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MATTHEW: THE GOSPEL OF JESUS’ KINGSHIP
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31
Luke 5:27-39

Matthew 9:9

 

“…Matthew, sitting at the receipt
of custom: and he saith unto him,

Follow me…”

 

MATTHEW: THE GOSPEL OF JESUS’ KINGSHIP
 
Matthew is one of the Gospel writers. Roger Baxter, in his “Meditations,” wrote of Matthew’s call: “Great was the force of this call, which was able to withdraw a man from his riches: and yet the same call, perhaps, would not be forcible enough to withdraw you from smaller impediments. Who can despair of salvation, when he sees public sinners taken out of a custom house, assumed not only to the friendship of God, but raised to the highest dignity of the apostleship.” Truly, “his tender mercies are over all his works” (Ps 145:9).
 
Matthew, whose name in Hebrew means “the gift of Jehovah,” was also known as Levi. A tax collector by profession, despised by his own people and branded a traitor by the Pharisees, he was nevertheless chosen by the Lord Jesus to be an apostle. His call was a striking display of God’s irresistible grace. Though educated and employed in a position of wealth, Matthew immediately responded to the highest call, leaving behind worldly gain for an eternal reward.
 
At the time of his calling, Matthew believed and loved his Messiah and King. He would have counted the cost of losing his occupation, but considered the blessedness of belonging to Christ far greater than the fleeting pleasures of this world. Hearing the sweet yet commanding voice of the King, he had no other thought but to submit to His rule. Thus, he quoted a prophecy, “All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee…” (Matt 21:4-5).
 
Matthew’s burden for his people was evident. Responding to his calling, he gathered fellow tax collectors and sinners, and hosted a feast so they too might hear the good news of salvation. His concern was no longer to collect money, but to gather souls for blessing. He wasted no time in proclaiming the Messiah, the Son of David, the King who will reign on earth for a thousand years, and forever in His eternal Kingdom.
 
THOUGHT: Am I truly a follower of Jesus Christ, my King?
PRAYER: Father, may Thy irresistible grace upon me be the same grace imparted to others as I share Thy Word.

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