A Friend, Indeed

Matthew had a problem -- he was rapidly losing the few friends he had. He had just given up everything to follow the Nazarene. For most of the other followers, there was always fishing if things didn't work out. Not so for Matthew, son of Alphaeus. His lucrative career depended on the good graces of Rome.

Matthew was a tax collector, appointed by the provincial Roman government to collect duties at Capernaum. From these, he kept a certain amount as commission. He was despised because all tax collectors were suspected of garnering more than was due and robbing the population. And since his territory included the area around the Sea of Galilee, he probably collected taxes from Peter, Andrew, John, and the rest. Therefore, they had no use for him.

Then one day Matthew was sitting in his tax booth when the Nazarene and his followers approached. Suddenly Jesus stopped in front of Matthew and said, "Follow Me." The astonished tax collector hesitated a moment. Then he inexplicably stood up, left his lucrative profession behind, and never looked back.

The others in Jesus' party might have asked themselves if they were following a madman. Peter, the most passionate and straightforward of the group, probably became angry. How many times had this Matthew person swindled Andrew and himself out of their hard-earned money? And now, he was part of their group?

Later that day, when Matthew invited Jesus and the others to supper, Peter must have been incensed. For him, Matthew was adding insult to injury. What could the Master be thinking of? He soon got an answer.

Apparently some Pharisees were lurking nearby and they asked the disciples why Jesus associated with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus overheard and answered, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means" 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

If Peter and the others had been upset over Jesus calling the hated tax collector to be one of their select group, His words instantly took the wind out of their sails. But for Matthew, our Lord's answer had much greater significance.

For Matthew, his old life had passed away and he was starting a new life with Jesus. Of course, his old friends would not understand, and they would abandon him. Certainly the Romans would, too. Someone else would be appointed tax collector.

But now Matthew had a new friend, one who could offer him much more than the others ever could.

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Ed Price spent 35 years in print and broadcast journalism. He is author of 15 books. After becoming an ordained minister he settled with his wife on a farm in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, to study God's word and to write. Ed and Patty are the parents of three girls, have one grandchild, and cater to the every whim of two spoiled cats.
© 2008 Ed Price - All rights reserved. Visit his website, The Loving Heart.

This column is used with permission.