St. Matthew
Matthew
was a Jew who worked for the occupying Roman forces, collecting taxes
from other Jews. The Romans were not scrupulous about what the "tax
farmers" got for themselves. Hence the latter, known as "publicans,"
were generally hated as traitors by their fellow Jews. The Pharisees
lumped them with "sinners" (see Matthew 9:11-13). So it was shocking to
them to hear Jesus call such a man to be one of his intimate followers.
Matthew got Jesus in further trouble by having a sort of going-away
party at his house. The Gospel tells us that "many" tax collectors and
"those known as sinners" came to the dinner. The Pharisees were still
more badly shocked. What business did the supposedly great teacher have
associating with such immoral people? Jesus' answer was, "Those who are
well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning
of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I did not come to call
the righteous but sinners" (Matthew 9:12b-13). Jesus is not setting
aside ritual and worship; he is saying that loving others is even more
important.
No other particular incidents about Matthew are found in the New Testament.
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