Matthew – The BitCoin Reject to Dedicated Disciple
Wow! Jesus picked a winner. This Matthew was nobody’s favorite draft pick for the Discipleship program; but Jesus understood all things. In Matthew’s case, Christ knew that his testimony would be the example to others in His day and many in our day too.
I’m curious what it would take for a guy like Matthew to go from BitCoin Reject to Dedicated Disciple?
This family was local epic cool
- Mr. Popular’s Kid – Alpheus (Mark 2:14)
a. Matthew was from a prominent inter-political family. I say that because the job that Matthew got. Alpheus means “popular one.” Sounds like a nick-name to me.
b. His proud lineage helped Matthew later; but first, the “pride of life” became his snare.
They lived near the Sea at Capernaum. You should’ve seen their home!
c. Through good family connections Matthew became his own man, the wrong way
His sea-side gig was good; but…
2. Matthew’s Tax-It Racket –(Matthew 10:3) Matthew the Publican
- Under Jewish law, it was not possible to charge interest. No way to make a quick buck.
- Under Herod’s law, there was no way for Jews to become independently rich.
- The loophole: Make a shekel pitting the Romans against the Jews. A Real Money Maker
About 63BC, Roman ruler, Gabinus set up the Jewish rulers and assigned them to collect taxes. Emperor Vespian actually required taxes to be paid in the TEMPLE! (Matt. 17:24-27) Under Herod & Julius Ceasar these tax collecting Jews were called “Publicans”. Yep. Those were the odd fellows. Their job came with Roman soldier enforcement. Woof! - Problem #1: You know that you have to be slightly crooked to betray your neighbors
If you were a Publican, the TALMUD says that you could not testify in Hebrew court. You were a liar, at best. If you get kicked out of church for weird and regular sin, Matthew 18:17 says treat them like a “publican.” Reject unrepentant, sin-filled jerk. I guess that make me a re-publican! - Problem #2: No one likes you. Romans – you’re another Jew. Jewish nation – you’re my neighbor trading traitor. “HEY TRAITOR JOE, what do you know?” It’s no wonder that the publican came to synagogue, beat his chest, and said “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I know my place.
How do you get outta of this lifestyle?
3. The Saviour Meets Matthew – Matthew 9:9-13
- Guilt of sin prepares the heart for change – 2 Cor. 7:10 “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:…”
- John the Baptizer was the street preacher (Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20; John 1:19-28)
His message was to prepare their hearts for the Saviour. Evangelists of every century have been called to reach hard hearts with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. These trumpets of grace are God’s “meet m-e-e-t tenderizers” for when the listener is ready to become a new creation in Christ. - Christ met Matthew in a miraculous way (Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32)
Matthew 9:9 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. 10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
Matthew was ready for a complete life change. His heart was “m-e-e-t, meet tenderized” and desired a new life with Christ. His written testimony is “…Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” Matthew 14:33
That was Matthew’s testimony.
Are you a Believer? Matthew says “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 16:25
Are you undecided? Matthew urges you “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26
He hopes and I hope that when God opens your “…understanding, that (you) might understand the scriptures, And (Jesus) said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name…” Matthew 24:45
“And whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved” Romans 10:9
Please let me know how I can pray for you in your life and your walk with Christ everyday.
