1. Christ is to be our ultimate example.

2. However, others can also serve as an example, although to a limited degree (I Corinthians 11:1).

3. Another person who serves as an example for us is Matthew.

4. It is somewhat ironic that, although Matthew is one of the most familiar names in the New Testament, the New Testament provides little biographical information of Matthew. The little we do have sheds much light on why Jesus called Matthew, first to be a disciple and later an apostle.

While Luke wrote that Matthew "left all and followed Jesus" (Luke 5:28), Matthew simply said he "arose and followed him" (Matthew 9:9).

At one time Matthew prepared a dinner for Jesus in his own house (Luke 5:29), yet Matthew simply referred to it as "the house" (Matthew 9:10).

We have been warned of being overly proud and have been encouraged to possess an attitude of humility (Proverbs 6:16-18; 16:19; Matthews 23:12; James 4:6; I Peter 5:6; I John 2:15-16).

Matthew is also referred to as Levi (probably his original name – Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27). The name Levi means "to adhere" or "to cleave" while Matthew means "gift of God."

One commentator has said that the name Matthew may have been given at the time he began following the Lord, indicating that "Levi," who had previously cleaved to the old ways, would die (figuratively) and Matthew, the gift of God, would live in his place. Perhaps as Matthew left his old life of sin behind, he also left his old name behind.

When we obey the gospel and leave the world behind in order to follow Christ, we are given a new name (Christian – Acts 11:26). We must live in such a way that we bring honor to that name, rather than shame. When we are born again (John 3:3-5) we rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). As new creatures (II Corinthians 5:17) we are to suffer willingly (I Peter 4:16).

Luke’s record of the gospel tells us that Matthew "left all" (Luke 5:26). Luke later wrote of the need for self-denial (Luke 9:23-24).

When Matthew recorded Jesus’ challenge to the rich young ruler, he no doubt thought of a time in his life when he was faced with a similar decision (Matthew 19:16-22).

Christ demands that same spirit of self-sacrifice from us (Luke 10:27). Unfortunately, the church has always been plagued with those persons who are lukewarm, possessing only a half-hearted commitment to Christ, never learning to go beyond their own level of convenience (Revelation 3:16).

We cannot read Matthew’s record of the gospel without being impressed with his reverence for scripture. (ex: the lineage of Christ in chapter one, fulfillment of prophecy in 4:12-16; 13:35; 21:4-5; et. al.).

We are obligated to accept the scriptures as being inspired (John 16:13; Galatians 1:11-12; II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21). Consequently, we are to be doers of the word, and not hearers only (James 1:22).

CONCLUSION:

1. Our curiosity may cause us to want to know more about Matthew than what is recorded in the scriptures.

2. But what we do know about Matthew should cause us to admire him.