Disliked by many, Matthew was chosen by Jesus to be a disciple.

Why would Jesus choose someone who people looked down upon? Tax collectors cheated people out of money and then pocketed the extra. Jews were taught to lie to the tax collectors, and they were taught that collectors were unredeemable.

Did Jesus think that Matthew was worth His time and energy? He certainly did. He knew that Matthew would forsake his job and leave it all behind just to follow Jesus.

Did God use Matthew in a mighty way? Yes, He did. We are to be an empty vessel, like Matthew, not a broken one. God will work through us, even if we are just ordinary people.

Do we have compassion on others like Jesus did?