We have previously studied Peter, Andrew, Nathanael, and Philip.
Today we will study Matthew.
The Man Who Left All
Scripture: Matthew 9: 1-13; Mark 2: 13-17; Luke 5:27-32
Memory Verse: Matthew 9: 12-13
INTRODUCTION:
Matthew was the Son of Alphaeus. Actually, he had two names: Matthew
means “the gift of Jehovah” and Levi means “Joined.” He was joined to
the world and making money. He measured success by wealth and he
would go to any lengths to make it even if it meant questionable means
to do it. He’s the kind of man that mothers would like their
daughters to marry in today’s society. That’s how America measures
success, but not so with God.
Our money states “In God We Trust” but it would be more correct to say
“In this God We Trust.” As long as people have money, they feel
secure. When they lose it or don’t have it, they get on their knees
and “Trust in God.”
It’s not known whether the Lord or Matthew changed his name.
We will discuss Matthew’s occupation, his salvation, his appreciation
and his revelation.
I. Matthew’s Occupation
A. He was a Publican
Luke 5:27
A Publican was a tax collector who collected revenue for Rome.
Like the United States government, the people had no choice but to
pay, and had no “say-so” in how the taxes were spent.
Long gone are the days of “a government by the people and for the people.”
The government could care less about its people and it has been that
way for decades now.
B. There were two classes of Publicans.
1. The chief of Publicans (Luke 19:2)
2. The ordinary Publican which was the lower class and this was Matthew.
C. He was rewarded by how much tax he collected and he was out to
get as much as he could. Nothing has changed today. The government
taxes you to live and it taxes you when you die.
D. The Publicans were known as leeches (blood suckers).
E. They took from the people. Generally, this is why people run
for public office. That is, they want to make it off the people.
F. Their testimony was looked down on or not allowed in court.
G. Read Matthew 9:11 and 18:17; and 21:31 to see how they were classified.
H. To the average man, Matthew was a skunk.
II. Matthew’s Salvation
Matthew 9:9
Matthew is writing about himself. When he faced himself in the mirror
and saw who he was, he had to cry writing this down.
Has your salvation become so old that you don’t cry anymore?
Humility indicates conversion as a general rule.
A. Salvation was a display of Divine Power.
Matthew tells of palsied man being healed (a miracle) and then he
tells of his salvation (a greater miracle).
He had lived such a dirty rotten life, yet the Lord saved him. He
only took his pen and ink with him into his born again life. He had
left all else behind (Luke 5:28).
B. His salvation displayed Divine Knowledge.
Matthew 9: 9 “Jesus saw a man named Matthew.”
The emphasis is on Jesus seeing Matthew, not Matthew seeing Jesus. He
saw what others could not see. He saw what Matthew could be. He saw
Matthew writing down taxes he had collected and then he saw Matthew
using those same hands to write the first book in the New Testament
(as far as order is concerned). Jesus saw the future. Matthew’s past
life was not the issue. Why do we like to bring up a man’s past and
not look at what Jesus can do with him?
C. His salvation was simple.
Matthew 9: 9 “He arose and followed Him.”
No feelings were involved. No experience was involved. No vision was
involved. It was easy for Matthew (Acts 16:31) because Jesus would
do the hard part at Calvary.
All can be saved (John 3:16).
It’s just that simple.
D. His salvation was by God’s grace. Ephesians 2: 8-9.
E. His salvation gives hope for the worst of sinners.
Look at Matthew’s life. Then read Romans 5:20.
My own personal life was just as dirty and rotten, but I prove the
Lord will take the devil’s outcasts.
There is hope for all.
III. Matthew’s appreciation
Matthew 9: 10-13, Matthew gave a feast and Jesus was the honored guest.
A. Matthew was now free from his past.
B. Matthew wanted all to know he was a new man in Christ.
C. Matthew wanted all to know he would follow Jesus.
D. Matthew wanted all his friends to know about Jesus.
Do you want to go to Heaven without taking
someone with you?

IV. Matthew’s Revelation
God revealed the Book of Matthew to this old tax collector. What a revelation!
God’s not going to reveal any new thing to you outside the Bible. But
God has given you a Bible that he wants revealed to others.
Just think. What if Matthew said “Lord, I’m not going to write it. I
don’t care about other people.
Wait a minute. What if you say, “Lord, I’m not going to share
Matthew’s gospel. I don’t care about other people.”
Tell me. What’s going to happen to those people?
If the Lord used Matthew, He can use you. Are you willing?

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