Matthew Follows Jesus
Scripture Reading — Matthew 9:9-13
"Follow me," [Jesus] told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9
Matthew worked as a tax collector for the Roman government. This earned him the hatred of his fellow Jews, who considered him a sinner and a rebel and prohibited him from worshiping in the temple.
One day Matthew was sitting at his tax collector's booth when Jesus came by. Matthew had heard a lot about Jesus. As a Jew who knew many things the Scriptures had predicted about the Messiah, Matthew must have been amazed that everything about Jesus corresponded to the Scripture's promises. A critical moment came when Jesus looked straight at Matthew and said, "Follow me!" Matthew left his job at once and followed Jesus.
The Bible does not record a single word from Matthew's lips, but he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write an account of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection. Matthew told about Jesus on the basis of his own relationship with him, and Matthew also included 99 references from the Old Testament to show that everything about Jesus had been prophesied many years earlier.
Our Jewish neighbors may know the Hebrew Bible, but they must also be introduced to the life and teachings of Jesus. The book of Matthew can be a great help in showing how Jesus is the promised Savior.
Lord Jesus, reveal yourself to all who do not know you. Especially we pray that our Jewish neighbors will meet you and make you their Savior and Lord. Amen.
About the author — Roger S. Greenway
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