“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.”
– Matthew 9:9
I enjoy exploring how Jesus called His disciples to follow Him. One of the most amazing things about Jesus is He called unlikely people who you wouldn’t think would be considered. My favorite is the calling of Matthew, the tax collector. Matthew gives his own account of this calling by Jesus in the Book of Matthew. In Jesus’ day, tax collectors were seen as outsiders and traitors. Today’s tax collectors have rules that you follow; you hire an accountant or use an online platform, you fill out all your forms, and pay your taxes. At times you may not appreciate the taxes that are due! Some think their taxes are too high, but most people would say that it’s somewhat equally fair for everyone. That being said, in Jesus’ time, there were Jewish tax collectors who were religiously and ethnically Jewish, but they worked for the Roman Empire. The Jews of those days saw the Roman Empire as the evil entity occupying their land, and they wanted the Romans out of Israel. In most cases, tax collectors were dishonest because they used an arbitrary system of collecting more taxes than what was required, and padding their own pockets. Friend, the famous Rabbi Jesus, who Matthew probably wasn’t even allowed to associate with, looked at Matthew, the tax collector, the outsider, the sinner, and He said, ”Come follow me.” Jesus knew the true heart of Matthew. Isn’t that amazing? Today, Jesus is calling you to become His disciple. Go where He leads you, learn from Him, and become like Him. |
Prayer
Jesus, help me to learn from you. Thank you for calling me.
Reflection
Have you allowed Jesus to lead your decisions? Where do you want Him to lead you more?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
Dear pastor Bobby,
the email I received last night from you was very surprising. I was and I am still wondering what it was to lead you to such a decision. Well, I can answer your question: 1) we do not have a will, regardless I am mentioning the need for it for the last ten years.
My husband and younger son (44) who lives with are definitely against it!
2)To leave a reply to your todays Devotional I would like you – pastor Bobby, to be more specific. I am 82 years old, I love my God, I always did, starting from my First Holy Communion; I needed Him more – to be my Father, then other kids my age. I know that He loves me. He saved my life miraculously six times (3x in my native country and 3times in USA). I did so much good to many – unconditionally, so I am not afraid to die, He will be the last to judge. God bless you and your lovely family. Emma Irena Levicky. P.S. If Iam creating problems, please let me know.