there just wasn’t enough room. That was the day that He healed the paralytic who was let down through the roof.
Everyone was talking about Jesus. Even Matthew, the town’s tax collector, had spent many hours pondering the miracles of Jesus. Who was this Man who did the impossible? Could He be sent from God? But there was no one to answer his questions. Who could he ask? He was hated because he took their taxes, and he hadn’t always been honest.
Then Matthew saw Jesus coming toward him on the way to the seashore with many townspeople following behind Him. “Are they coming for me?” he nervously thought. What might this Jesus say to him or do if He passes by? But his logic reassured him that Jesus likely wouldn’t even notice him amongst all those who were following after Him already. And surely someone had told Him what a wicked man he’d been. “No, I have nothing to be anxious about at all. He probably hates me as much as they do. He is a righteous man. What would He have to do with me, a sinner, anyway?” he convinced himself.
To his amazement, Jesus passed by, turned to him and said, “Follow Me!” Without a second thought, Matthew obeyed, leaving everything behind.
Following Jesus is what we are called to do after we have been saved. Have you been willing to leave everything of your sin life behind so that you may follow Him toward Christ-likeness? What have been your most recent victories over sin? Can Christ be seen in you?
Though we struggle with laying down our sin, our greatest difficulty is rooted in our response to Jesus' simple, yet profound, words to us . . . "Follow Me!" Who is truly leading your life?
Though we struggle with laying down our sin, our greatest difficulty is rooted in our response to Jesus' simple, yet profound, words to us . . . "Follow Me!" Who is truly leading your life?
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