PART THREE
LEVI’S ACCOUNT
TWENTY
Over the better part of the next year, Matthew and James enjoyed getting to know each other as they never had as children and young men. They were quite busy every day and spent hours each evening around the fire with Jesus, learning of the kingdom and having Him explain more fully to the twelve all the lessons He had been trying to teach the multitudes.
But before they retired each night—sometimes at Peter’s home, sometimes out in the open air, sometimes at the home of some hospitable godly family—the brothers found time to get together. They were paired off with other disciples for their occasional daily sojourns for ministry—Matthew usually with Thomas and James with Andrew—yet Matthew always looked forward to the time with James and never ceased to be amazed at the traits of his parents he recognized in his brother.
James was quiet and studious like his mother, wise and prudent like his father. And he had the gift of memorization that Matthew had enjoyed as a child, but which he feared he had lost in the ensuing years when he quit reading the Scriptures daily. How he wished he still possessed it so he could listen to Jesus and write later, rather than having to write while listening.
The brothers talked much about Jesus’ parables and discussed why it seemed He had so plainly emphasized to the disciples the story of the wheat and the tares, above all the rest. “We are to get that settled in our minds, apparently,” James said. “It must be that many who hear His word, and even some who act upon it, will fall away. It is for us to be wise and discerning.”
The Master had mentioned numerous times over the last several days His plans to return to His own city of Nazareth to teach in the synagogue. “I am most excited about that trip,” Matthew said, “but have you noticed that the Lord does not seem so?”
James nodded. “I have. And I agree with you; it seems He would look forward to returning to His home and His friends and loved ones. How thrilled they must be that someone from their town has become so widely known and beloved, famous for His teaching and His working of wonders.”
“It is almost as if He dreads it, James. He has always been wary of the scribes and Pharisees, but surely no one in Nazareth would allow them to harm Him. I should think this would be a respite from the constant pressure from the religious leaders.”
The evening before they were to journey to Nazareth, other disciples asked Jesus about His seeming reticence over the visit.
“Hear Me,” He said sadly, His voice just above a whisper. “I long ago told you of when, after My baptism by John, I fasted in the wilderness for forty days and forty nights, tempted by the devil. I returned from there to Nazareth and attempted to teach in the synagogue. Not only was I not received or accepted, but I was also reviled. A mob led Me to the top of a cliff and would have pushed Me to My death, had My Father not allowed Me to disappear from their midst.”
“Then why return?” Peter said. “They do not deserve Your presence among them!”
“It is the will of My Father that I return. And I am here to do His will.”
IT SEEMED to Matthew that the trek from Capernaum to Nazareth took longer than usual, but it hardly surprised him that when the multitudes that trailed them—first from Capernaum and then from Tiberias—drifted away, they were met by crowds from Nazareth long before they entered the city. By the time they reached the synagogue the throngs had grown to where the disciples had to protect Jesus and keep even His admirers at bay. Peter, as was his wont, kept urging the Master to find shelter to rest and refresh Himself, but Jesus pressed on.
He straightaway entered the temple, and the rabbi seemed to cheerfully step aside and welcome Him. The people filled the place and spilled outside in droves. The Pharisees pushed through the crowds and forced their way in, exercising their authority to remove the last ones in and make them stand outside.
Jesus opened the Scriptures and immediately began reading and teaching, carefully explaining every passage as One with authority. Matthew, who stood between Thomas and James, vigilantly watching both the crowd and the Pharisees for any sign of danger to the Master, was nearly overcome with the privilege of learning under the Messiah Himself.
When Jesus paused to make a point, someone called out, “Where did this Man get this wisdom, and how is He able to do the mighty works we have heard about?”
“Yes!” cried another. “Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, do they not all live among us? Where, then, did this Man get all these things?”
Peter stepped forward, ready to shout them down, but Jesus put a hand on his shoulder. “Allow me,” He said. “Beloved, a prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.”
“We will hear no more! Show us signs and wonders so that we might believe!”
Jesus made His way out of the temple with a look of such abject sorrow that it nearly brought Matthew to tears. And while He healed a few people, Jesus did not do many miracles there, telling the disciples later that it was due to the people’s skepticism and unbelief.
As they sat somberly around the fire that night, Jesus said, “Perhaps you recognize that the Sower’s seed has fallen on stony ground here, and that is why I have been rejected.”
That evening Jesus assigned Matthew and Thomas to steal into Tiberias to learn what they could of the fate of the imprisoned John, the baptizer. “We will meet you back in Capernaum.”
Matthew was honored to have such an assignment, but neither he nor Thomas was ignorant of the danger of their mission. Jesus Himself had never set foot in Tiberias, though He had passed that way many times. This was where Herod the Tetrarch, Herod the Great’s son, spent most of his time. And it was where John had been imprisoned for publicly proclaiming that the already married Herod had no right to take as his wife Herodias, who was also already married to Herod’s own half-brother Philip.
