Character Study Of Matthew (Levi) Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF MATTHEW (LEVI) – FORMER TAX COLLECTOR, WRITER OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 9:9

"As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he arose and followed Him."

Supporting Texts: Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32, Matthew 10:3, Matthew 28:19-20

INTRODUCTION:

Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before he became one of Jesus' twelve disciples. As a tax collector, he was despised by the Jews for working with the Roman authorities. However, Jesus called him, and he immediately left his lucrative job to follow Christ. He later wrote the Gospel of Matthew, which presents Jesus as the Messiah and King. His transformation from a tax collector to an apostle shows the power of God’s grace and redemption.

1. MATTHEW WAS A TAX COLLECTOR BEFORE FOLLOWING JESUS

a) Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society (Luke 5:27-30)

They were seen as traitors for working with the Romans.

b) He was sitting at his tax booth when Jesus called him (Matthew 9:9)

He was engaged in his normal work when he encountered Christ.

c) He immediately obeyed Jesus’ call (Mark 2:14)

He left everything behind to follow Jesus.

d) He hosted a feast for Jesus in his house (Luke 5:29)

He wanted others to meet Jesus as well.

e) Biblical Example: Zacchaeus was another tax collector who repented and followed Jesus (Luke 19:1-10).

2. MATTHEW HAD A HEART FOR EVANGELISM

a) He invited other tax collectors and sinners to meet Jesus (Luke 5:29-30)

He wanted others to experience Christ’s grace.

b) He believed Jesus came to save sinners (Matthew 9:10-13)

He understood that no one was beyond redemption.

c) His Gospel focuses on Jesus' mission to save the lost (Matthew 1:21)

He presented Jesus as the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy.

d) He highlighted the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)

He recorded Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations.

e) Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman also shared her testimony and led others to Christ (John 4:28-30).

3. MATTHEW WROTE THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

a) His Gospel presents Jesus as the King and Messiah (Matthew 1:1)

He connects Jesus to the Old Testament prophecies.

b) He quotes the Old Testament more than any other Gospel writer (Matthew 2:5-6, 2:15, 2:17-18)

His writing was aimed at a Jewish audience.

c) He organised his Gospel into five major discourses (Matthew 5-7, 10, 13, 18, 24-25)

This structure mirrors the five books of Moses.

d) He recorded Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in detail (Matthew 5-7)

He preserved some of Jesus’ most important teachings.

e) Biblical Example: Luke also wrote a Gospel to provide an orderly account of Jesus' life (Luke 1:1-4).

4. MATTHEW EMPHASISED JESUS' COMPASSION AND FORGIVENESS

a) Jesus ate with sinners and welcomed them (Matthew 9:10-11)

He came to call the lost to repentance.

b) He recorded the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35)

He highlighted the importance of mercy.

c) He showed Jesus’ compassion for the weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28-30)

Christ offers rest to those who come to Him.

d) He recorded Jesus' forgiveness of Peter (Matthew 26:75, 28:10)

Jesus restores those who fall.

e) Biblical Example: Paul also emphasised grace and forgiveness in his writings (Romans 5:8).

5. MATTHEW WAS AMONG THE FAITHFUL APOSTLES AFTER JESUS' ASCENSION

a) He was among the disciples in the upper room (Acts 1:13-14)

He remained faithful after Jesus' ascension.

b) He was a witness of Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 28:16-20)

He saw the risen Christ.

c) He obeyed the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)

He played a role in spreading the Gospel.

d) His Gospel continues to impact lives today (Matthew 24:35)

His words have endured for generations.

e) Biblical Example: The apostles continued the work of Christ even after His ascension (Acts 2:42-47).

STRENGTHS OF MATTHEW

a) He was willing to leave his wealth to follow Christ (Matthew 9:9)

He did not let material possessions hold him back.

b) He had a heart for reaching sinners (Luke 5:29-32)

He used his influence to bring others to Jesus.

c) He diligently recorded Jesus' teachings (Matthew 5-7, 13, 24-25)

His Gospel preserved essential Christian doctrines.

d) He emphasised Jesus’ fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies (Matthew 1:22-23)

He helped Jews recognise Jesus as the Messiah.

e) He remained faithful to Jesus until the end (Acts 1:13)

He continued serving even after Jesus' ascension.

WEAKNESSES OF MATTHEW

a) He was initially involved in a corrupt profession (Matthew 9:9)

Tax collectors were often associated with dishonesty.

b) He may have struggled with public perception (Luke 5:30)

People viewed tax collectors as sinners.

c) His past may have caused others to doubt his transformation (Luke 19:7)

Like Zacchaeus, he likely faced skepticism.

d) There is little recorded about his actions after Jesus' ascension (Acts 1:13-14)