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 PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE

Matthew 9:9-17; 10:1-42; Mark 2:14-22; 3:14-19

Luke 5:27-34; 6:13-16

Introduction:

The man Matthew is far better known for the gospel bearing his name than he is as a personality.

The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, chose him to be an apostle and moved him to write the first gospel.  

By way of introduction we will point out several things that stand out in this gospel and then by looking at the man himself we may see how he was uniquely qualified to be the human author.

The gospel of Matthew is often referred to as the "kingdom Gospel." References to the Kingdom of Heaven abound in this book.

Matthew alone gives the parables of the kingdom and there is a great appeal to the student of the Old Testament. The book was written primarily to the Jews and presents Jesus Christ as Israel's King and Messiah.

It is also interesting to note that Matthew was moved to make mention of money and riches quite often. As we look at the man we will consider his life in a succession of stages and see a supernatural transformation in his life.

I.         MATTHEW IS SEEN AS A HEBREW SON.

            A.        Matthew Is Known By Two Names In Scripture.

                        1.         In his own writings he refers to himself as Matthew. (Matthew 9:9; 10:3)

                                    a.         The name Matthew means “gift of Jehovah.”

                                    b.         He constantly refers to himself as "the publican."

                        2.         Mark and Luke refer to him as Levi at the time of his call but also refer to him once each as Matthew.    (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27-29)

                        3.         Neither refer to him as Matthew the publican.

            B.        Matthew Was The Son Of Alphaeus. (Mark 2:14)

                        1.         That he named his son Levi would most probably make him from the tribe of Levi.

                        2.         Many believe that he is the same Alphaeus listed as James' the Less’

                                    father. (Cp Mark 3:18; Matthew 10:3; Luke 6:15)

                                     If that is the case, then Matthew and James the less would be brothers.

            C.        As a Hebrew son he would have been trained in the Old Testament

                        Scriptures and expected to follow the ways of his people.

II.       MATTHEW IS SEEN AS A ROMAN TAX COLLECTOR (OR PUBLICAN)

            A.        Background Thoughts About Publicans.

                        1.         They were employed by the Roman government to collect tribute from conquered countries.

                        2.         They were required to collect a certain amount for the government and then were permitted to take what they could for themselves.

                                    a.         They had the full authority of the Roman government behind them.

                                    b.         The only restraint was that they not stir up a revolution.

                        3.         They would set up toll booths where the citizens would bring their taxes and travelers could be stopped and searched.

                        4.         These people were hated by the Jews.

                                    a.         They were called leaches because they were allowed to gorge themselves in their tasks.

                                    b.         The Jews considered any Jew who took the office of publican as disloyal to God and classified them as sinners of the worst type.

                        5.         Publicans would naturally become rich.

                        6.         Publicans would be, by the very nature of their work, organized and methodical.

            B.        Matthew's Decision To Be A Publican Alienated Him From His People.

                        1.         He was putting money above principle.

                        2.         His loss would stand to be great.

                                    a.         He would lose his family.

                                    b.         He would lose his country.

                                    c.         He would lose his conscience.

                                    d.         He would lose his faith. (i.e. His god became money.)

III.      MATTHEW IS SEEN AS A SACRIFICIAL CONVERT. (MATTHEW 9:9)

            A.        He was likely the richest and most educated of the apostles.

            B.        He was found by Jesus at the customs house.

                        1.         It is possible that Jesus had official dealings with him.

                        2.         Jesus may have preached within hearing distance of him.

                        3.         Jesus looked on him and saw his heart.

            C.        Jesus extended Matthew the call to follow him.

                        1.         To follow involved believing.

                        2.         To follow involved commitment.

            D.        There were many implications in Jesus' call.

                        1.         It called for the sacrifice of wealth and power for an unknown future.

                        2.         It called for great mercy on the part of Jesus.

                        3.         It implied the promise of salvation, fellowship, guidance, and protection.

                        4.         It called for a complete transformation on Matthew's part.

                        5.         It called for a despised sinner to be honored as Christ's fellow worker.

                        6.         It called for surrender to a person. (i.e. follow me)

IV.      MATTHEW IS SEEN AS A GRATEFUL HOST. (MATTHEW 9:10-17)

            A.        Shortly after his call Matthew prepared a feast for Jesus, the disciples, and several more.

            B.        This feast was Matthew's way of showing he had left his old life and that he was not ashamed to own Jesus Christ as Lord.

            C.        Special thoughts about the feast.

                        1.         His house had to be large to have all the people.

                        2.         There was a strange selection of guests–Jesus, the disciples, publicans, and sinners.

                        3.         It brought forth controversy.

                                    a.         The Pharisees were upset. 9:11-13

                                    b.         John's disciples were upset. 9:14-17

V.        MATTHEW IS SEEN AS AN HUMBLE APOSTLE.

            A.        He was set apart as one of the twelve apostles.

                        1.         This was the highest office.

                        2.         This office ceased with the completion of the Canon of Scripture.

                        3.         This was the last office to exert authority over more than one local church.

            B.        In spite of his office he always referred to himself as Matthew, the publican.

            C.        His desire was to magnify Christ and his transforming power.

VI.      MATTHEW IS SEEN AS A GIFTED AUTHOR.

            A.        His human qualifications do not lessen God's inspiration.

            B.        He was chosen by the Lord for this particular job.

                        1.         He had been trained to be systematic in his methods.

                        2.         He had used his pen in connection with his old trade.

            C.        His writing met the need for a record of the life and teaching of Jesus.

            D.        His gospel consists of 1071 verses.

                        1.         Six hundred forty four of these verses contain the words spoken by the Lord here on earth.

                        2.         Righteous or righteousness occurs sixteen times.

                        3.         Kingdom of Heaven is used some thirty times.

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NOTICE:   THESE SERMONS ARE FREE TO BE USED BUT ARE NOT TO BE SOLD