“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.”– Matthew 9:9 (KJV)
“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.”– Matthew 9:9 (NLT)
“Passing along, Jesus saw Matthew sitting at his tax booth. ‘Come, follow me,’ he said. Matthew stood up and followed him.”– Matthew 9:9 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 9:9 Mean?
Matthew 9:9 is a verse that illustrates a significant moment in the life of Matthew, who later became one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. In this verse, we see Jesus calling Matthew from his current profession as a tax collector. At that time, tax collectors were often viewed negatively by society. They were seen as greedy and corrupt, as they collected taxes not only for the occupying Roman government but often took extra for themselves. Yet, in this moment, Jesus does not see Matthew’s profession or his past sins, He sees the potential for transformation and service. This calling highlights the grace and mercy of Jesus, as He chooses to associate with those whom society often rejects or looks down upon. It shows that Jesus came to save sinners and that no one is beyond His reach.
In Matthew’s response, we find an important lesson. He does not hesitate or make excuses about his life. He stands up immediately and follows Jesus. This reaction reflects the importance of faith and obedience. We are encouraged to respond to God’s call with the same eagerness and willingness. Following Jesus is often a journey that may require us to leave behind our previous ways, to embrace a new life filled with purpose and hope. Matthew’s story is one of redemption, showcasing not only how Jesus sees us but also how our willingness to follow Him can lead to extraordinary changes in our lives.
Matthew 9:9 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, we learn about Jesus’ ministry and how He called His followers. The act of calling Matthew is simple yet powerful. Jesus doesn’t deliver a long speech; He merely says, “Follow me.” This phrase is significant. It invites Matthew into a relationship and a mission, something that requires commitment and courage. In historical context, a tax collector had a stable job, which provides him with financial security. However, the call to follow Jesus asked Matthew to leave that security behind. Hence, it speaks volumes about the priorities we set in life.
Matthew’s immediate response is crucial. It emphasizes readiness to follow Christ at any cost. This idea resonates throughout the New Testament as Jesus calls others to discipleship as well. For instance, in Luke 9:62, Jesus says, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Our journey with Christ involves decisiveness, and Matthew exemplifies that beautifully. His story encourages us to evaluate what we may need to leave behind in order to lead a life that honors God. God calls us from our comfort zones into a life bursting with purpose, service, and community.
This verse also emphasizes the transformative nature of Jesus. Through doing the life-changing task of following Him, Matthew would become an integral part of the early church and go on to write the Gospel of Matthew. This transformation showcases God’s ability to enact change and hope in our lives regardless of where we start. It’s a reminder that no matter our past, we can always be renewed when we heed Christ’s call. Each of us has a part to play, just like Matthew, who, upon his call, became an essential piece in spreading the Gospel.
Context of Matthew 9:9
In understanding Matthew 9:9, it is essential to look at its surrounding verses and broader context. This passage occurs after several miraculous events, indicating Jesus’ authority and power. Before meeting Matthew, He heals a paralytic in Matthew 9:1-8, proving that He can forgive sins and heal physical ailments. These miracles serve as a prelude to calling Matthew, illustrating that the work of Jesus encompasses both the miraculous and the everyday lives of people.
Also, Matthew is writing this Gospel for a primarily Jewish audience. This could indicate a further depth to his calling. For the Jewish people, tax collectors represented a significant problem because they were seen as traitors working for the Roman government. In calling Matthew, Jesus challenges societal views, showing that anyone, regardless of their past, can have a purpose in God’s kingdom.
The positioning of Matthew’s calling also suggests the importance of community in the narrative of Christ’s ministry. After Matthew follows Jesus, he hosts a banquet for others, inviting fellow tax collectors and sinners to meet Jesus. This highlights that Jesus’ mission extends to all people and encourages the inclusion of those marginalized by society.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 9:9
Firstly, in the phrase “saw a man named Matthew,” we recognize that Jesus knows us personally. He recognizes us in our current state, whatever it may be. His call speaks to our very names, indicating that a personal relationship is vital. Just like Matthew, we are known and loved by Jesus even before we decide to follow Him.
The next important detail is Matthew’s profession. As a tax collector, he is situated at a customs booth. This symbolizes the mundane nature of his life before he encounters Jesus. It’s a reminder that Jesus calls us amid our daily routines. We are never too busy or too lost for Him to reach us. No matter our occupation or social status, we can find grace through His call.
When Jesus says, “Follow me,” it serves as a directive. It isn’t simply an invitation but a command that requires action. This gives us insight into what discipleship truly means. Following Jesus is not just about acknowledgment; it is about movement, stepping into a journey of faith where we learn, grow, and transform. This path may lead us to places we never imagined.
Finally, Matthew’s response is profoundly significant. He gets up and follows without delay. In our lives, this urgency could represent the need to respond to God’s invitation promptly. It encourages us to act on what we feel called to do instead of hesitating. Are we ready to lay aside our fears, doubts, and insecurities to follow Him where He leads? We should be inspired by Matthew’s example of leaving everything behind with courage and trust.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 9:9
This verse offers multiple lessons that resonate in our lives today. First and foremost, we learn about the call of Jesus. He invites each of us into a personal relationship, much like He did with Matthew. No matter our past or present circumstances, He desires us to traverse life with Him. This shows the inclusivity of Jesus’ message—He welcomes everyone, offering grace and forgiveness to those who feel unworthy.
Another important lesson from Matthew’s story is the need for action. When we hear God’s call, we must respond. The way Matthew stood up and followed illustrates how we ought to be diligent about answering God when He asks something of us. It asks us to consider: What is Jesus calling us to do right now? Are we prepared to make that commitment?
We also learn about the significance of leaving behind what holds us back. By leaving his job as a tax collector, Matthew models what it means to prioritize our calling over earthly comforts or securities. We may need to consider what distractions or sinful habits we might have to leave behind to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
Furthermore, we see the unfolding nature of God’s plans. Matthew’s past does not dictate his future. God can use the seemingly mundane or broken parts of our lives to build something extraordinary. As we ponder our own stories, we recognize that every experience shapes us for ministry—everything we’ve gone through can lead us to a place of helping others.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 9:9 is more than just a call to a tax collector. It encapsulates the powerful message of redemption, obedience, and purpose that resonates throughout the Bible. As we reflect on Matthew’s transformation from a tax collector to an apostle, we find hope and encouragement for our own journeys. Jesus calls us to follow Him into lives marked by grace and transformed purposes. This encourages us to open our hearts and minds to God’s leading in our lives, to never underestimate the call of Christ upon us, and to trust that He will equip us for what lies ahead.
As we reflect on the life of Matthew and other biblical figures, we invite you to explore further topics that deepen your understanding of God’s word. Check out the stories in Matthew 11, or learn about the foundations in Genesis 18:3, and let your journey of faith flourish.