9: In all likelihood, Matthew and Jesus had seen each other before. Indeed, Matthew may have taken a toll from Christ on several occasions since Jesus lived in that area with Peter. Matthew was not acting as a tax collector in the regular sense of the word.He was at a toll booth, likely taking tolls from those seeking passage over the nearby Sea of Galilee. Thus, Jesus would have seen him before, or may have paid toll to him before.
Also, Matthew would have been familiar with Jesus and his ministry. Being a man who came into constant contact with the public, he could not help but be so. When Jesus told him to follow him, he knew what he was doing, and, likely, Who he was following.
Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 16:1-18:35
Daily Memory Verse: 1 John 1:2 “(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
Daily Tidbit: According to the Hayes Presidential Center Library, Rutherford B. Hayes was the first president to have a telephone. Alexander G. Bell installed it and the phone number was “1”. Imagine that for a phone number!
Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, You are amazing! May we be filled with the joy of Your presence at all times. You make this world much friendlier and more livable. Without You, it is a place full of self-serving beings with no real reason to love each other. With You there is hope of selflessness and true love. Thank You for the joy, peace, and hope that we can have in You. It is more than just a great comfort to be able to depend upon You, it is a necessity of life. Living in Your will and Word brings us to a place of security. It gives us a sense of our position in the grand picture of everything. It shows us our true worth. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for a man who just started a new job. Pray for a family that just lost a loved one. Pray for a good doctor that has inoperable cancer in his nose.
Personal Journal Entry #13016