Book of Matthew - Chapter 9 - Verse 9

In this verse from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus sees a man named Matthew, who was sitting at the receipt of custom, or the tax collector's booth. When Jesus tells Matthew to follow him, Matthew immediately gets up and follows. This moment is significant because it showcases Jesus' power to call and transform individuals, regardless of their past or occupation. Matthew, a tax collector who was often despised by society, is chosen by Jesus to become one of his disciples. By responding to Jesus' call and leaving his old life behind, Matthew embarks on a new journey of faith and discipleship. This verse highlights the theme of repentance and the transformative power of Jesus' invitation to follow him. It serves as a reminder that Jesus calls each of us to leave our old ways behind and follow him wholeheartedly.

One theological interpretation of this verse is the concept of divine calling. In this passage, Jesus sees Matthew, a tax collector, and instructs him to follow him. This act signifies a calling from Jesus to Matthew to leave his current occupation and way of life to become a disciple. It reflects the idea that Jesus has the power to choose and call individuals to follow him, regardless of their background or occupation. The word "Follow me" carries a weight of discipleship, obedience, and surrender to Jesus' authority.

Furthermore, the word "receipt of custom" can be explored in a word study context. In the original Greek, the term used here refers to a tax booth where taxes were collected. This sheds light on Matthew's occupation as a tax collector, a position that was often looked down upon in society during that time. Jesus' deliberate choice to call Matthew, a tax collector, highlights his willingness to reach out to individuals from all walks of life, demonstrating his love and grace for all people, regardless of their past or societal status.