The Calling Of St Matthew

The Calling of St. Matthew: A Deeper Dive into Faith, Forgiveness, and Following

The Calling of St. Matthew, a pivotal scene depicted in all four Gospels (Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32), offers a profound reflection on faith, forgiveness, and the transformative power of following Christ. This iconic biblical narrative transcends its historical context, resonating deeply with believers and non-believers alike, offering timeless lessons about God's boundless grace and the radical nature of discipleship. This article will delve into the narrative's details, explore its theological significance, and consider its enduring relevance in contemporary life.

Introduction: A Tax Collector's Transformation

The story centers on Matthew, a publican – a tax collector working for the Roman occupying force. In first-century Palestine, this profession was deeply despised. Publicans were seen as collaborators with the oppressive Roman regime, often enriching themselves through extortion and betrayal of their own people. Matthew, therefore, represented the epitome of societal outcast. Yet, it is this very outcast that Jesus chooses to call to discipleship. This act alone underscores the radical inclusivity at the heart of Jesus's ministry and the boundless nature of God's love, extending even to those deemed unworthy. The scene depicts not just a calling, but a complete and transformative change of life, highlighting the power of grace and the possibility of redemption for everyone.

The Narrative Unfolded: A Moment of Encounter

The Gospels present slightly varying accounts, but the core message remains consistent. Jesus, during his ministry, sees Matthew at his tax booth. The encounter is not a drawn-out process, but a direct, decisive call. Jesus simply says, "Follow me." This seemingly simple command encapsulates the essence of the calling: a direct invitation to leave behind one's life and follow Jesus. It is not a request for repentance or a lengthy theological discussion, but a decisive act of grace initiating a life-altering transformation.

Matthew's response is immediate and unequivocal. He leaves everything behind – his lucrative job, his social standing, and his established life – to follow Jesus. This demonstrates the immediate impact of encountering Christ. The call is not a gradual process of persuasion, but an instantaneous surrender to the compelling force of Jesus's presence and his message. The act of leaving everything speaks volumes about the transformative power of faith and the conviction that Jesus's way of life is superior to everything else.

The Subsequent Feast: A Celebration of Inclusion

Following Matthew’s immediate obedience, the narrative continues with a significant detail: Matthew hosts a great feast in Jesus's honor, inviting his former colleagues – other tax collectors and "sinners." This act is profoundly significant. It is not simply a celebratory meal, but a powerful statement about inclusion and forgiveness. Matthew, in his newfound faith, chooses to extend the same grace and acceptance he has received to those who society has marginalized. This demonstrates the ripple effect of Jesus's transformative grace; it is not meant to be kept to oneself, but to be shared and extended to others.

The Pharisees, representing the religious elite of the time, criticize Jesus for associating with these "sinners." Their criticism highlights the stark contrast between Jesus’s inclusive approach and the exclusionary practices of certain religious leaders. Jesus’s response is both gentle and firm. He emphasizes that he has come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. This statement underscores the core of Jesus's mission: to seek and save the lost, irrespective of their social standing or perceived moral failings.

Theological Significance: Grace, Repentance, and Discipleship

The Calling of St. Matthew carries immense theological weight. It powerfully illustrates the concept of God's grace. Matthew, a symbol of social rejection and moral compromise, is chosen by Jesus, demonstrating that God's love is unconditional and extends even to the most unlikely candidates. This is a cornerstone of Christian theology: salvation is not earned through merit, but received through God's grace.

The narrative also highlights the importance of repentance. Matthew's abandonment of his former life signifies a turning away from his past and a commitment to a new life centered around Christ. Repentance, in this context, is not simply regret, but a radical transformation of one's life, a turning away from sin and toward God. It involves a change in perspective, values, and actions.

Finally, the story beautifully portrays the meaning of discipleship. Matthew's immediate and complete obedience reveals the essence of following Christ. It is not a passive acceptance of beliefs but an active commitment to a life of service, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Discipleship is a continuous process of learning, growing, and striving to live according to Jesus’s teachings. It requires courage, humility, and a willingness to embrace change.

The Enduring Relevance: A Message for Today

The Calling of St. Matthew resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. In a world still marked by social divisions, prejudice, and marginalization, the story offers a powerful message of hope and inclusion. It reminds us that God's love transcends social boundaries and extends to everyone, regardless of their past mistakes or societal standing.

The narrative challenges us to examine our own prejudices and biases. Just as the Pharisees judged Jesus for associating with “sinners,” we might unconsciously judge and exclude others based on their backgrounds, choices, or perceived moral shortcomings. The story urges us to extend grace, compassion, and forgiveness, mirroring the inclusive love demonstrated by Jesus.

Furthermore, the story calls us to examine our own responses to God's call. Matthew's immediate obedience contrasts sharply with our own often hesitant and calculated responses to God’s invitations in our lives. The story challenges us to consider the depth of our commitment to following Christ, to ask ourselves if we are truly willing to leave behind everything that hinders our relationship with God.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Why was Matthew's profession so despised? Tax collectors in Roman-occupied Palestine were seen as collaborators with the oppressive regime, often exploiting their countrymen for personal gain. They were viewed as traitors and morally corrupt.

• What does it mean that Jesus calls "sinners"? Jesus's use of the term "sinners" is not a judgmental label but a recognition that everyone falls short of God's perfect standard. He came to call those who recognize their need for forgiveness and redemption.

• What is the significance of the feast? The feast symbolizes Matthew's newfound faith and his desire to share the grace he received with others. It also highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’s ministry, extending beyond the religious elite to encompass marginalized and outcast individuals.

• How does this story apply to my life today? The story challenges us to examine our own prejudices, extend forgiveness, and consider the radical nature of discipleship. It reminds us that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of our past, and calls us to respond to God's call with immediate and unwavering obedience.

• What can I learn from Matthew’s response? Matthew's immediate and complete obedience demonstrates the transformative power of faith and the importance of surrendering to God's call without hesitation. It models a life of selfless devotion and a willingness to follow Jesus regardless of the cost.

Conclusion: A Timeless Legacy of Grace and Transformation

The Calling of St. Matthew remains a powerful and relevant narrative for Christians and non-Christians alike. It showcases the radical inclusivity of God's love, the transformative power of grace, and the challenging yet rewarding path of discipleship. The story transcends its historical context, reminding us that God's call extends to all, regardless of our past or present circumstances. It compels us to reflect on our own responses to God's call, challenging us to embrace forgiveness, extend compassion, and live lives that reflect the transformative love of Christ. The legacy of Matthew's calling serves as a constant reminder of the boundless grace available to everyone and the possibility of profound personal transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a story that continues to inspire and challenge us to live lives of radical inclusion, unwavering faith, and selfless service.