LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Exemplary Matthew
Nowhere in the first gospel are we told that Matthew is its author. However, since the early church fathers, he has been accepted as such. We know almost nothing about him, except what is said in the gospels themselves: that he was also called Levi (his Jewish name), and that he was a tax collector. However, there are some facts that shed light on a very interesting personality. There are three small but remarkable facts that show us Matthew's humility.
The first is that of the three lists of the apostles given in the synoptic gospels, only the one given by Matthew adds, next to his name, the phrase "the publican" (Matt. 10:3). The office of 'publican' was shameful at that time. The Popular Version translates this expression in a way that is more faithful to what it represented in his day: "Matthew, the tax collector for Rome". Neither Mark nor Luke adds this phrase; only Matthew. Why?
Someone explains it this way: "In the eyes of the Jews, a tax collector was simply synonymous with a sinner. Matthew recalls how he was elevated by the Lord to such a wonderful position: 'Even I was saved, even I was elevated to the position of an apostle, even I am in the list of the apostles. Yes; I am a sinner saved by grace'".
The second fact is that in the lists given by Mark and Luke, Matthew is mentioned before Thomas (Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15), but in the list given by Matthew, he is mentioned after Thomas. Surely, the order was important, however Matthew alters it as far as possible, to hide behind another that he considered had more relevance.
The third significant fact is that Matthew does not mention that he offered a supper to the Lord after his call. He does indeed mention the fact, but not ascribing it to himself. "And it came to pass, as he sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down together at meat with Jesus and his disciples" (9:10). Luke, on the other hand, is much more explicit. He says: "Leaving everything, he got up and followed him (Jesus)". And he adds: "And Levi made him a great feast in his house; and there was a great company of tax collectors and others who were at table with them" (5:28-29).
When Matthew met the Lord, he emptied himself. He had no more space for his name or his glory, but that of his Master. In the Gospels his name never stands out, but his is the fullest record of the Lord's teachings.
How could such a vile man become so useful? When the Lord saw him behind the public tribute bench he weighed his potential; his gaze pierced his soul and he discovered in it the future teacher of the Word. Matthew offered to the Lord what little he had, and the Lord multiplied it in words of life.