The answer is: In a tax booth

Matt 9:9 - Receipt of custom in the KJV

When Jesus called Matthew to follow him, the scene was set in a tax booth, a rather intriguing backdrop. Picture this: while many were busy with their daily lives, Matthew was entrenched in the often unpopular job of collecting taxes. Tax collectors, known as publicans, were despised individuals in society back then,. They were seen as traitors, often working for the Romans and known for padding their earnings.

This iconic moment sheds light on the radical nature of Jesus' message. He didn’t just seek the elite, the righteous, or the pious; he reached out to those whom society shunned and marginalized. Imagine the shock—Jesus inviting a tax collector to be part of his inner circle! It's not just an anomaly; it foreshadows the inclusive nature of his message that sought to transcend social boundaries. The act mirrors many Old Testament themes where the marginalized find their place in God’s plan.

Matthew's presence at the booth echoes biblical instances of unlikely heroes. For example, think of the shepherds at Jesus’ birth, or Rahab, a Canaanite woman, who played a crucial part in Israel’s story. Such inclusivity reinforces the idea that grace knows no bounds and that everyone has a role to play in the divine narrative.

So next time you reflect on Matthew’s transformation from tax collector to disciple, remember that it’s a profound statement: anyone, regardless of their background or occupation, has a purpose that can contribute to the greater story.