In today’s Gospel, we hear about Jesus calling Matthew into discipleship. Jesus says to the tax collector, ‘Follow me.’ In today’s context, that would be a surprising thing to say to someone, but it was common 2,000 years ago for rabbis to call potential followers into apprenticeship. It was considered an honour to be selected by an influential rabbi to become his disciple.

Discipleship included three main goals: 1. Be with your rabbi; 2. Become like him; and 3. Do as he did (Luke 6:40). It was a mode of education that was intentional, embodied, relational, and practice based. It was a way to master the art of living in the world by learning from Jesus how to make steady progress into the kingdom of God. It was less about learning a particular subject and more about learning a way of life.

Jesus, the rabbi, was different in that he didn’t choose disciples of good reputation but those with great potential. The Pharisees were confused and offended by Jesus’ choice. We have the advantage of hindsight, as we know what a transformational encounter that moment was for Matthew and the amazing works Matthew accomplished as fruits of his apprenticeship under Jesus.

Reflecting on this, we may like to examine our own discipleship. How am I a disciple of Jesus? What are the practices in my life that help me to become like him and do as he did? Who in my life has great potential to be a disciple of Jesus, and just needs to be shown mercy and given the opportunity?

By Vanessa Comninos