Matthew (Levi) – The Tax Collector

Publican bought tax franchises from the Roman Emperor could keep any overage they collected used strong arm thugs they were…TRAITORS

Publicans Same rank as prostitutes. (MATT 21:32) Luke 18:10-14 – Parable of Tax Collector and the Pharisee – vs. 13 “But the tax collector, STANDING FAR OFF!” Jewish Talmud taught: it is righteous to lie and deceive a tax collector because that was what a professional extortioner deserved Matthew was a JEW!

TO The Call TO Matthew His gospel quotes the OT 99 times – More than Mark, Luke, and John combined – Quotes from the Law, Psalms, and Prophets Heard about Jesus Only occasion where we see Matthew alone – Matthew 9:9 – Luke 5:27-32

TO The Call TO Matthew Matthew 9:9 “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” Luke 5:28 “and leaving everything, he rose and followed him.” – Lucrative career – All he knew Jesus changed Matthew

OF The Call OF Matthew Luke 5:29-30 – Made him a great feast in his house – invited tax collectors – THEY WERE ALL HE KNEW, THEY WERE HIS ASSOCIATES

Who are you calling? Who are your associates? What is the purpose of your friendships? Be a friend to Jesus by introducing a friend to Jesus!