Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part Nine

Is it possible there’s yet another one of The Twelve with several names? Yes! More commonly called Matthew (Matt. 9:9-13) who wrote the gospel, at Peter’s direction Mark (Mark 2:13-14), and also Luke (Luke 5:27-28), called him Levi. He’s infamous due to his occupation, since he was undoubtedly from a wealthy family, highly educated, and chosen by the Roman government to collect taxes. He had the gift of managing money. That trusted authority opened the door to dishonest and fraudulent wealth gathered for himself … ahhh, the lure of the world. That was the first heart attitude Jesus saw and yet He locked eyes with this sinner calling him to follow; Matthew acquiesced without question. Later, gathering other sinners at his house for a dinner party, Jesus took the opportunity to speak life into ‘those kind of people’ as the Pharisees called them. 

“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32

Matthew’s heart was being transformed by the power of repentance and that’s another attitude in the heart of a disciple. He was willing to leave one lifestyle for another shedding the guilt and shame he experienced as he listened to the Messiah’s message of mercy and grace. 

What about his other names? Interestingly, Levi means to be joined or attached to someone or something and also the name of the priestly tribe of Israel. Matthew/Levi knew the Old Testament well, being educated not only in academics, but also in Scripture, realized he was far from being joined to Yahweh; he was attached to the world. He couldn’t bring himself to use the priestly name Levi, but Mark and Luke help us with that insight. His heart transformation led to his writing, which led him to use more Old Testament references than any other! His heart had been changed and he no longer lived for the world and it’s possessions, but for Christ and heavenly possessions. 

He’s also called the ‘son of Alphaeus’, a family name, which isn’t coincidental since names have meaning giving insight into people. This additional name means to repeatedly exchange something like a money changer; is it possible he came from a family of wealth managers? Sure! Three names all giving us clues to this man, chosen by Jesus, who really isn’t heard from again. He stayed in the shadows, was readily available to serve his Master, and didn’t need recognition. That’s the heart of a disciple we can all learn from as hard as it is to feel your accomplishments ignored. 

Matthew (meaning God’s gift) followed Jesus’ ministry of love, mercy, and forgiveness for 3½ years, watched his mock-trial, arrest, beating, and crucifixion, but he was also there when Messiah ascended into heaven with the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5) and His eventual return. 

Matthew became a transformed, fully devoted follower of Christ, traveling to Ethiopia, history tells us, to preach the gospel and be martyred there.