9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. 10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:9-13 KJV)
Jesus Calls Matthew
In these verses, we see the grace and favor of Christ toward tax collectors, particularly Matthew. What Christ did for people’s bodies was meant to prepare the way for a greater work on their souls.
Matthew, the writer of this Gospel, was also called Levi by Mark and Luke. It was common for one person to have two names. Some believe Christ gave him the name Matthew when he called him to be an apostle, just as he renamed Simon as Peter. “Matthew” means “gift of God,” reminding us that ministers are God’s gifts to the church, and their calling and abilities are from Him.
When Christ called Matthew, he was sitting at the tax office. He was working as a tax collector in Capernaum. Christ often calls people while they are busy with their work. However, tax collectors were despised by religious Jews because their work was often corrupt. Matthew openly acknowledges his former life, just as Paul did (1 Timothy 1:13), to highlight the grace of Christ in his calling. No one can excuse themselves from following Christ because of their occupation, for people from all backgrounds have been saved.
Matthew did not seek Christ, but Christ sought him. Without hesitation, Matthew obeyed Christ’s call. He immediately got up and followed Him, leaving behind his position and income. Unlike the fishermen who later returned to fishing temporarily, we never read of Matthew returning to tax collecting.
Later, Jesus was eating at a house where many tax collectors and sinners were present. The other Gospel writers note that Matthew held a great feast for Jesus, but in his humility, Matthew simply states that Jesus was eating in the house. This reflects his desire to highlight Christ’s kindness to sinners rather than his own actions.
Matthew invited Christ’s disciples to the meal, showing that those who receive Christ must also welcome His followers. He also invited many tax collectors and sinners, hoping they too would meet Jesus. Having experienced Christ’s grace, he longed for his old companions to know it as well. Those who are truly converted desire others to come to Christ too. Just as Andrew brought Peter to Jesus and Philip brought Nathanael (John 1:41, 45), Matthew used his influence to introduce others to Christ.
The Pharisees were displeased with this and asked the disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” They were proud and self-righteous, looking down on others while ignoring their own sins. They did not directly challenge Jesus but tried to turn His disciples against Him. Christians must be prepared to defend Christ and His teachings when others challenge them (1 Peter 3:15).
The Pharisees objected to Christ associating with sinners. While it is true that we should avoid close friendships that lead us into sin (Psalm 1:1), Christ’s purpose was different. He did not join in their sins but sought to lead them to repentance. The Pharisees, however, were not concerned for the sinners’ salvation; they simply wanted to criticize Jesus.
Jesus responded, “Those who are well do not need a doctor, but those who are sick do.” He compared sinners to the sick who need a physician. Sin is a disease that weakens, troubles, and destroys, but it is not incurable. Jesus is the great Physician who heals souls. Many do not recognize their need for Him, like the Pharisees who thought they were righteous and had no need of a Savior (Revelation 3:17; John 9:40-41).
To justify His actions, Jesus quoted Hosea 6:6, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” He told them to “Go and learn what this means,” implying they did not truly understand God’s word. True religion is not about external rituals but about love and mercy. The Pharisees emphasized traditions while neglecting justice and compassion (Matthew 23:23).
Jesus then explained His mission: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” If humanity had never fallen into sin, Christ would not have needed to come. His mission was to save sinners, especially those who recognized their need for Him. Those who see themselves as righteous will reject Christ, but those who acknowledge their sin will welcome Him.