A teaching of Matthew 9:9-13

Jesus went from there …: From an evangelistic point of view, we see that Jesus was always active. It was in the process of going from one place to another that He saw Mathew and made a disciple of him. This shows that evangelism is intentional and we cannot always sit in our churches and expect sinners to come to us.

By Jesus asking Matthew (Levi / Publican – Mk 2:14, Lk 5:27-28), a tax collector to follow Him shows that Jesus could call anyone from any trade or business. It is when we heed the call that He would now begin to train us. If you were not born in a Christian home, Jesus can still locate, call, train and use you for His glory.
“Follow me” – this is a big deal, in that Jesus is only looking for those who will follow Him, not who will boss Him.  To follow is to ‘go with,’ ‘accompany,’ ‘be willing to be taught, instructed and directed.’  A follower will allow the leader to hold their hand and be lead.

Types of following

  • Follow / Continue to the end (exakoloutheo – in Greek)
  • Follow along with, to accompany a leader (sunakoloutheo – in Greek)
  • Follow side-by-side, conform to, intently to practice (parakoloutheo – in Greek)
  • To obey (hupakouo – in Greek)
  • To pursue without hostility (dioko – in Greek)[1]

Types of Calling

  1. Direct call (physically, audibly & specifically):
    1. Mathew – Matt. 9:9
    2. Other disciples – 4:18-22
  1. General Call: There are other calls that may not be as direct.
    1. Multitude – Mat 8:1
    2. Anyone who wishes – Mark 8:34
  1. Personal decision
    1. Ruth – Ruth 1:16-17

God is awesome in His ways.

Nature of Christ’s Calling:

  • Total commitment, (carry your cross) even through difficult times – 10:38
  • Self-denial – 16:24

Verse 10-13: Jesus ate with ‘sinners’ and was questioned:

We should not only move with church folks but engage sinners too in order to bring them to the knowledge of Christ. He went to Mathew’s house to eat (Mk 2: 15, LK 5: 29).

When His righteousness queried by asking why He ate with ‘sinners’, He informed the people that He came to save sinners and that God prefers us to show mercy (kindness towards others & benevolence) than acts of offering (for the forgiveness of sins).

Further, He was teaching that no one is righteous (Ps. 14:3; Rom. 1:18-32), contrary to the pretense of the Pharisees.

We must know our purpose in life and what the Lord requires.

[1] New Testament Dictionary