The Jesus Podcast – "Choosing Change: The Calling of Matthew"

Host: Zach (Pray.com)
Date: October 14, 2025
Length: ~32 min

Episode Overview

In this evocative episode, The Jesus Podcast delves into the story of Matthew, the tax collector, whose encounter with Jesus transforms not only his future, but the landscape of grace in the early church. Through immersive dramatization and thoughtful reflection, the hosts explore how personal histories, guilt, and decisions intersect with God's calling, reinforcing that no one is ever too far gone for redemption. The episode draws sharp lines between alienation and acceptance, highlighting the radical mercy and new beginnings offered by Christ.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Matthew’s Guilt and Estrangement (00:01–09:08)

• The episode opens with a prayer for mercy inspired by Hosea 6:6, setting a tone of humility and transformation.
• Vivid storytelling introduces Matthew’s internal conflict as a tax collector—enjoying wealth and comfort but tortured by guilt and self-loathing.
• Quote (Narrator, 03:33):
  “Corruption is rarely a single decision, but rather a culmination of many small decisions.”
• Matthew, once called Levi, reflects on lost innocence and family ties, underscoring the steep personal cost of his occupation and the burden of ongoing regret.

2. The Reality of the Tax Collector’s World (07:23–13:55)

• The narrative paints a detailed portrait of Capernaum and the dangers and status associated with being a tax collector.
• Matthew’s strained reunion with his brother James highlights familial pain and spiritual longing.
• The Jewish community’s resentment is palpable—tax collectors are viewed as traitors, deepening Matthew’s isolation.

3. The Confrontation with Guilt—and Hope (13:55–17:21)

• The story climaxes as Jesus and His disciples approach Matthew’s tax booth.
• Pharisees deride Matthew and challenge Jesus’ association with sinners.
• Notable Moment (Jesus, 14:59):
  Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, emphasizing humility and repentance:

  “The tax collector… beat his chest and cried, ‘God, have mercy on me, for I am a sinner.’… I tell you, that the tax collector, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (15:41–16:14)

• Matthew feels the full weight of his shame, but also starts to believe forgiveness might be available to him.

4. The Call to Change: “Follow Me” (17:17–19:11)

• In a life-altering moment, Jesus calls Matthew by name to follow Him.
• Matthew faces the cost—abandoning wealth, position, and security—yet seizes the opportunity for a new path.
• Pivotal Dialogue (Jesus, 17:20):

  “Follow me.”

• Matthew’s leap of faith marks the start of his transformation.

5. The New Community and Scandal of Grace (19:11–22:39)

• Matthew hosts Jesus and many other tax collectors for a feast, risking everything as he welcomes the outcasts.
• Pharisees question Jesus’ choice of company.
• Memorable Quote (Jesus, 21:30):

  “The healthy have no need of a physician, do they? It’s the sick who require a doctor’s care.”

• Jesus defends His mission with a reference to Hosea:

  “I desire mercy, not sacrifice. … I haven’t come to flatter myself among the righteous. I’ve come to bring sinners to repentance.” (21:44)

• Matthew finds hope and peace, knowing what he gains in Christ outweighs all worldly losses.

6. Reflection: The Power—and Responsibility—of Choice (24:17–29:55)

• Host Zach transitions into a deeper reflection on choice, grace, and the human tendency to drift away through myriad small decisions.
• Comparison is drawn between Paul’s former pride as a Pharisee and the new identity found in Christ (Philippians 3:4–11).
• Quote (Host Zach, 26:08):

  “Let me say that again. We shouldn’t let our past hinder our progress in the present.”

• The reflections encourage listeners not to be immobilized by shame, but instead allow God to use every aspect of their story for good and transformation.

7. Universal Invitation and Hope (29:55–31:19)

• Emphasis returns to the boundless reach of God’s mercy: no one is beyond forgiveness or purpose in God’s plans.
• Encouragement to listeners:

  “Choose God and He will always choose you. He will never leave you or forsake you, nor will He reject you for your past sins.” (29:55)

• The episode closes by foreshadowing the next episode’s focus on Nicodemus, contrasting with Matthew’s journey.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Description | |-----------|------------------|-------------------| | 03:33 | Narrator | “Corruption is rarely a single decision, but rather a culmination of many small decisions.” | | 14:59–16:14 | Jesus (paraphrased) | Parable of Pharisee and tax collector; “God, have mercy on me, for I am a sinner… For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” | | 17:20 | Jesus | “Follow me.” | | 21:30 | Jesus | “The healthy have no need of a physician, do they? It’s the sick who require a doctor’s care.” | | 21:44 | Jesus | “I desire mercy, not sacrifice… I’ve come to bring sinners to repentance.” | | 26:08 | Host Zach | “We shouldn’t let our past hinder our progress in the present.” | | 29:55 | Host Zach | “Choose God and He will always choose you. He will never leave you or forsake you, nor will He reject you for your past sins.” |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Matthew’s Internal Conflict: 00:01–09:08
• Capernaum and Tax Collecting: 07:23–13:55
• Jesus Confronts Shame with Grace: 14:46–16:14
• Matthew’s Turning Point: 17:17–19:11
• Feast with Jesus and the Outcasts: 19:11–22:39
• Host’s Reflection and Teaching: 24:17–29:55
• Closing Encouragement: 29:55–31:19

Tone & Style

• Deeply empathetic, reflective, and hopeful.
• Candid about the reality of shame, estrangement, and moral failure, yet ultimately uplifting about the potential for change.
• Emphasizes storytelling and theology, seamlessly blending narrative immersion with direct biblical reflection.

Summary

This episode of The Jesus Podcast uses masterful storytelling and heartfelt commentary to make Matthew’s journey feel contemporary and deeply personal. It reminds listeners that, like Matthew, anyone can answer the call to new life regardless of their past. With arresting reenactments and poignant scripture, the episode illustrates how one bold choice can reverse a lifetime of regret—and that in Jesus, mercy triumphs over judgment, past wounds become new beginnings, and every listener is invited into the story of redemption.