As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." (Mt 9:9-13)
Jesus called Matthew while he was still working in the custom’s office. Jesus did not expect him to give up his job before calling him. Change of heart was not a pre-requisite for following Jesus. But once Jesus called him then there is the change of heart. Change of heart happened after calling him. Probably Matthew would have continued his job if Jesus had not called him. Initiative (calling) comes first.
Following Jesus seemed to be a celebration here. As soon as Jesus called Matthew he threw a party to celebrate this calling. This celebration included mostly his old friends. Definitely Jesus was there with his disciples. Here again his past life was not forgotten nor his friends of the past were ignored. This raised a few questions among the Pharisees.
This situation became an opportunity for Jesus to teach a lesson to the Pharisees and all. Taking Matthew out the context (sinful) would have helped Matthew but it would not have helped the situation. Jesus wanted to heal the past situation of Matthew. Jesus attitude to the past situation of Matthew was one of showing mercy. Mercy shown to the situation brings followers.
