The answer is: In a tax booth

Matt 9:9 - Receipt of custom in the KJV

Ah, the infamous tax booth! When Jesus called Matthew, he was seated in this little spot of financial scrutiny over the local people. In ancient Judea, tax collectors were often viewed as betrayers, collaborating with the Roman Empire and often collecting more than required—so you can see why they were generally hated. But then Jesus shows us a different perspective. He doesn't see Matthew's profession as a barrier; instead, it becomes a doorway to a transformative journey.

Curiously, when we think of tax booths, it echoes back to the Old Testament when taxes and offerings were pivotal in the temple's functioning. People would drop their coins in a trumpet-shaped funnel at the temple, often in a public setting, making it less about charity and more about societal status. It's fascinating how these booths serve as gates not only to financial exchange but to measures of judgment among the Israelites.

Matthew's immediate response shows us something profound about divine calling; it's as if upon that invitation, all preconceived judgments began to crumble. His decision to follow Jesus gives us a peek into the radical inclusion Jesus demonstrated throughout his life. Matthew didn't just jump at that opportunity; he altered the pathway that so many weary souls were hustling through. How many times have we rediscovered the unexpected in places traditionally deemed unclean or corrupt? Matthew's booth becomes a powerful benchmark of transformation, not just for him, but for all who dare to step behind it!