Matthew

MATTHEW

A Study of His Character and Sacrifice

His Story: Matthew 9

Matthew - "Gift of God"

Time Period (Approx.) - During the ministry of Christ

Best known For: A tax collector who left all to follow Jesus at His command.

What are some hindrances that could have prevented Matthew from forsaking all and following Jesus?

1. He may have felt, as a tax collector, that he was unworthy to follow Jesus.

"Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto
you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of
righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it,
repented not afterward, that ye might believe him." - Matthew 21:31-32

"But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go
ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners
to repentance." - Matthew 9:12-13

2. He may have felt, as a tax collector, that he made too much money to walk away and follow Jesus.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through
and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:19-21

"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have
treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." - Matthew 19:21

In what ways did being a tax-collector profit and prepare Matthew for the gospel ministry?

1. As a tax-collector, Matthew had to deal with the public and explain to them the need for a tax, now he was meet the
public to explain to them the need for a savior.

"And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake,
happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be
ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and
fear:" - I Peter 3:13-15

2. As a tax collector, Matthew was hated for what he did. He would also have to endure hatred for the gospel.

"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." - Matthew 10:22

Matthew gives a good example to us of "leaving all" to follow Jesus. What could this look like for us today?

"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is
not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life
shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." - Matthew 10:37-39

"And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of
man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And
every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my
name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the
last shall be first." - Matthew 19:28-30