Matthew is almost finished setting the stage, as it were. We’ve been introduced to Jesus and how he is anything but Plan B. He is the long-awaited Messiah.
Jesus’ teaching has been stunning. Without nullifying the Law, he has gone completely beyond it. The Sermon on the Mount ends with him clearly laying claim to having full authority and inviting us to find our identity in him. His healing and casting out of demons have left little doubt about his power. Finally, lest anyone be fooled, he has made it clear at that the task is urgent and dangerous.
What is left for him to reveal?
In the text today we find who he invites to join in his team on this mission. We also see that tone of his team is to be one of joy—for he is beginning something new.
Let’s start with Jesus’ team. He has already called Peter and Andrew. Remarkably he calls a Tax Collector. Tax Collectors in Jesus’ day were despised by the Jewish people. First of all, the tax collectors were Jewish. Second, they got their jobs by bidding on the position against their fellow Jews. Third, the winning bid was the one that guaranteed the Romans the highest amount of tax revenue. Fourth, they would then charge a higher rate and pocket the difference.
Can you understand why they were despised?
Now consider, this is who Jesus calls to his team! His point—all are invited to this dangerous and urgent mission—a mission that will be on Jesus’ terms. His mission, while new to them, has been the Father’s all along as we see with the connection to Hosea.
The conflict of Jesus’ terms with the terms of the religious of his day will occur over and over again. We see it in the next snippet over fasting.
The religious are not happy. Matthew has thrown a dinner party for all his friends and Jesus. Now who would be Matthew’s friends? I expect fellow tax collectors and a few others who might not pass muster with the rule-keepers.
It is more than the religious, John the Baptists disciples are confused as well. Their question about fasting is quickly answered by Jesus.
Let’s not complicate Jesus’ answer: his point is that he is doing something new—and he is just getting started.
As he starts, we need to go back and look at the arc of what we have read. We need to understand his power. We need to understand the urgency and danger of the mission. We need to also understand that his call—his call will reach to people beyond our wildest imaginations.
When you think of Jesus, if you are following him, how do you think about yourself, his call to you, and the team you are called to? If you are yet to hear his call, what do you think of him?