by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank
A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham… Matthew 1:1
Matthew was a record-keeper. A former tax collector, he was a professional recorder of numbers and facts. He was a detail-keeper and fact-protector. It was this career record-keeper, sitting at his tax booth, that Jesus walked right up to and said the life-changing words, “Follow me” (see Matthew 9:9). Matthew immediately got up and followed Jesus. His old profession was instantly infused with new purpose. Matthew the record-keeper would be a key eyewitness to much of Jesus’ earthly ministry. And he would faithfully record everything he saw.
The name Matthew means “Gift of Yahweh.” Matthew, the author of the gospel that carries his name, is a gift from God to writers. He has much to teach us.
