Matthew (Levi)
The Redeemed Tax Collector Turned Gospel Writer
Name Information
- Meaning: "Gift of the Lord" (Hebrew: Mattityahu)
- Language of Origin: Hebrew / Aramaic
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a Jewish tax collector when Jesus called him to follow. Despite being socially despised, Jesus saw potential in him for kingdom work. Matthew left his occupation and later wrote the Gospel bearing his name, emphasizing Jesus as the promised Messiah and King. His life reflects the grace of Christ toward the outcast and the power of a transformed life.
⏰ 1st century AD
Roles
- Apostle
- Disciple
- Evangelist
- Gospel Author
Story
While sitting at his tax booth, Matthew heard Jesus say, 'Follow me,' and immediately rose and followed Him (Matthew 9:9).
Held a banquet for Jesus, inviting other tax collectors and sinners.
Jesus used that moment to teach that He came to call sinners, not the righteous.
His Gospel begins with a genealogy proving Jesus’ royal lineage and continues to show Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets.
Tradition holds he ministered and preached the gospel in various regions, possibly including Ethiopia or Persia.
Spiritual Significance
- A tax collector called by Jesus to follow Him.
- Left a profitable but sinful lifestyle to become a disciple.
- Hosted a feast where many other sinners met Jesus.
- Author of the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing Jesus as King and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Christ Connection
Matthew’s Gospel highlights Jesus as the Messiah foretold by the prophets.
His own transformation points to the grace of Christ toward sinners.
His message echoes Jesus' mission: to seek and save the lost.
What We Can Learn
- No one is beyond the reach of Christ’s call.
- A changed life often leads to reaching others with the Gospel.
- Jesus values the heart, not outward status or reputation.
Memory Verses
Follow me. And he rose and followed him.
— Matthew 9:9Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
— Matthew 9:12
Key Passages
- Matthew 9:9–13
- Mark 2:13–17
- Luke 5:27–32
- Matthew 10:2–4
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