Even Jesus didn’t minister alone.
The paradise of Eden had one downside. Adam didn’t have an individual like himself to be intimate with, to finish him, and to associate with him in ministry. Collectively, Adam and Eve got a mission to multiply (have youngsters) and produce the remainder of the world underneath God’s artistic order and dominion.
As we all know, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and misplaced their goal.
The apostle Paul wrote how Jesus was the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45), a brand new mannequin for a brand new humanity, the Spirit dwelling inside women and men. Since he was this mannequin, he gathered disciples unto himself to associate with him to satisfy his mission. The principle 12 disciples we name apostles.
Every of the primary 12 have been fascinating males. Matthew stands as one of the crucial fascinating folks Jesus referred to as to comply with him.
1. Matthew Was a Tax Collector
The Jews had returned to Judea and Jerusalem after years of exile, but they lived underneath Roman Imperial management. The Romans oppressed and subjugated the Jews, treating many like slaves. Matthew labored as a tax collector for the Romans, taking cash from his personal folks for many who oppressed them. Most would have seen him as a traitor. Additional, tax collectors would typically overcharge and maintain extra cash, growing a fame for greed and theft. Jews considered these “publicans” as traitors and robbers.
Nonetheless, in the future, whereas Matthew sat working at his tax sales space, Jesus checked out him and stated, “Comply with me.” This might have been scandalous to the spiritual Jews of the day to even supply redemption. After listening to Jesus name him, Matthew obeyed. He left behind his place and wealth to embrace a brand new life as Jesus’ disciple for the Kingdom of God. The Pharisees critiqued Jesus for associating with such a sinner. However Jesus instructed them, “I’ve not come to name the righteous however sinners to repentance.”
Matthew’s story tells us nobody is past redemption. As soon as an agent of oppression and getting wealthy from it, he reworked. God’s voice and name can change and redeem anybody, even those we might really feel are the least possible. In fact, nobody is worthy or capable of be saved. All of us want his grace and mercy, and simply as God saved us, he can save anybody. This provides us hope to wish for others and carry on praying.
Photograph Credit score: Picture created utilizing Chat 40 2025. AI know-how and subsequently edited and reviewed by our editorial workforce.
