Devotion for Matthew 9:9
“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.”
Devotion:
This is the start of Matthew following Jesus. The verse is simple, but has a lot packed into it.
First, it’s not a mistake or any small detail that Matthew was a tax collector. In the world of first-century Judea, tax collectors were often despised, seen as traitors who worked with the Roman oppressors. They were not only viewed as dishonest but also as outcasts from society. They were considered the worst of the worst. But still, in this moment, Jesus sees Matthew not as a sinner to be shunned, but as a disciple to be called. He did not disqualify him from being His follower because of his past sin or reputation.
The call of Matthew reminds us that Jesus’ ministry is one of inclusion and redemption. It does not matter where we come from or what we have done; what matters is our response to His call. Matthew is immediately obedient—getting up and following Jesus. It shows us his willingness to leave behind his former life and step into a new identity as a follower of Christ. This is a powerful, dramatic reminder of the transformation that often begins with a single step of faith.
Jesus’ call to Matthew also challenges us to examine who we see as unworthy or beyond redemption. Are there individuals in our lives we overlook or dismiss due to their past choices or the way society labels them? This story encourages us to remember that everyone is worthy of grace and has the potential to be transformed by the love of Christ.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the incredible grace that calls us from where we are into where You want us to be. Help me to recognize Your voice in my life and give me the courage to follow You, just as Matthew did. Open my eyes to see others the way You do, with love, grace, and acceptance. Use me as a vessel of Your grace, reaching out to those who feel unworthy or lost. Thank You for the reminder that no one is ever beyond Your reach, including me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Author: Becca Artymenko
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