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As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus,
sitting at the customs post.
It was obvious that Matthew was a tax collector, a member of a class of society known to be sinners, who compromised their Jewish identity by colluding with the occupying Roman force. In choosing Matthew, Jesus made it clear that he was intentionally selecting such an individual. It wasn't just that he accidentally chose weak and compromised women and men, as might have been asserted of his other disciples. Rather, he called Matthew right from the customs post. For Matthew, the fact that someone could see everything wrong about him and yet choose him anyway appeared to be liberating. It appeared to be so freeing in fact that he was able to make an immediate and miraculous break with his previous way of life.
Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed Jesus.
The choosing of Matthew served as a signal for those others like Matthew who might have been too afraid to approach Jesus, giving them courage. They had seen, whether they fully realized it or not, the word of God penetrating between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, discerning the reflections and thoughts of Matthew's heart, and yet choosing him anyway. He was not concealed and made no pretense at concealment. Yet the one to whom he and all of us must ultimately render an account chose him in spite of this spiritual nakedness. Because of this not only Matthew, but also those with similar backgrounds, were inspired with confidence to "approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help".
Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners
and tax collectors and said to his disciples,
“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
The scribes and Pharisees did not concede that Jesus was the one to whom they must render an account and did not wish to appear naked before him. They attempted to conceal their sin not only from Jesus but even from themselves. If they had seen themselves reflected in Matthew they could have been moved to confidence and hope. But because they refused to acknowledge their own sickness, making instead a pretense of righteousness, their hearts were hardened, and they closed themselves to the work of the divine physician.
Those of us who realize we are sinners in need of mercy are the ones Jesus desires to give the confidence to draw near to him. If we desire mercy he will certainly give it. If we look to him in our need we will find grace for, not just distant or otherworldly, but timely help.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
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