The Call Of St Matthew

The Call of St. Matthew: A Deeper Look into Faith, Forgiveness, and Discipleship

The Call of St. Matthew, a pivotal scene depicted in all three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), serves as a powerful testament to God's boundless grace and the transformative power of faith. This narrative, often overlooked in its brevity, offers profound insights into the nature of discipleship, the importance of forgiveness, and the universality of God's call to salvation. Understanding this scene unlocks a deeper appreciation of the Gospel message and its enduring relevance to our lives today. This article delves into the various interpretations and symbolic meanings embedded within this seemingly simple story, exploring its theological implications and providing a framework for personal reflection.

Introduction: A Tax Collector's Transformation

The story of Matthew's calling is recounted with slight variations across the three Synoptic Gospels, but the core message remains consistent. Matthew, a tax collector, a profession widely despised in Jewish society due to its association with collaboration with the Roman occupiers and often involving extortion, is unexpectedly chosen by Jesus. This choice is not arbitrary; it underscores Jesus' radical inclusivity and his unwavering commitment to reaching out to the marginalized and the outcast. The scene itself is brimming with symbolic significance, inviting us to contemplate the nature of God's grace, the meaning of repentance, and the transformative power of faith. We will explore these themes in detail, examining the historical context, the literary nuances, and the theological implications of this powerful encounter.

The Narrative Across the Gospels: Subtle Differences, Consistent Message

Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 9:9-13): Matthew, writing for a Jewish audience, emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He presents the call as a direct fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy about the coming of the Messiah, who would befriend the outcast and sinners. Matthew’s account highlights his own repentance and transformation, focusing on the internal change and subsequent invitation to follow Jesus. The inclusion of the banquet highlights the celebratory nature of repentance and the joy that comes with embracing God's grace.

Mark's Gospel (Mark 2:13-17): Mark's narrative, often considered the earliest Gospel, is more concise and focuses on the actions and reactions of the characters involved. The emphasis is on Jesus' authority and his ability to forgive sins, a point challenged by the scribes and Pharisees. The brevity underscores the immediacy and power of the call.

Luke's Gospel (Luke 5:27-32): Luke's account expands on the social context of Matthew's profession, highlighting the public nature of the call and the subsequent criticism it attracts. He also emphasizes Jesus' association with sinners and outcasts, reinforcing the theme of inclusivity. Luke's narrative emphasizes the compassion and understanding that Jesus shows towards the tax collector.

Understanding the Context: Tax Collectors in First-Century Palestine

To fully appreciate the significance of Matthew's call, we must consider the social standing of tax collectors in first-century Palestine. They were generally considered traitors and collaborators with the Roman Empire, despised for exploiting their fellow Jews for personal gain. Matthew's occupation symbolized moral corruption and social alienation. His selection by Jesus therefore represents a radical act of grace, challenging societal norms and expectations. It signifies that God's love extends even to those deemed unworthy or beyond redemption.

The Significance of the Call: A Turning Point

The call itself is not simply a request to follow Jesus; it is a profound invitation to embark on a journey of transformation. It is a moment of radical encounter with God's grace, prompting Matthew to abandon his former life and embrace a new identity in Christ. This act of leaving behind a secure, albeit morally compromised, profession represents a significant act of faith and complete surrender to God's will.

The Banquet and Its Symbolic Meaning: Celebration and Inclusion

The feast Matthew hosts for Jesus and his disciples is laden with symbolic significance. It represents the celebration of God's grace, the joy of repentance, and the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God. The gathering of tax collectors and "sinners" alongside Jesus and his disciples subverts societal norms, highlighting Jesus' radical inclusivity and challenge to the religious elite. The banquet acts as a powerful symbol of God’s acceptance of all who turn to Him in repentance.

Theological Implications: Grace, Repentance, and Discipleship

The Call of St. Matthew offers profound theological insights. It emphasizes the unconditional nature of God's grace, extending even to those considered beyond redemption. It highlights the importance of repentance, a turning away from sin and a commitment to follow Christ. Finally, it underscores the transformative power of discipleship, the journey of personal growth and spiritual development that unfolds as one follows Jesus.

The Pharisees' Criticism and Jesus' Response: A Confrontation of Values

The Pharisees’ criticism of Jesus' association with tax collectors and sinners reflects their rigid interpretation of religious law and their exclusionary approach to faith. Jesus' response, however, defends his ministry of inclusion and compassion, emphasizing that those who are sick need a physician more than those who are well. This underscores the universality of God's love and the need for compassion and understanding in our dealings with others.

The Legacy of St. Matthew: A Life Transformed

Matthew's transformation serves as a powerful example for all believers. His life, both before and after his encounter with Jesus, offers a compelling narrative of redemption and the possibility of radical change. He, once a despised tax collector, becomes one of Jesus' closest followers and ultimately writes one of the Gospels, contributing significantly to the spread of the Christian message. This demonstrates the transformative power of faith and the potential for personal growth within the Christian life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Why was Matthew's profession so despised? Tax collectors were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers and often engaged in extortion, exploiting their fellow Jews for personal gain.

• What does the banquet symbolize? The banquet symbolizes the celebration of God's grace, the joy of repentance, and the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God.

• What is the significance of Matthew writing the Gospel? Matthew, having experienced such a radical transformation himself, was uniquely positioned to convey the message of salvation and forgiveness to other Jews, highlighting the possibility of redemption for even the most marginalized members of society.

• How does this story relate to contemporary life? The Call of St. Matthew continues to resonate today. It reminds us of God's unconditional love, the transformative power of faith, and the importance of reaching out to the marginalized and outcast in our own communities. It challenges us to examine our own prejudices and biases and to embrace the inclusive love that Jesus demonstrated.

• What are the key takeaways from the Call of St. Matthew? The key takeaways include the boundless nature of God's grace, the transformative power of repentance, the importance of inclusivity, and the radical nature of Christian discipleship.

Conclusion: A Timeless Message of Hope and Transformation

The Call of St. Matthew is more than a historical anecdote; it is a timeless message of hope and transformation. It reminds us of God's unwavering love and his willingness to extend grace to all who are willing to repent and follow him. The story challenges us to examine our own lives, confront our prejudices, and embrace the radical inclusivity that lies at the heart of the Christian faith. Matthew's transformation serves as a powerful testament to the life-changing power of faith, offering a message of hope and redemption that remains deeply relevant in our own time. His journey from tax collector to Gospel writer underscores the transformative power of an encounter with Jesus and the enduring invitation to all to follow in his footsteps. The simple yet profound narrative of the Call of St. Matthew continues to inspire and challenge believers across centuries, reminding us of the limitless capacity of God's grace and the ongoing call to embrace a life of faith, forgiveness, and service.