December 20

As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. — Matt 9:9 BSB

Tax collectors in Jesus’ time were often corrupt, overcharging people and taking advantage of their position. Yet when Jesus passed by the tax booth that day, He saw something in Levi (Matthew) that others didn’t see. He saw the potential for transformation. Jesus didn’t see the dishonest tax collector; He saw the apostle and Gospel writer Matthew could become.

This is a reminder that God sees beyond our current state. Where others see only failure or sin, God sees the potential for greatness and holiness. Like Michelangelo seeing the statue of David in a block of marble, God sees the beauty and purpose within each of us, waiting to be revealed under His loving guidance.