“Tell me!”
“He asked why we were fearful. Why? Because we know that sea and what it can do to a small vessel when the winds and the waves conspire. He called us ‘you of little faith,’ then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”
“No!”
“Yes! We marveled and asked ourselves, ‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’ This morning, when we came to the country of the Gergesenes, two demon-possessed men came out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, and cried out, ‘What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?’”
“They called Him that? Son of God? They knew?”
Simon nodded. “Jesus cast the demons out of the men, and they entered a herd of swine that stampeded over a cliff and drowned in the sea. The swineherds fled into the city and must have told all they had seen, because it seemed the whole city came out to meet Jesus. They begged Him to depart from their region.”
“Where did you all go from there?”
“We returned to the boat and came back here. And almost immediately, someone brought to Him a paralyzed man lying on a bed. Jesus said that their faith was obvious, so He said to paralytic, ‘Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.’
“Well, Levi, you know that anywhere the public gathers, the scribes and Pharisees cannot be far. Some of the scribes were scowling at Him, and He read their thoughts. He said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts?’ and told me later that they had been thinking He was a blasphemer. He said to them, ‘Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Arise and walk”? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’—then He said to the paralytic, ‘Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’ And he did. The multitudes marveled and glorified God.”
“As do I.”
“Levi, I must get back. I want to be there and available when He awakes, in case He needs me. I do not know where He will go next, but I want to be there.”
“Certainly. Thank you, Simon.”
LATE THAT AFTERNOON, as Levi sat in the tax office eagerly writing as much as he could remember of Simon’s report, he began daydreaming of when his brother would arrive and the pleasure he would have in listening to Jesus with James. From outside he heard a clamor and realized that a great crowd was passing. That could mean only one thing. Jesus was passing by.
Levi pulled back a drape, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Man, and there stood Jesus before the open window. His gaze seemed to bore into Levi’s soul. Levi wanted to smile but could not move. He wanted to greet Jesus, but he could not speak. The man whose name was on everyone’s lips seemed focused on Levi alone.
Jesus whispered, “Follow me,” and Levi immediately arose with only his papyrus and sack of supplies and hurried outside. Jesus embraced him and said, “From henceforth I shall call you Matthew, which means gift from God.”
Gift from God? How could anyone, let alone this miracle worker, see Levi as a gift? He was not worthy of the name and couldn’t imagine he ever would be. But one thing was certain. Levi immediately realized that his days as a tax collector were over. He instantly became a disciple of Jesus, and he had an idea. “Lord, will you and your friends dine at my home tonight?”
“Certainly, thank you.”
Levi, already seeing himself as Matthew, pressed a coin into the palm of a young lad and quickly whispered in his ear to run to his estate and tell the servants how many to expect for dinner.
And as they continued along the way, greater and greater crowds packed the road, then sat to listen as Jesus spoke, and watched as He healed all the sick and lame that were brought to Him.
Matthew could not wait for James to come.
SIXTEEN
Matthew invited his entire staff and tax collectors from surrounding areas to a great feast at his home that evening in honor of his new Master. The house was full and noisy, and it was all he could do to not fawn and bow at Jesus’ feet. He washed His feet and gave Him water, but Jesus seemed so humble and loving that He set Matthew at ease, thanking him and looking at him as if He truly saw His host as a gift from God. Matthew still found that impossible to comprehend.
Just before they gathered around the great banquet tables, Efah pulled Matthew aside. “Levi,” he said, “I need to know—”
“Call me Matthew, please.”
“Matthew?”
“That is what the Master calls me, so I am Levi no longer.”
“Anyone else can call you whatever they want,” Efah said, “but to me you will always be Levi. I need to know your intentions. Are you, like the fishermen, leaving your business?”
“Not only my business, but also my name and my entire life. I have sent for my personal belongings and my writing supplies.”
“You will not be back at the tax office?”
“I will not.”
“Does Rome know?”
“I assume you will tell them.”
“You are leaving the business to me, then?”
“That will be between you and Rome.”
“Thank you, Levi!”
“Please, Efah. We have never been close, but can you not afford me this one courtesy?”
“All right, Matthew.”
“But don’t thank me. In fact I should probably apologize. While the business is strong, owning it will cost you, and as I say, Rome may have other ideas for who should succeed me.”
“They will have to beat my bid.”
“True enough. I wish you the best with it. I also urge you to listen to Jesus, should He choose to speak tonight.”
“I have no interest, and frankly, had I known His presence would attract the Pharisees, I would not have come.”
Matthew looked past Efah. “Pharisees? Where? I invited no Pharisees and doubt they would have accepted if I had.”
“Outside your gate. A gaggle of them.”
“Please stay and enjoy the meal, Efah. And do listen.”
