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Disciple: Matthew

 {Disciples} MATTHEW_ 

Drawing in the outcast 

 
Matthew was probably the most notorious sinner in Jesus’ band! 
His occupation was collecting taxes for the hated Roman overlords. 
Tax collectors worked for Rome in oppressing and exploiting their own people. 
In Jesus’ day, employees of the ‘Roman Inland Revenue’ were viewed as traitors, cheaters and thieves. They were the lowest of the low. 

 
[Group discussion starter] In your opinion, what are some less-than-respectable jobs for Christians to pursue? 

 
In Mark 2:14, Matthew is called by his Jewish name, “Levi son of Alphaeus.” In Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13 he is called Matthew. He is the author of the first Gospel in our New Testament, but he only mentions himself twice by name – in Matthew 9 and in the list of the apostles in Matthew 10: 3. 

 
[Read Matthew 9:9-13] 

 
Which is most surprising to you about this encounter between Jesus and Matthew: that Jesus identifies with some unacceptable people, that Matthew throws a party, or that the religious leaders are upset? 
Explain. 
 

 

Matthew undoubtedly had contact with Jesus before this day. He probably heard Jesus teach in Capernaum or had seen Jesus heal the sick. What does it tell you about Matthew’s level of commitment to Jesus that he was prepared to leave his old life behind and follow Jesus when he called? 
 

 

What criticism might Jesus have heard when he included a tax collector among his closest followers? 

 

What would Matthew’s inclusion among Jesus’ disciples communicate to those who thought they were too sinful to change? 

 
 

What does it communicate to our culture when notorious sinners are transformed by Jesus and rise to places of leadership? 
 

 

The first thing that Matthew does as a follower of Jesus is throw a party. 
How would you describe Matthew’s friends in today’s setting? 
 

 

Do you think that Jesus was comfortable in that setting? 
Explain. 
 

 

How would you feel and act as the guest of honour at this gathering? 

 

[Activity] Write down the six or seven key terms Jesus uses in his response to the Pharisees (verses 12-13)… 
 

 

Why do you think he used these terms? 

 

Was Jesus calling the Pharisees “healthy” and “righteous”? 
Explain. 

 

Do you think Matthew regretted his decision to leave his old life behind? 
Why or why not? 

 

What might Jesus be asking you to leave behind in order to follow him more fully? 

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