As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. (Matthew 9:9 ESV)
Fear Not... Then Follow
Today, it seems everyone hates politicians. In Jesus day, everyone hated tax collectors. They were the bottom of the barrel, the slime on the pond, and the scum on a dog’s toenails.
It must have been a surprise to the community when Jesus chose one of THEM to be one of His special disciples.
But Jesus knows what He is doing. He is willing and eager to take even the shame of a tax collector on His back. In fact, this is a core of the gospel.
It is not merely tax collectors that Jesus is willing to carry. It is every breaker of God’s commands. It is every arrogant person. It is every liar. It is every self-centered man, and every self-centered woman. It is every one who has ignored, belittled, or forgotten God’s Holy Word.
Do not be astonished at His choice of a rotten, no good, cheating, deceitful, two-faced, greedy tax collector. And do not be astonished at His choice of a rotten, no good, cheating, deceitful, two-faced, greedy me and you.
Just rise from your old self and follow Him.
Fear not, then follow.