{"id":46810,"date":"2022-10-03T10:23:38","date_gmt":"2022-10-03T07:23:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=46810"},"modified":"2025-05-22T12:32:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T09:32:53","slug":"where-was-matthew-sitting-when-jesus-called-him","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2022\/10\/03\/where-was-matthew-sitting-when-jesus-called-him\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Was Matthew Sitting When Jesus Called Him?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Matthew 9:9<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAs Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector\u2019s booth. \u2018Follow me,\u2019 he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This verse describes a life-changing moment for Matthew, also known as Levi. But to understand the significance of this moment, we need to first answer:<\/p>\n

What is a \u201cTax Collector\u2019s Booth\u201d?<\/h3>\n

In biblical times, a tax collector\u2019s booth <\/strong>was a small structure\u2014often placed along roads, near city gates, or at ports\u2014where tax collectors would sit to collect tolls, customs, and other taxes on behalf of the Roman government. These booths were often symbolic of greed and corruption, as tax collectors were known for charging people unfairly and keeping the extra for themselves (Luke 3:12-13).<\/p>\n

Today, we can compare it to bank counters, revenue collection points, or even mobile money kiosks like booths\u2014small, functional spaces where money is received and transactions take place.<\/p>\n

What Makes This Moment So Important?<\/h3>\n

When Jesus called Matthew, he was at work\u2014right in the middle of his duties as a tax collector. And yet, without hesitation, Matthew left everything<\/strong> to follow Him.<\/p>\n

This shows something powerful about discipleship: it requires immediate and total surrender<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Jesus didn’t wait for Matthew to finish his shift, wrap up his business, or fix his life first. He simply said, \u201cFollow me,\u201d and Matthew responded in faith.<\/p>\n

The Cost and Reward of Following Jesus<\/h3>\n

Matthew\u2019s response illustrates a key truth of Christian discipleship\u2014following Jesus involves leaving something behind<\/strong>, sometimes even something significant like a career, comfort, or social status.<\/p>\n

Luke 14:33<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Yet, Jesus never asks us to leave behind anything without promising something greater. When Peter asked what the disciples would receive in return for leaving everything, Jesus replied:<\/p>\n

Matthew 19:27\u201329<\/strong><\/p>\n

Peter answered him, \u201cWe have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?\u201d<\/em>
\nJesus said to them, \u201cTruly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
\nAnd everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This means that whatever we sacrifice for Christ will be repaid abundantly\u2014not only in this life but in eternity.<\/strong><\/p>\n

What Can We Learn from Matthew?<\/h3>\n

Matthew teaches us that when Jesus calls, we shouldn’t delay. He didn’t wait for a more convenient time or cling to his income. He recognized that the call of God was greater than any earthly gain.<\/p>\n

Even more, God used him powerfully. The very man who once sat at a tax booth wrote the first book of the New Testament: The Gospel According to Matthew.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s reflect:<\/p>\n