Matthew hurried out the front, his stomach turning as he saw the holy men clustered just outside the entrance. Surprisingly, however, he did not feel his usual hatred for this enemy. He felt overcome with pity for them, but he was also concerned about the offense to his guests.
“What is your business?” he said as politely as he was able. The day before he would have gestured and cursed and ordered them off his land.
“We have questions for the sorcerer!” one called out.
“Gentlemen, He is no sorcerer, and if you had listened and observed, you would know that.”
“We would speak with Him!”
“Not this evening, please! You know He speaks and teaches openly nearly every day.”
“He defiles the temple!”
“Then wait for Him there. I am certain He would be glad to answer—”
“If you will not send Him out, we will wait!”
“Must I spirit Him away? What if I invite Him to spend the night?”
“And all his disciples?”
“What is that to you? I consider myself one.”
This was met with hilarity. “You? He has chosen wisely!”
“Gentlemen, please. Let the Man rest and enjoy His meal. He will be available tomorrow.”
“We will wait all night if we must.”
“Suit yourselves.”
But as Matthew returned inside, he heard the men murmuring and wondered what they were up to. The servants waited with heaping trays of meat and fish and bread and wine. “As soon as I usher Jesus to the place of honor, I will signal you to fill the tables.”
Matthew found Jesus and beckoned Him to follow. As he pointed out His place, Jesus whispered, “Thank you. I would like to bless the food, and while I am praying, I would like for you to invite them in.”
Matthew flinched. “Them?”
“Those who await Me at your gate.”
“But they are Phar—”
“Will you do t
hat, Matthew?”
“I will do anything you ask, Master. But—”
“Thank you. Now go.”
As Matthew hurried out he heard Jesus thanking him for his hospitality and praying over the food. When he emerged from the front of the house, the Pharisees suddenly quieted and glared at him.
“Would you care to join us?” he said. “We have plenty.”
“What! You know better than that! We would not lower ourselves to recline at table with your kind!”
“But you are welcome,” Matthew said. “And our supplies are great.”
“No! Just send the blasphemer out here!”
Matthew sat next to Jesus and told him, “They would not come.”
“Of course. But they cannot say they were not invited.”
“You will want to avoid the front gate on the way out. Or, even better, You and Your disciples are welcome to spend the night.”
“I will not avoid them. They are of no danger to Me until My time has come.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You will. All in good time.”
Jesus did not choose to speak formally that evening, but rather He engaged Matthew and his friends in casual conversation. At one point Jesus drew Matthew close and whispered, “You know that the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. Following Me means that you won’t either.”
There was something about the way Jesus spoke, with such earnest, quiet directness, that caused Matthew to understand fully His entire meaning. Jesus told Matthew where to meet Him and the other disciples the next day, and Matthew knew he would never again return to his beautiful estate. That evening, he would inform his house staff and urge them to find new masters.
When the festivities were over and people began leaving, Efah thanked Matthew and said, “He seemed pleasant enough.”
“You should come and hear Him teach.”
“I would, but you see I have just been given much more responsibility in my job . . .”
Matthew smiled. “Make the time, friend.”
Finally Matthew walked out with Jesus and the other disciples. No surprise, the Pharisees remained outside the gate. “Say, fisherman!” one called out to Simon. “Why does your Teacher eat with sinners?”
But before he could answer, Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. If you want something to think about, go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
When Jesus followed His disciples out the gate and past the Pharisees, Matthew was abashed to see that He had left them speechless. Matthew did not know what Jesus had meant either, but he certainly knew how important sacrifices were to the Pharisees. To imply that they should show mercy rather than judging everyone was to deeply insult them.
That night after speaking with his servants and setting out his coat and cloak and sandals for the next day, Matthew realized that he would be leaving everything else behind. In the bag he would sling over his shoulder, he would pack his papyrus, quills, and ink. All the rest of his earthly belongings, including all his clothes, would remain. A bright moon streamed through the window as Matthew lay on his back on his mat, feeling a strange refreshed exhaustion and knowing he would sleep deeply and soundly, despite one question still naggling at his mind. Matthew felt an excitement and an anticipation, not to mention a deep commitment to both learn from and selflessly serve his Master. How much more fulfilling this would be than spending his entire life trying to accumulate wealth that never satisfied! Already he was grateful to have learned that he could talk to Jesus like an old friend—no, better than that. This was a Teacher, a Rabbi, a Man sent from God, and Matthew believed Him to be the long-sought and prophesied Messiah.
That meant He could answer the deepest question of Matthew’s heart. Chavivi.
THE NEXT MORNING Matthew met Jesus and the other disciples—who numbered more than two dozen at that point—and the Master sat in their midst and told them what was to happen that day. He would once again teach in an open area and heal all the injured, diseased, and afflicted.
“Then we will enjoy a dinner of roasted fish and bread at the shore and talk over the events of the day around a fire.”
