Follow Me

Here is Matthew’s story…

I have to admit that I've always been a bit peculiar. If I had to describe my world to someone else, I would say it's all about numbers, patterns, and logic. From a young age, my talent for mathematics was evident, and that ability enabled me to become the tax collector for my region.

On the one hand, I had a comfortable life, as my position came with a very good salary. But on the other hand, I was constantly rejected and considered a traitor working for the Roman invaders. According to my Jewish brothers, I was making their lives more difficult than they already were. My fellow Jews hated me, and even my family members had turned their backs on me!

God knows I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I just wanted to do my job well, keeping the books accurately. This was how I met Simon and his brother Andrew. Their debt to the Roman Empire was massive, one of the largest I had seen to date.

The Roman praetor of Capernaum, Quintus, wanted to imprison Simon, but he asked me to spy on him first to see if he was up to something. That's how I witnessed the miracle Jesus did that morning on the beach with the fish.

For the first time in my life, I felt that numbers were no longer the perfect gauge for defining the world. I had seen something impossible that made no sense to my mind and that numbers could never explain. It was just as impossible, in fact, as seeing the paralyzed man walk that Jesus healed just a few days later. I saw with my own eyes how the man was let down through the roof and how Jesus healed him instantly.

My world, which had previously been so ordered, was falling apart, and I didn't know which way to turn. And then, one day, Jesus passed by the tax collection booth where I worked; looked at me; and said, "'Matthew, son of Alphaeus, follow Me!'" (adapted from Mark 2:14, NKJV). Unlike the rest of the Jews, Jesus was not rejecting me; on the contrary, He invited me to join Him!

I didn't hesitate for a second. I left my post, gave the keys to the Roman guard who was escorting me and took the greatest leap of faith of my life: following the One who had accepted me. My life now had direction and a purpose.

My name is Matthew, son of Alphaeus, and I have been chosen by Jesus.

Bible references: Mark 2:14, Matthew 9:9-13

Maybe your life doesn't have a clear direction either, or perhaps you're experiencing rejection from those around you. But even when everything seems to be falling apart, you have Someone you can follow. Jesus is always close to you, ready to guide you in both easy and difficult times. He's calling you to follow Him in your life from day to day. Will you accept this invitation?

You are Chosen to be a Miracle!

Christian Misch