The answer is: In a tax booth

Matt 9:9 - Receipt of custom in the KJV

Ah, the tax booth! It’s not a place you typically associate with spiritual awakening, is it? In Matthew 9:9, we find Matthew, a tax collector, chilling in his booth, likely making some pretty weary transactions as he collected taxes for the Roman Empire. Now, hold on—tax collectors in these times were not exactly the most popular folks. They were often seen as traitors by their fellow Jews and stereotyped as greedy and corrupt, skimming taxes for their gain.

So, it’s brilliant that Jesus would choose someone like Matthew—even amidst disrepute—to become one of His closest disciples. This shows us that the invitation to greatness often comes from the most unexpected places. It echoes the countless biblical scenarios where God selects the seemingly unworthy to fulfill His purpose, think David the shepherd or Moses the stutterer.

Interestingly enough, tax collectors were despised not just for their tax-raising roles but also for their association with Roman oppressors. They were often excommunicated from the synagogues, making Matthew’s transition to a disciple—a follower of Jesus, who encouraged love and acceptance—all the more profound.

Moreover, this moment points out a broader theme in the Gospels, where Jesus constantly embodies the countercultural offering of grace, crossing boundaries and reaching out to those on society's fringes. So, next time you find yourself in an unexpected place, remember: great things can sprout from any booth, no matter how dusty or shunned it may seem!