Matthew and Thomas peeled off from the rest of the group as it made its way back to Capernaum, and the crowds were already beginning to again bear down on Jesus.
As they entered the city, Matthew agreed with his partner to split up and begin carefully asking around, trying not to arouse suspicion. John had become such an enemy of the king that anyone who appeared in league with him would also be in danger.
Matthew was taking refreshment in a wayside inn when he overheard several men talking about what had become of the baptizer. “It’s no wonder,” one said. “He told the king to his face, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’”
Matthew joined in as if he knew the story. “I’m surprised he was only imprisoned. The king could have had him put to death.”
“And have the multitude on his neck? Most of the people consider John a prophet!”
When he and Thomas met up again later that night, they shared what they had learned. Thomas said, “I was getting nowhere trying to innocently ask around, but word apparently got to some of John’s disciples. One came out of hiding and approached me. He asked why I was interested in John. I told him I was a disciple of Jesus and that the Master was asking after him. He promised to send word if anything changed.”
SEVERAL DAYS LATER, when the disciples and Jesus were all together again at Peter’s house in Capernaum, word came that two of John’s disciples were outside, asking to speak with Thomas and Matthew. They rushed out to find the men distraught.
“Your Master will want to know that John is dead,” one said.
“No!” Matthew cried. “If Herod meant to kill him, why didn’t he do that in the first place?”
“Let me get Jesus,” Thomas said, running back into the house.
When Jesus and Thomas joined Matthew and John’s disciples outside, they retreated to a grove of trees and sat.
“Bad news, I’m afraid, Master,” Matthew said.
Jesus nodded sadly, and one of John’s disciples told the story. “At Herod’s birthday party, Herodias’s daughter
danced for him and pleased him. Apparently he promised her anything she wanted, and—prompted by her mother—she asked for John’s head on a platter. He was bound to honor his pledge, of course. Several of us went to the prison yesterday and took the body and buried it.”
Matthew had not seen Jesus weep before, and it moved him deeply. “I need to be by Myself,” He said. “Have Peter and Andrew prepare Me a vessel, and I will go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.”
It seemed a simple request, but Matthew found that the crowds had scouts who seemed to watch everything Jesus and His disciples did. It wasn’t long before thousands of people followed Him. As usual, Peter wanted to send them all away, and Matthew couldn’t blame him. He too wished the Master could get a little time to Himself.
But when Jesus saw the great multitude, it was obvious from the look on His face that He was moved with compassion for them. He allowed them to gather, their number extending as far as Matthew could see, and all day He healed their sick.
When the sun began to set, Matthew drew near Jesus and whispered, “Lord, this is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.”
But Jesus said, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
“But, Master, there are thousands of them, and we have here only five loaves and two fish.”
“Bring them to Me.”
Matthew brought them, wondering what the Lord had in mind. Then Jesus commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke the loaves and the fish and gave them to the disciples; and the disciples passed them out to the multitudes.
The supply never ran out. Matthew trembled as he watched the people eat, every one, and they were all filled. He and the others then gathered up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained.
“I counted the men alone!” Peter exulted. “And there were about five thousand. Imagine the total, including women and children!”
Jesus drew Matthew and Peter near and said, “You and the others take the boat to the other side. I will send the people away and go up on the mountain alone to pray.”
Peter looked troubled. “You’re sure You will be all right?”
Jesus merely nodded, but Matthew threw his head back and laughed. “Peter! He has just fed five thousand men, not to mention their families, with one serving of fish and five loaves of bread! Do you not think He can take care of Himself?”
TWENTY-ONE
For years, Matthew, as Levi the despised tax collector, had seen many Galilean fishermen ply their trade. He had never befriended any of them, but he had on occasion made it his business to notice which ones seemed more proficient than the others.
It was no mystery to him then that Peter had become the spokesman for those in the trade and that his and Andrew’s business—along with James and John’s—were the most profitable. In the past, Matthew had watched with an eye toward his own profits, for the more successful the business, the more taxes could be charged. But up until now he had not appreciated the seaworthiness of the vessels or the skills of the boatmen for any other reason.
But since joining Jesus and seeing the seafaring duties fall to those four with experience, Matthew had an entirely new appreciation for their abilities. While he had always been slightly put off by Peter’s bluster and directness, he couldn’t deny that the man knew how to lead others and how to handle a vessel. He and his brother and the brothers Zebedee immediately took charge anytime the Master said where He wanted to sail. They seemed to fly about the boat with ease, securing lines, setting sails, and being sure everything was just so. That freed others to cook meals, help with loading, and minister to Jesus—something Matthew always enjoyed.
This night, when it was just the disciples onboard, with Jesus remaining up in the mountain to pray, the seamen quickly had the craft ready to sail and were soon off. Matthew had grown used to eating on board and had even learned from the fishermen how to avoid seasickness. He sat with his brother and Thomas, eating and talking and watching the sun set.
