In June, I was given the opportunity to share a message with the members of the youth group of the church I attend. The essence of the message was how Jesus entered into Matthew’s life and changed his story. Matthew was formerly a tax collector, and Jesus called him to be one of his disciples.
What I found fascinating about Matthew’s story was that he was called to follow Jesus alongside men who were once his enemies. Tax collectors were lowly esteemed within the Jewish community. So Matthew’s addition to the team may have roughened some feathers, particularly Simon, who was a zealot.
Zealots were known to be very hostile toward Tax collectors. It is not far-fetched to believe that Simon and Matthew once had enmity with each other. Yet, their reverence for Jesus resulted in them working side by side and sharing the good news.
Open arms and a tender heart
Jesus knew both individuals’ backstory, yet he still invited them to be his disciples. Jesus held both Matthew and Simon’s hands (figuratively) and encouraged them to leave their old way of enmity and pursue peace. He shared his heart equally with both, demonstrating impartiality so that none could say that they were greater than the other.
Jesus, through his calling of Matthew and Simon, demonstrated that He was (still is) the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9 verse 6). Furthermore, He showed that he was (is) the Repairer of the breach (Isaiah 58.12) and a friend to all. Following Jesus is a great goal, but it’s also considered “foolish”, as the wisdom of God, is foolishness to men.
A fool's goal
Presenting this message on Matthew has caused me to look intently at the beatitudes presented in Matthew chapter 5 verses 1-12. All the attributes Jesus stated that one would be blessed for, were attributes that the world would consider foolish to pursue. However, if we desire to be like the one who brought peace between Matthew and Simon, then we must become fools.
Only fools would always pursue peace.
Only fools would desire to be merciful.
Only fools would crave righteousness in a world filled with evil.
Only fools desire a pure heart.
Only fools mourn about the brokenness of this world.
Only fools persevere through insults and persecutions because of their righteousness
Following Jesus is a fool’s goal! I wouldn’t be surprised if Matthew and Simon would have had this thought while they were with him, I know I would. But what makes our desire to follow Jesus so wholesome is that in following him, he also turns our eyes to see the treasure that awaits.
A fool’s gold
What is this treasure one may ask? Jesus in Matthew chapter 13, verses 44-46, told Matthew and Simon what it was. For many years, I thought that Matthew and Simon (we) represented the merchant and Jesus was the pearl (treasure). Until a mature believer shared with me that Jesus was the merchant, and that Matthew and Simon (we) were the treasure.
Jesus taught both gentlemen that they (sinners) were both his treasures. That he gave up everything just to be with and redeem them (sinners). Hence, they had to show reverence and eventually love each other as they both learned that the other was equally precious to Jesus as themselves.
Our neighbours are the treasures (gold) whom Jesus left everything to pursue. This is the dogma which governs our pursuit of Jesus. This means that our; enemies, annoying parents, disobedient children, miserable boss, delinquent employees, abusive customers, and conniving sellers, are Jesus’ treasure.
Jesus turned our eyes from worthless living to pursuing what could be perceived as, “fool’s gold”. As we are called to pursue, love, and show mercy to persons who are/were slaves to sin. However, if He hadn’t done so to someone else then I (we) wouldn’t have met him.
Becoming mature in our faith is both loving Jesus and people more. Though one’s goal to be like Jesus may be perceived as a “fool's goal”; Jesus in Matthew chapter 24, compares such a person to a wise virgin, a humble sheep, and a faithful steward. Furthermore, Jesus in Matthew 19 stated that those who sacrifice much in pursuit of the “fool’s gold” will be richly rewarded.
So, Matthew left all the riches he acquired (possible stolen) for himself to fulfil a fool’s goal to pursue a fool's gold. He left friends to work side by side with enemies. He was commissioned to serve persons whom he may have cheated or taken advantage of.
Yet, his pursuit was richly rewarded, as his book is the first book presented in the New Testament of the bible. What an honour of being tasked with transcribing God’s word that will be read for many generations. That was a portion of Matthew’s reward.
I am encouraged to know that God richly blesses those who pursue him wholeheartedly. You should too! Pursuing what God wants us to pursue may be foolish, but it is the only path which leads to life, joy, peace, hope and righteousness.
So let us endeavour to follow Matthew and Simon in pursuing the foolish goal of following Jesus in pursuit of the fool’s gold (sinners).
Akeel Henry (West Indies) enjoys sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with all individuals. He is currently a trained Biochemist who aspires to become a physician and a pastor. If you wish to share feedback concerning his articles, his email address is ah051097@gmail.com. He can also be reached on facebook, Instagram (Akeel Henry) and on twitter (@A155_thevine).