Nothing could have sounded better to Matthew. He would look for an opportunity to speak to Jesus privately, and he would also keep watch for his brother, who should be on his way from Jerusalem by now.
Just before they started out, a man in a ruler’s purple robes rushed to Jesus and fell at His feet. “My daughter has just died,” he said, weeping, “but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.”
Jesus merely nodded and stood, following the man with all His disciples behind Him. As they hurried along, great crowds appeared and began to grow, clamoring to get close to Jesus. Suddenly a woman pushed past Matthew. When she got near Jesus she fell to her hands and knees and crawled close enough to touch the hem of His garment.
Jesus turned and lifted her by the hand. “Be of good cheer, daughter,” He said. “Your faith has made you well.”
As Jesus moved on, the woman turned her face to the sun and raised her hands. Matthew said, “Are you well?”
“I am!” she said. “I had an issue of blood for twelve years, but I knew if I could just touch the hem of His garment . . .”
When Jesus and His party finally reached the ruler’s house, the flute players and noisy mourners were already playing and wailing. Matthew was chilled, remembering the single player and mourner who had accompanied his pitiful family for Chavivi’s burial.
Jesus quieted them, saying, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.”
The flute player laughed and the others jeered. “Who says? We have seen her, and she is dead! What do you know?”
“Clear everyone out of the house,” Jesus said, and when it was empty, He entered. Just as Matthew crossed the threshold, He saw Jesus take the dead girl by the hand, and she immediately arose.
The flautist and the mourners screamed and ran, shouting about ghosts and spirits, as did many onlookers. But Matthew also knew the report of what Jesus had done was quickly spreading throughout the land.
When Jesus departed from there, the crowds were even larger and infused by pockets of men in pharisaical garb. They were also followed by two blind men who cried out, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”
Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
They said, “Yes, Lord.”
He touched their eyes. “According to your faith let it be to you.” Immediately it was obvious both could see. And Jesus sternly warned them, “Say nothing to anyone. See that no one knows it.”
It was all Matthew could do to keep from laughing. The entire crowd knew! And as the men ran off, they shouted, “Jesus healed us! We were blind and now we see!”
Matthew would have to ask Jesus about that around the fire that evening.
Soon the crowd brought to Him a man who could not speak and was demon-possessed. Jesus commanded the demon to come out of him, and when the man arose, he could speak. It was obvious to Matthew that the multitudes were astonished, and he heard several say, “I’ve never seen anything like this!”
But the Pharisees at the edge of the crowd said, “He casts out demons under the authority of the ruler of the demons.” Matthew wondered if they did not recognize the lunacy of that statement and he added one more item to his mental list of things to ask the Master that evening.
SEVENTEEN
Matthew sat on the shore of the Sea of Galilee with the other disciples—more than two dozen. He was sore from his hair to his toes after walking and sometimes running to keep up with Jesus all day.
Jesus had urged the men to bathe in the sea while a few roasted dinner. Matthew kept an eye on his satchel, then had to laugh. If he could not trust these men, whom could he trust? He simply wanted to eat quickly, then write as much as he could remember of the events of the d
ay before taking notes on whatever Jesus had to say.
Matthew had barely realized how hungry he was until the simple meal of fish and bread proved as delicious to him as the feast he had thrown for Jesus at his own home the night before. He felt self-conscious pulling out his writing materials in front of so many strangers. The fishermen were familiar to him, of course, and he had done business with a few of the others. But most of the rest of the men were entirely new to him.
Matthew wondered if all had left their homes and families and work, and he was curious about where they would sleep. Did they have as many questions as he did? For himself, giving little or no thought to the future was novel. He had been a man of planning and structure. He had had an idea what every day would bring and what he wanted to accomplish. Now he had simply abandoned all, virtually without thinking, to follow Jesus. He would do anything the Master asked, and he would listen, learn, watch, and write. He would give no thought to what he would eat or where he would sleep or what tomorrow would bring.
To Matthew’s delight, after Jesus discussed the events of the day, He asked if anyone had any questions. It was clear from the cacophony of voices that Matthew would not likely have to say a word. The first question would have been his too.
“Why did You tell the blind men not to tell anyone You had healed them? Can you imagine anyone in all of the land of Israel who is unaware of it?”
The men chuckled and Jesus smiled. “Let me ask you this,” he said. “Do you recall what those men called me?”
“Yes! They called you Son of David.”
“And did you also notice that I did not respond at first?”
“Not for a long time actually. Why?”
“Their persistence proved their faith. But that they called me Son of David showed that they know who I am.”
Matthew realized immediately that Jesus was acknowledging that his brother James was right. Son of David was a common Jewish title for the long-promised Deliverer. He was Messiah, who would rule over the coming kingdom of God.