Matthew 9:9-13

The call of Matthew is most interesting, and serves to mark the distinguishing grace of God. His name from Mattan, a gift, seems suited to one who received the free gift of the Lord. Here was no preparation, no enquiry after Christ; no waiting at ordinances, yea, not so much as a conscious sense in the heart of Matthew, of his want of salvation. He was sitting in his gainful office of a Publican, or tax-gatherer: an office odious to all the people of Israel, and when exercised by a descendant of Israel, yet more hateful. Such was Matthew; and so employed, when the Lord Jesus passed by, and called him from a tax gatherer, to be an Apostle and Evangelist. Oh what grace was here? How truly was that scripture fulfilled, I am found of them that sought me not. Isaiah 65:1. What an astonishing instance of mercy was this. How very powerful must have been the call! How gracious on the part of Jesus! How surprising to the heart of Matthew? And observe the instant effects. No sooner doth Jesus call, but Matthew obeys. And as Jesus opened Matthew's heart to receive him, Matthew opens his house to welcome Jesus. Neither is this all. For as this one Publican had found mercy from the Lord, Matthew invited other Publicans to come and find mercy also. There is enough in Christ for all. What a lovely view to behold the Great Redeemer, encircled at Matthew's table, with Publicans and Sinners! The murmuring of the Pharisees is just as might be expected, and such as hath marked Pharisees in all ages. But what a lovely answer the Lord gave to the charge. The very character of Christ, as the Physician of the Soul, naturally led him to haunts of sickness, for the exercise of his profession. And by referring them to that memorable passage in the prophet Hosea 6:6. Jesus took the words as applicable to himself in confirmation of his office: Jehovah Rophe, I am the Lord that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26.