TWELVE COMMON MEN

2. TWELVE COMMON MEN Matthew The Transformed Apostle

3. INTRODUCTION • The Apostles were common people • All (except Judas Iscariot) from rural Galilee • God’s plans often centered on the humble • Ps 8:2; Isa 26:4-6; Zep 3:12 • Jesus had no use for religious elitism • No one came under more fire from Him than the Pharisees, scribes and Sadducees • Miracles had little or no spiritual effect on them • They saw Him as an interloper and intruder • They sought His death almost from the outset • They could not tolerate being called sinners • Jesus chose Apostles who were willing to admit their sins and set about to change Matthew – The Transformed Apostle

4. MATTHEW - THE TAX COLLECTOR • What we know about Matthew from the scriptures: • Matthew the apostle mentioned in the apostle lists: Mt 10:3; Mk 3:18; Lk 6:15; Acts 1:13 • The name is a Greek reproduction of the Aramaic Mattathyah, i.e. "gift of Yahweh" • According to Mk 2:14, his name was Levi • A Hebrew name • Perhaps he used different names due to his occupation, depending on with whom he dealt Matthew – The Transformed Apostle

5. MATTHEW - THE TAX COLLECTOR • He was a customs officer (Mt. 10:3) in Capernaum, in the territory of Herod Antipas • Tax collecting was a paid for office • The Roman government auctioned off the right to collect taxes in each province • The winning bidder could then subdivide the province and sell or auction the right to collect taxes in each subdivision • And those individuals could again subdivide, etc • Tax rates were set, but collectors charged whatever amount they wanted • If rates were outrageous, merchants would change their routes to avoid highest taxes Matthew – The Transformed Apostle

6. MATTHEW - THE TAX COLLECTOR • Most likely more wealthy than the “middle-class” • Must have been somewhat educated • Probably speaking Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek • But would have been despised by Jews • Even if honest, he would still have been considered a traitor or collaborator Matthew – The Transformed Apostle

7. MATTHEW - THE TAX COLLECTOR • Time of his call: • He would have been present at the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist (Acts 1:21-22) • Perhaps among the tax collectors who had sought John out (Lk 3:12-13) • Called after Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip and Nathanael (Lk 5:27-28) • The author of the Gospel of Matthew • Tradition states that he preached for 15 years in Palestine and then he went to foreign nations • Tradition says he was stabbed to death in Ethiopia Matthew – The Transformed Apostle

8. His Call • Luke 5:27-32 • Tax collectors were often dishonest • Used strong-arm tactics to extort tolls from the Jews • Most were scoundrels according to extra-biblical accounts • Not the kind of person you would think would be useful in Christ’s service • Called while sitting in his booth collecting taxes • Immediately left all, his money, his job, his investment • People passing through would no longer be charged • He “burned his bridges” • Matthew had a great feast for Jesus with many tax collectors gathered • Only other tax collectors (and perhaps other occupations working closely with the Romans) would eat with tax collectors Matthew – The Transformed Apostle

9. THE TAX COLLECTORS • The Three Individual Tax Collectors of the NT • Zaccheus: Lk 19:1-10 • The publican of the parable: Lk 18:10-14 • Matthew • Tax collectors gathered around Jesus (Lk 15:1) • Why did Jesus’ appeal to the tax collectors? • Mt 21:23-32 • Lk 3:7-13 • Lk 5:31-32 • They understood and acknowledged their sinfulness • They were willing to repent • They were willing to change • They just needed someone to show them the way Matthew – The Transformed Apostle

10. Answering the Call • Why would Matthew answer the call so suddenly? • He was obviously spiritually hungry • His Gospel makes it clear that he was a true student of the OT • No other gospel quotes as often from OT • He believed in the one true God • He understood the promise of the Messiah • He knew about Jesus • Had seen His baptism with the attendant signs • Had probably heard some of His teachings • Gladly and unhesitatingly followed • Took Jesus to eat at his house • Immediately invited friends to hear Him also Matthew – The Transformed Apostle

11. Transformed • Some themes that runs through his Gospel after his call in chapter 9 are forgiveness, acceptance and rest • Mt 11:25-30; 12:15-21; 18:21-35 • Matthew knew he was a sinner • Probably guilty of graft, extortion, oppression and abuse – directly or indirectly • He obviously sensed that in answering the call of Jesus forgiveness of these sins would become available • He walked away from a lucrative career and followed Jesus to the end without giving it a second thought • And invited those in like condition to join him Matthew – The Transformed Apostle

12. Conclusion • Matthew is yet another kind of ordinary man • Better educated, wealthier • A steady, high-paying job • But one that has caused some spiritual guilt • He had a spiritual hunger and thirst • But was not accepted by the “religious” • Readily accepted the call of Jesus • Understood forgiveness was available • Understood repentance required walking away from the source of sin • Are you as eager to find forgiveness?