Again, this isn't meant to test your faith, or to see how much you know, but rather to enrich your faith.
1. Why do you think Matthew left everything he had and followed Jesus?
2. No explanation is really given in the Bible? Why do you think that is?
3. Do you think that (a) Jesus was so powerful, Matthew couldn't have said no; or (b) Matthew really didn't like his life, and Jesus provided him with a way of meaning?
2006-07-07 10:29:47 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jesus had already made a name to himself as the one sent by God to fulfil the Messianic prophecies, so for Mathew, Levi, was an already made decision to follow the messiah. He was already ripe to be harvested when the invitation came along. God bless you!!!
2006-07-07 10:39:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
In the Jewish culture that Matthew and Jesus lived in, probably the worst thing a person could do was to work for the Romans. They were foreign invaders who were occupying Israel and were hated by everyone. As a tax collector, Matthew would have been working for the Romans.
Such a person would have been a total outcast. More than just hated, he would have been treated like he did not exist. They would not speak to him, look at him, or even acknowledge he was standing there. If he were to go into a business, he would receive no service.
So when Jesus walked up, and not only spoke to him, but called him to become part of his followers, it was an offer Matthew could not refuse. There was something about Jesus that had that affect on all who meet him.
So he left his job, and would become one of the four biographers of Jesus. His bios, or gospel, is unique in that it is the only one of the four written for a Jewish audience, and filled with over 90 examples of prophecies from the Old Testament that Jesus fulfilled. That is why it is the first book of the New Testament, because it links the two parts of the Bible together.
Leave to Jesus to take a man who was hated and ignored by his culture and turn him into a messenger to the same group.
2006-07-07 17:33:46 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus said to Matthew, follow me. Here is God made flesh calling out to him! I think Jesus was drawing Matthew because, at that very point in time, Matthew's heart needed God. I can even imagine his heart aching, wishing that something would happen to change his life. Perhaps Jesus knew that and that's why He called him.
Just as Jesus calls us, and we respond, that is how Matthew was drawn to the Lord...but in person! What a beautiful moment that must have been.
2006-07-07 17:41:57 · answer #3 · answered by christian_lady_2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that is an abbreviation of what happened.
John 21:25 brings out a very good point. "There are, in fact, many other things also which Jesus did, which, if ever they were written in full detail, I suppose, the world itself could not contain the scrolls written."
Matthew was probably astounded by his teaching and recognized that this was the Christ and began following him.
2006-07-07 17:51:51 · answer #4 · answered by izofblue37 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that, like many, Matthew was searching...searching for the meaning and purpose in his life. I believe Matthew needed to believe in salvation of some sort and Jesus invited Matthew with true love and grace in his heart. Matthew could sense the love and honesty in Jesus' teachings. This, of course, is only my opinion!
2006-07-07 17:34:39 · answer #5 · answered by amomentssunlight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be (a). But also probably Matthew have heard about Jesus for quite some time. Stories and rumors about what Jesus could have done, and so he just catched the opportunity when Jesus asked him.
2006-07-07 17:35:53 · answer #6 · answered by teddybear1268 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well first of all his real name was Levi so we know he was a Jew he also was what we would call today a tax collector he collected the due of person crossing the sea of Galilee so there not much that when on ,on either side of the sea that he wouldn't know about so it safe to say he heard much to do about Jesus also he had to be a pretty good judge of character of the line of business that he was in in other words he could easily read people he knew the real thing when he saw it
2006-07-07 18:03:40 · answer #7 · answered by chacha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Matthew was a Jew and as a Jew he held to strong religious views. Christ (the anointed one) was acting in a way that was consistent with scripture. I believe Mathew responded to Christ because he recognized the truth in his mind and in his heart
2006-07-07 17:43:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because being a toll-gate man, was looked down upon by community, but Jesus accepted Him for who he was, even though a sinner and despised man God showed Him kindness and mercy. I think inspired Him to believe
2006-07-07 17:37:08 · answer #9 · answered by Rochlina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christ knew Matthew, as he knows us all, and it had come time for his training in the ministry.
2006-07-07 17:36:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