Matthew Is Called by Jesus
“Follow me”
Christ saw the tax collector sitting at his work. Matthew was focused and attentive to his work as Christ decided to call him as a disciple. He was an upper-class publican working in the service of Herod Antipas. As Jesus approached him, Matthew looked up.
“Follow me,” Jesus said.
There was not a second of hesitation. No questions were asked, and there was no doubt in Matthew’s face. He knew that Christ was the Savior of the world. He stopped his work, stood up, and followed the Savior. His booth was never visited by Matthew again.
They walked out together and Matthew took Christ to his home. He planned a feast for the Savior and had a large gathering of publicans there as well. However, a celebration with copious amounts of food and drinks did not sit well with some.
“Why are you eating and drinking with these publicans and sinners?” the scribes and Pharisees muttered under their breath.
Jesus stopped and looked at them saying, “Healthy people do not need to see a doctor. It is the sick that do. I didn’t come here to bring the righteous together, but to tell sinners to repent.”