Which of the twelve disciples was a tax collector before following Jesus?

The Answer

Matthew, also called Levi, was sitting at his tax collector's booth when Jesus said two simple words: 'Follow me.' Tax collectors were despised as collaborators with Rome and were assumed to be dishonest, yet Jesus called one into His inner circle. Matthew immediately left his booth, and later hosted a dinner where many tax collectors and sinners ate with Jesus.

Matthew's booth represented everything his neighbors resented — compromise, greed, betrayal. He was probably the last person anyone expected a rabbi to recruit. But Jesus saw past the booth to the man, and past the man to what he could become.

Matthew's response is a masterclass in surrender: he got up and followed. No negotiation, no delay. And the first thing he did with his new life was throw a dinner party so his old friends could meet Jesus too.

Whatever your 'booth' is — the reputation, the history, the label others have given you — Jesus is not deterred by it. His call is not based on your résumé. It is based on His grace. Get up and follow.