Spiritual Lessons for those who Listens by JQuisumbing
In the first episode of season 1 of the hit series THE CHOSEN, we meet the odd character of Matthew played by Paras Patel.
I said ‘odd’ because the producer had chosen that the tax collector character, hated by the Jews, was depicted by one who is a ‘high-functioning-autistic’ or a savant. A savant is a very talented person, especially one distinguished in a particular field of science or the arts. In this case, the character of Matthew’s specialized field is in numbers and a keen talent of being very observant.
Now, I thought Paras Patel’s performance was exemplary and I found his character believable. However, for this article, allow me to disregard the character’s handicap. But instead, let us focus on his confession of why he chose to be a tax collector. In season 3 episode 2, he admitted to his parents that he wanted a comfortable life but that is not all. According to his father, he wanted to be better than everyone else and so, he admittedly loved being rich because of it. In the Bible, Jesus would have said that Matthew was a perfect example of one who had lost himself because of his opulent lifestyle.
Now, if you have seen the three seasons of The Chosen already then you already know that Matthew was pulled out of the quagmire he was stuck in by Jesus. But for the sake of argument, let me assume that many of you don’t really understand how stuck he really was. In fact, I’ll even use an even harsher point of view. Many of you may not really understand how ‘enslaved’ he really was, even to the point that though he may have profited, he could have forfeited his soul.1 What exactly enslaved him? He had a strong love for money. How’s this wrong?
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10)
To avoid beating around the bush, I’ll just jump and say that the Lord would consider the love of money no less than idolatry; adoration or worship of any object is idolatry. Note that money in itself is neither wrong nor right. It is just an object. It may have value, yes, but it is still an object. Is it wrong to need money? No! We need money to trade. Certain amount can get us what we need. Is it wrong to want money? Ah, that all depends on how much you desire it and how far you would go to acquire it.
Let us go back to the character of Matthew. By the look of him, he seems to be around his early-mid thirties. Now, he desired to live a lifestyle that was better than his peers (let’s say). If he was to compete, what would be the quickest way to become wealthy during those times? Keep in mind that the entire population lost most of their freedom when Rome occupied their country. This means that the honest way of becoming wealthy is practically nil. That left Matthew with the dishonest way.
To be a tax collector for the Romans meant no salary whatsoever. Instead, the Romans actually encouraged their Jewish tax collectors to collect a percentage more than what Rome required. The temptation to abuse this system especially with no accountability is quite hard to ignore. Imagine years of doing this, watching the wealth accumulate and the desire for more continues unabated. This is very addicting and hard to break.
Do you know the difference between substance abuse and the ‘love of money’? Substance abuse is easier to break.
Let us get back to the character of Matthew. Here is an observation. Matthew attained all of his heart’s desire; that is having the largest house in the neighborhood including servants, a wardrobe of expensive attires and so on. However, even with all his wealth, you would think that he would be more joyful. In that scene when he confessed to his parents, he said that he was ‘comfortable (content) behind bars in a booth and an armed escort. Behind a gold door.’ He is fearful to be out and about because of his choices. Now, keep in mind that this is television. What are the chances that there are many more people in reality caught in the problem of love of money? I hate to say it, but the chances are very good. That is the bad news.
The good news is there is escape from this deadly snare. Why is it deadly? Because ultimately, if you die under this enslaved condition, you will surely NOT end up in eternal life!
In the Gospels, Jesus encountered a young rich ruler who asked Him how he may gain eternal life. Jesus told him to keep the commandments. The rich man was quick to respond that he had not committed murder, nor adultery; not steal nor gave false testimony; he honored his father and mother; and all in all loved his neighbor as himself.2 He must have been quite proud of his declaration. But his assessment was premature because he had only cited the bottom six edicts of the Ten Commandments. Then Jesus told him, “If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”3 When he heard Jesus’ statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.
Then Jesus declared this iconic proclamation, “Truly I say to you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.”4 When His disciples heard this, most were astonished because in their minds, the rich represented a success story. Like Tevye in the Fiddler on the Roof, I’m sure they all secretly sang, ‘I wish I was a rich man!’ So, if the rich cannot be saved, then who can? Before I give you Jesus’ response, I earlier said that most of the disciples were astonished. I bet you that there was at least one amongst them that already knew the answer. That would be Matthew himself. The former tax collector whom Jesus called to follow Him earlier in Matthew 9.
In the storyline of The Chosen, the simple black & white world of Matthew was rocked to his core when he witnessed a number of impossible events. His close encounter with Jesus made him look at the futility of his entire lifestyle. When a child asked Matthew if he was lost. Realization was written all over his face and he answered, “Yes, I am.” This was his turning point.
You know, after the disciples asked who can be saved, I have to wonder, when Jesus said, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”,5 do you think He was looking at Matthew eye to eye? I wonder if Matthew thanked the Lord for shaking him loose from the snare he was in so when Jesus called him to follow, there was no hesitation.
For myself, I thank the Lord that though I had not witnessed the miracles Matthew may have seen, but I believed what was written and I am saved6 and free from enslavement.
TO HIM BE ALL THE GLORY!
Footnote: [1] Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36; [2] Matthew 19:17,18; [3] 19:21; [4] 19:23; [5] 19:26; [6] Romans 10:17
Johann Quisumbing 