Today we will talk about how old was Matthew when he met Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. Understanding the life and calling of Matthew, also known as Levi, can help us connect with the early followers of Christ and realize that their stories are quite relatable to our own. Matthew was a tax collector, an occupation that made him an outcast among the Jewish community. Nevertheless, Jesus saw potential in him and called him to follow. As we reflect on Matthew’s journey, let’s meditate on the scriptures and explore the significance of age, calling, and the powerful moment of discipleship. Together, we will unravel insights from the Bible that crisscross the life of this remarkable apostle.
How old was Matthew when he met Jesus
Matthew’s Background and Cultural Setting
When we think about Matthew, we must first understand his historical and cultural background. Matthew, or Levi, lived during a time when the Jewish people were under Roman rule. As a tax collector, he had a job that was despised by his fellow Jews. Tax collectors were often seen as traitors, working for the oppressors and often taking more than what was necessary to enrich themselves. This created a social stigma around such roles, leading to a life that was lonely and disconnected from his own community (Luke 5:27-28).
The exact age of Matthew when he met Jesus is not given in the scriptures. However, it is essential to know that during the times of Jesus, it was common for Jewish men to begin their careers in their late teens to early twenties. Matthew could have been in this age range when he encountered Christ (Matthew 9:9). Tax collectors typically started their careers young, sometimes just out of their teenage years, so Matthew may have been around 20 years old. This age is significant because it speaks of those in a formative period of their life, ready to make choices that could change their future.
In Hebrew, the name “Matthew” means “gift of God,” which resonates with how God can transform our lives (Matthew 1:1). The Greek translation “Matthaios” comes from this meaning, emphasizing how we are all called and chosen for a higher purpose. When Jesus called Matthew, he was being offered not just a new job, but a new life and mission. This speaks volumes, as Matthew transitioned from collecting taxes to collecting souls for the Kingdom.
The Call of Matthew
Matthew’s encounter with Christ is described in three Gospels, illustrating its importance in the ministry of Jesus. As noted in Matthew 9:9, Jesus walked by Matthew at his tax booth and commanded him, “Follow me,” and he immediately stood up and followed. This moment was not merely an invitation to discipleship; it was a turning point in Matthew’s life.
Being called by Jesus at such a tender age of potentially around 20 would symbolize a complete transformation in one’s life. Uncertainty and anxiety loom large when facing major decisions, especially in your youth. Choosing to leave behind a stable, if morally questionable profession for an uncertain future following Jesus showcases immense courage and trust (Luke 5:27-32).
Furthermore, the idea of Jesus seeing potential in someone so looked down upon speaks volumes about how God sees the heart, unlike humans who only see outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). Matthew’s age during this call signifies that God often calls the young, the marginalized, and those who society overlooks, encouraging all ages to respond to His directive for change.
Discipleship and Transformation
Matthew’s journey doesn’t just end with his being called; it marked the start of a significant transformation. After accepting Jesus’ invitation, he quickly began to gather other outcasts and sinners for a meal with Jesus (Matthew 9:10-11). This action was not just about sharing a meal; it was a pivotal moment for community-building in a society that often excluded the marginalized.
Through accepting Jesus’ call, Matthew embraced a new identity, moving from Levi the tax collector to Matthew the disciple. The act of leaving everything behind and following Christ wasn’t simple. It required him to often rethink his morals and values. In a way, Jesus offered Matthew a profound life lesson about the difference between this world and the Kingdom of God (Luke 14:33).
Furthermore, Matthew’s writings as an apostle and gospel author show how transformative discipleship can be at any age. He authored the Gospel of Matthew, one of the most comprehensive accounts of Jesus’ life, capturing the essence of Jesus’ teachings and His Jewish heritage (Matthew 1:1). This illustrates that no matter how young or old we are, our stories and experiences can and should reflect the grace, redemption, and transformative power of Jesus.
Theological Significance of Matthew’s Age and Calling
The significance of Matthew’s age during his encounter with Jesus touches on broader theological themes. First, it emphasizes that God can use anyone, irrespective of their occupation or past, for His divine purpose (2 Corinthians 5:17). The age of approximately 20 is representative of a transitional phase: youth moving into adulthood, including decisions that shape one’s entire life path.
Additionally, there’s an important lesson in the immediacy of Matthew’s response. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus tells the disciples, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The essence of this call, whether at 20 or 40, is to be available to God in our lives. Infusing the idea that God calls us, regardless of age, reflects a divine invitation to engage in the wider mission of love and spread of the Gospel (Mark 16:15).
Moreover, it’s intriguing to think that Matthew went from being a tax collector to a lander of the Good News among the disciples. His humble beginnings remind us that God’s work often starts in unexpected places, challenging the stereotypes of who should carry the message of hope. There is a message for every young person: we can take bold steps for Jesus and influence others around us (1 Timothy 4:12).
What This Means for Us Today
As we consider Matthew’s story, we are reminded that no matter our age or background, we are called to follow Christ and make impactful decisions in our lives. Whether we are in our late teens or older, God’s grace invites us to step out of our comfortable zones and into His light.
This account of Matthew serves as an excellent encouragement for us as it demonstrates God’s pursuit of each one of us. This means embracing our own journeys and hearing that call to follow Jesus, just like Matthew did. God can use our lives, no matter how young or old we are, for His plans. The emphasis here is obedience and the courage to step into our calling (Philippians 4:13).
Furthermore, in a world where people are quick to judge others based on their professions or past mistakes, Matthew’s story illustrates how Christ can transform our identities. He can take someone whom society deems unworthy and make them a disciple, an author of God’s Word, and an essential part of His family (Ephesians 2:19). The good news is that God sees the heart and potential in each of us, waiting to be realized when we respond to His call.
Final Thoughts
Examining how old Matthew might have been when he met Jesus opens a window into how God relates to us, irrespective of age. Each encounter, especially one that changes our trajectory, invites us to consider what it means to follow Christ today.
Matthew’s journey from tax collector to disciple shows us that transformation is always possible, no matter our circumstances. It also affirms that at any stage in our lives, we are called to serve and share the Gospel.
Ultimately, we need to remain open to God’s calling in our lives. Just like Matthew, who was deeply entrenched in a profession that cut him off from his community, we, too, can experience God’s grace and purpose no matter where we are in life. Each of us has a unique story, one that is shaped by our willingness to follow Jesus’s call.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4