Walking with God (Part 2): The Calling of Matthew
Ron Thomas

We’re kicking off a series that explores how the first disciples of Jesus walked with Him. These early followers serve as a powerful example of what Jesus sought in His disciples, and what we should aspire to in our own lives.

They literally walked the streets with Jesus for three years, and through that time, He was shaping their spiritual lives, revolutionising their thoughts and actions. This is what we want to take on board as we explore our own walk with God.

Let’s start with Matthew, the tax collector. Now, we all know that tax collectors weren’t the most popular folks in society. They were seen as corrupt, working with the Roman authorities to oppress their own people.

Matthew was one of those universally hated individuals, a man whose character was a mess. Yet, this is the very person Jesus chose to follow Him. It’s a shocking choice that illustrates the heart of God’s grace.

Jesus picked Matthew, the worst of the worst, to show us that it’s not about deserving it; it’s about God’s calling. This is a consistent theme throughout Jesus’ ministry. He sought out those who were lost, the outcasts, and the sinners.

Remember Zacchaeus, the tax collector in the tree? Jesus said, “Come down; I’m going to your house today.” He didn’t care about societal status; He cared about the heart.

In Matthew 9:13, Jesus tells the Pharisees, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” This is a profound lesson for us. It’s not about following rules or rituals; it’s about having a loving relationship with God and with one another.

We need to learn that our walk with God should produce a flow of mercy in our lives. Are we becoming more gracious, more loving? That’s the challenge for each of us.

Now, let’s consider the broader context of who these disciples were. They weren’t the elite or the educated; they were ordinary people—fishermen, tradespeople, and yes, even a zealot, which we might call a terrorist today.

Most of them were a bit of a mess, just like Matthew. They didn’t start as the amazing figures we often think of today. They were flawed, just like you and me.

As we reflect on our lives, let’s remember that every disciple’s journey begins in grace. This grace should transform us, leading us to extend mercy to others. It’s not just about what we receive; it’s about what we give.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 that not many of us were wise or powerful by worldly standards. God chose the foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong. This is the heart of the Gospel: God elevates the humble and the broken.

So, what does this mean for us? It means that our walk with God must begin in grace and flow into mercy. If we’re truly walking with Him, we should be becoming more gracious, more loving, and more kind.

As we move forward, let’s embrace the grace that God offers. Let it flow through us, transforming our hearts and the hearts of those around us. Together, let’s walk in His love and reflect His heart to the world.