Soon, however, the waves grew choppy and it seemed to Matthew—despite his inexperience—that the ship was making little progress. Peter and the others maneuvered the sails so they were tacking, trying to make headway by catching the swirling winds. But it was clear that the craft was mostly drifting.
Matthew didn’t worry about it until hours later when the sky was black and the glimpses he caught of the faces of the fishermen showed deep consternation. Peter was high in the rigging while Andrew supervised the others in securing everything that had been brought onboard. “We’re expecting a storm, fellows,” he said.
“How severe?” Matthew said.
“We’re not sure, but we intend to be ready.”
When dark clouds blotted out the moon, the sea began to pitch and the boat was soon rolling and rocking on choppy waves. Many of the men went below, but Matthew was intrigued that Andrew watched warily as Peter slowly made his way down. When Peter planted himself at the bow of the bobbing ship as if he intended to stare down the storm, Matthew wished he were brave enough to do the same.
“Coming?” James said as he followed Thomas to the hatch and started down.
“Soon, likely,” Matthew said. “But I’ve never ridden out a tempest before. Let me stay topside as long as I can.”
“Just don’t be foolish,” James said. “I don’t want to have to fetch you from the sea.”
Matthew laughed and waved him off, having to suddenly grab the side of the ship to keep from falling. Only he and Peter and Andrew remained abovedecks now.
“I judge we’re as close to the middle of the sea as we could be!” Peter cried out. “And we may be here for some time! I foresee no break in the weather!”
If Matthew wasn’t mistaken, Peter seemed to be enjoying this. He wagered the man had weathered more than a few storms in his day. It wasn’t long before Matthew rued his decision to stay topside. Peter and Andrew weren’t doing much, for apparently there was little they could do against the wind and waves. The more the boat was tossed, the more Matthew heard shouts from below as the others seemed to be knocking into one another.
“What hour of the night?” Matthew shouted.
“About fourth watch!” Andrew called back.
And just then, the boat rode high on a mountainous wave and slid down, nearly capsizing when the water crashed over it. Matthew held on for all he was worth, and Andrew went sliding up to where Peter held fast. Lightning lit their faces and Matthew was staggered to see that they were as terrified as he.
Now the ship rolled up on its other side and all three men slid about the deck, crashing into the sides and one another, shrieking in fear. The hatch opened and the other nine poured out. “Peter!” someone screamed. “We perish!”
“Hold on!” he called back, but even he had again lost his grip on the side.
Was this how it was to end, then? Would Matthew die merely two years after having been rescued from his miserable life by the Messiah Himself? At least he could be grateful his Lord had stayed behind and would not Himself be robbed of the chance to continue doing the will of His Father.
“Oh, no! No!” Philip hollered, pointing. “Behold, a ghost approaches!”
The others stared with wide eyes and fell over one another trying to again head for the hatch, Matthew among them. But as the figure drew near the boat, He said with a loud voice, “Be of good cheer! It is I! Do not be afraid!”
Peter said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water!”
And Jesus said, “Come.”
Peter clambered over the side, and as he reached the water he began to walk on the waves toward Jesus. But as the wind whipped him, he looked fearful and began to sink.
“Lord, save me!”
Jesus reached out and caught him, and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
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Jesus walked Peter back to the boat and as soon they got in, the wind ceased. Matthew and the others fell to their knees before Jesus and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
WHEN THE BOAT FINALLY reached shore at dawn, the disciples found themselves in the land of Gennesaret. The people there recognized Jesus and spread the word into the surrounding region. Thousands streamed to Him and brought all who were sick. There were so many that Matthew feared it would take all day for Jesus to minister to them. But they begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment, and as many as touched it were made perfectly well.
As usual, Matthew was drawn to the families with small children. As the other disciples worked to keep the crowd from becoming unruly or met with small groups of them to pray while they waited, Matthew sought out those who had little ones in need of healing.
“My son has been mute from birth,” a woman told him. “Can the Rabbi heal him?”
Matthew smiled at the boy, who appeared to be fewer than ten years old and was fearful. The lad clung close to his mother.
“I have never seen Him turn away a child,” Matthew said. “Indeed He has often asked us to bring the children to Him. Have faith. Notice that He is healing every person who merely touches the hem of His garment.”
“I don’t know if Timothy will dare do it,” she said.
“Jesus will put him at ease.”
As Matthew shepherded the family through the line he saw that Jesus was dealing quickly with every afflicted person, as there were so many and the multitude stretched far down the mountainside. But when the Master noticed the lad, He smiled and stretched out His arms. Timothy looked to his mother, then back at Jesus before shyly approaching.
Jesus gathered the boy into His arms and set Him on His lap.
Timothy’s mother said, “He cannot—”