Matthew was a person who was despised and looked down upon by the Jews because of the nature of his profession. In Jewish law, a tax-collector was debarred from the synagogue; he was included with things and beasts that are unclear. (Lev. 20:5).

But when Jesus called Matthew, He went beyond what the Jews saw. Jesus exhibited His power to see in a man, not only what he was in life but more, what he could be. This same affirming quality of God is seen again when Jesus sits and eats with tax-collectors and sinners which to the eyes of the Pharisees was a scandal. Jesus wants to affirm us, and tell us that each one of us is special even if we have sinned!

Jesus comes closer to us sinners who are conscious of our sins and desperately aware of the need for a saviour. He looks not at our sins but rather at our heart which is hurt, helpless and in need of His healing touch. Do we recognize His presence in the context of our life - the very situation that we live in? Do we know how special we are to God?