The answer is: Matthew

Matthew 9:9 - Matthew, also known as Levi, was called from his tax booth to follow Jesus. Tax collectors were often despised in society for their dishonest practices, which highlights the transformative power of grace in Christ’s calling—showcasing how anyone can be redeemed and used for God's purpose.

Matthew’s identity as a tax collector adds an intriguing layer to the Gospel he authored. Tax collectors like him were not just civil servants, but figures synonymous with corruption and oppression in their communities. Imagine being a tax collector in a Jewish society occupied by the Romans: you were considered a traitor, collecting taxes from your fellow Jews to fund the foreign power that controlled them—and often pocketing more than what was due.

Yet, in one powerful moment at his booth, Matthew made a life-altering choice to follow a man named Jesus. This act is a stunning example of detachment from material wealth. It echoes the message throughout Scripture that individual worth isn't tied to one’s profession or past choices, but rather to one’s potential for redemption and growth.

Interesting trivia? Matthew is often symbolized by an angel in art, which represents his role in presenting the human genealogy of Christ, directly linking earthly experience to divine intervention. He captures the essence of grace beautifully; several of his parables focus on God’s inclusive nature, emphasizing forgiveness and second chances. In many ways, Matthew's own story testifies to this theme.

In the broader biblical narrative, one can draw parallels between Matthew’s calling and transformative stories found throughout Scripture, like those of Paul or even Mary Magdalene, characters who faced societal scorn yet played pivotal roles in ushering forth profound spiritual truths. What can we learn from these shifts of purpose? It’s clear that grace knows no boundaries!