Matthew is a devout disciple. Tedious tax collector converted to a devout disciple, what else could you ask for? Matthew wrote his own Gospel and followed Christ all around to witness the great works. Some times I wonder if Matthew did get upset because he wasn't in the triad of Peter, James, and John (three of the initial four) to go with Jesus to the main points of life (Transfiguration, Gesthemane). I know if I were Matthew, I would be questioning "Why not me, Teacher? I want to be as close as they are to you." Jesus would reply that I am but then I would still feel left out like a pipsqueak at kickball in the schoolyard. Personally, I would be on edge and angry at times with the special treatment.
For the most part, I would feel privileged if I were in Matthew's shoes because of being with Jesus all the time and being a converted tax collector. How many IRS employees can say that they were a disciple of Jesus? Probably not many.
I count it a privilege to have read Matthew's account and get inside his mindset.
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