Gospel of Matthew: Matthew's Resume

I especially like the point made below of the extent of Matthew's sacrifice because he couldn't turn back. I never thought about that before.

Saint Matthew (1713–1715) by Camillo Rusconi,
Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome

More than any other disciple, Matthew had a clear idea of how much it would cost to follow Jesus, yet he did not hesitate a moment. When he left his tax-collecting booth, he guaranteed himself unemployment. for several of the other disciples, there was always fishing to return to, but for Matthew, there was no turning back. ...

Jesus gave Matthew a new purpose for his skills. When he followed Jesus, the only tool from his past job that he carried with him was his pen. From the beginning, God had made him a record-keeper. Jesus' call eventually allowed him to put his skills to their finest work. Matthew was a keen observer, and he undoubtedly recorded what he saw going on around him. The gospel that bears his name came as a result.

Matthew's experience points out that each of us, from the beginning, is one of God's works in progress. Much of what God has for us he gives long before we are able to consciously respond to him. He trusts us with skills and abilities ahead of the schedule.

Strengths and accomplishments:

• Was one of Jesus' 12 disciples
• Responded immediately to Jesus' call 
• Invited many friends to his home to meet Jesus
• Compiled the Gospel of Matthew
• Clarified for his Jewish audience Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies

Lessons from his life:

• Jesus consistently accepted people from every level of society
• Matthew was given a new life and his god-given skills of record-keeping and attention to detail were given new purpose
• Having been accepted by Jesus, Matthew immediately tried to bring others into contact with Jesus

Key verses:
"As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. 'Follow me,' Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him" (Mark 2:14).

Matthew's story is told in the Gospels. He is also mentioned in Acts 1:13.

Excerpt from Life Application Study Bible. This series first ran in 2008. I'm refreshing it as I go.