Episode 3: The Tax Collector Turned Storyteller

He wasn’t a rabbi. He wasn’t a scholar. He was a tax collector—a man seen as a traitor to his people. And yet, he would become the author of one of the most beloved books in all of Scripture. His name was Matthew.

In this episode of The Messiah King, we step into the life and transformation of the Gospel writer himself. Before he followed Jesus, Matthew sat at a booth collecting taxes for Rome, enriching himself at the expense of his fellow Jews. But when Jesus said, “Follow Me,” he left everything. And years later, he would pick up a different kind of pen—one that told the story of a King like no other.

We explore:

What tax collectors represented in first-century Jewish culture

Why Matthew’s profession made him an outcast—and the perfect picture of grace

How his Gospel reflects the heart of someone who has received mercy

Why his structure, themes, and audience reveal a clear theological mission

The unique way Matthew weaves Old Testament prophecy into the story of Jesus

More than a biography, this episode is a reflection on redemption. Matthew’s life reminds us that no one is too far gone to be called—and that those who are forgiven deeply often tell the story best.

For listeners who value:

Biblical character studies, Christian testimony, New Testament background, Reformed theology, and gospel-centered storytelling.

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