Saint Matthew: The Sinner Jesus Called and the Apostle He Became

Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist is one of the most beautiful examples of how God’s mercy can transform a person’s life.

Before he became an apostle of Jesus and the traditional author of the Gospel according to Matthew, Matthew was a tax collector. His profession placed him on the margins of Jewish society, and tax collectors were often viewed with suspicion and contempt.

But Jesus saw something different.

Jesus saw Matthew not simply as a tax collector, but as a man who could become a disciple, an apostle, and a witness to God’s mercy.

His story begins with a simple invitation that changed everything:

“Follow me.”

And Matthew got up and followed Him.

The Day Jesus Called Matthew

The Gospel tells us that Jesus was passing by when He saw Matthew sitting at the customs post.

Jesus did not give him a long speech.

He did not ask Matthew to prove himself first.

He simply said:

“Follow me.”

Matthew’s response was remarkable.

“And he got up and followed him.”

You can read the complete Gospel account in Matthew 9:9–13 at the USCCB.

In those few words, we see the beginning of a completely new life.

Matthew left behind the customs post and began walking with Jesus.

From Tax Collector to Disciple

Matthew’s story reminds us that God does not call only people who appear perfect.

Jesus called Matthew while he was still sitting at his place of work. His past did not prevent Jesus from seeing his future.

This is one of the most encouraging lessons from the life of Saint Matthew.

Sometimes we look at ourselves and see only our mistakes.

We remember the things we regret.

We remember opportunities we lost.

We remember words we wish we had never spoken.

We may even wonder whether God can still use our lives.

But Jesus looked at Matthew and said:

“Follow me.”

The call of Jesus was greater than Matthew’s past.

And God’s mercy is greater than ours as well.

Matthew Welcomed Jesus Into His Home

After Matthew followed Jesus, he held a meal in his house. The Gospel tells us that many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and His disciples.

This caused some people to question Jesus:

“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

But Jesus answered with words that continue to speak directly to us today:

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.”

Jesus was revealing the heart of His mission.

He came for people who know they need Him.

He came to heal wounded hearts.

He came to call sinners back to God.

He came to offer mercy to those who had lost their way.

Jesus then said:

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

These words reveal something beautiful about the heart of God.

God does not want us merely to appear religious on the outside. He wants our hearts to be transformed by His mercy.

The Transformation of Saint Matthew

We do not have a detailed biography of Matthew’s entire life in the New Testament. What we do know is significant.

He became one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.

The Gospel according to Matthew is traditionally attributed to him and has played an enormous role in the Christian tradition.

The man who once sat at a customs post became a messenger of the Gospel.

The man whom others could have judged became a disciple.

The tax collector became an apostle.

And his encounter with Jesus became part of a story that continues to inspire Christians around the world.

That is the power of God’s call.

Saint Matthew Teaches Us That It Is Never Too Late

Perhaps the most beautiful message in the life of Saint Matthew is this:

It is never too late to begin again with God.

Maybe you have made mistakes.

Maybe people remember your past.

Maybe you have disappointed yourself.

Maybe there are things you wish you could undo.

Do not allow your past to convince you that God has no purpose for your future.

Matthew could have remained where he was.

Instead, when Jesus called, he got up.

There comes a moment when we also have to get up.

We have to leave behind bitterness.

We have to leave behind destructive habits.

We have to surrender our fears.

We have to stop allowing yesterday’s failures to control today’s choices.

And we have to hear Christ saying:

“Follow me.”

Saint Matthew and the Gospel of Hope

The Gospel traditionally associated with Saint Matthew begins by presenting Jesus within the story of God’s people and repeatedly reveals Him as the promised Messiah.

Matthew’s Gospel contains some of Jesus’ most beloved teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Great Commission.

Through this Gospel, generations of Christians have encountered the words and works of Jesus.

This makes the story of Matthew especially meaningful.

His life reminds us that God can take an ordinary person, transform his heart, and use his life to touch countless others.

You may feel ordinary today.

You may think your life is too complicated.

You may believe your mistakes have disqualified you.

But God sees possibilities that you may not yet see.

A Message of Hope From Saint Matthew

If you are struggling today, remember Matthew.

If you feel rejected, remember Matthew.

If you are carrying regret, remember Matthew.

If you wonder whether God can still use your life, remember Matthew.

Jesus did not say to Matthew, “Fix everything first, then come.”

He said:

“Follow me.”

The invitation came first.

The transformation followed.

Perhaps Jesus is giving you the same invitation today.

Not tomorrow.

Not when you become perfect.

Today.

Take one step toward Him.

Return to prayer.

Ask for forgiveness.

Open your Bible.

Go to Mass.

Forgive someone.

Help someone who is struggling.

Begin again.

One step of faith can become the beginning of a completely new chapter.