Read Luke 5:27-32; Matthew 9:9-13

Matthew Is Called To Follow The Lord

It is interesting to see the shades of differences between the gospel accounts. These are not contradictions, but added layers that give depth to the incidents and reveal things about the inspired penman and their audiences. Take, for instance, the account of Matthew’s conversion and the subsequent dinner at his house.

In Luke’s account, in which the apostle is called Levi, it is written that when Jesus said, “Follow Me,” that the tax collector “left all, rose up, and followed Him” (Luke 5:28). There is a slight difference in Matthew’s own account; he does not say that he “left all.” Matthew simply says that “he arose and followed Him” (Matthew 9:9).

Have you noticed the distinction before? It is very subtle, but it speaks to the apostle’s humility. He did not want to draw attention to the fact that he left behind his occupation to follow Jesus. He did not want to boast. But Luke, an impartial third party, could state it plainly: Levi “left all, rose up, and followed Him.” What a commentary on the apostle’s humility and commitment!

A second difference highlights the interests of the intended audiences. It is believed that Matthew, a Jew, wrote his account of the gospel with the Jew in mind. Thus, there were references to Old Testament passages that would be important to the Jewish reader. When Jesus’ act of eating with tax collectors and sinners was brought to light, the Lord responded, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But 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” (Matthew 9:12-13). He quotes from the prophet Hosea (6:6). Luke, on the other hand, with primarily a Gentile readership in view, did not include the quotation of the prophet.

One final note about this incident: some try to use this event to justify their own actions of sin when committed with other sinners. They will declare, “Jesus partied with sinners, too!” Is that what is taught in the gospel accounts? Jesus sat with sinners, that is true, but He never sinned with sinners. He held them accountable and called them to a better life. He lifted them up out of their sin and showed them the way to serve God.

Read Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11

“At Your Word”

Matthew’s account of Jesus calling the two sets of fishing brothers is brief; Luke gives a little more detail into the incident leading up to their decision to leave their livelihood behind. After an unsuccessful day of fishing, Jesus comes and tells Peter, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4). Peter hesitated, but relented, “At Your word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5).

You know what happened next. The nets became so full that they began to break, and they filled both boats so full of fish that they began to sink! What an incredible display of God’s power accomplished because Peter obeyed!

Have you ever encountered something as you study the Scriptures that you’ve never seen before? Perhaps a command or a principle that someone taught to you differently than the Bible actually presents it? You have a decision to make when such happens. You can either continue to practice what you have always practiced, even though you now know better. Or you can say, “At Your word, Jesus, I will do what You have commanded.”

Do you know what happens when you choose the latter? You will be blessed beyond measure. Even if you lose some things that are important to you, such as friendships, or family relationships, or even material possessions—Jesus will bless you because you obeyed!

“Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30).

Peter, Andrew, James, and John “forsook all and followed Him” (Luke 5:11), and because of their faithful service to the King they will enjoy His incredible blessings for eternity. Are you willing to do what Jesus says, “At His word”?