(a) Jesus' encounter with Matthew (Mark 2:13 2:13-17, Matt. 9:9 - 13, Luke 5:27- 32):
(i)As Jesus passed by, he saw Matthew sitting at the tax office.
(ii) Jesus called him saying "follow me".
(iii) And he arose and followed him.
(iv) Mark called this tax collector Levi, the son of Alphaeus.
(v) Later, Matthew organized a feast in his house for Jesus and his disciples.
(vi) Many tax collectors came to sit at table with Jesus and His disciples.
(vii) As they dined, the scribes and the Pharises murmured: "why does he eat with tax-collectors and sinners"?
(viii) When Jesus heard it, he said to them: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
(ix) I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance".
(x) He asked them to go and learn the meaning of the following statement: "I desire mercy and not sacrifice".

(b) Lessons drawn from the encounter:
(i) Religious/vocational calls are mandatory they need to be obeyed.
(ii) God can use any one to fulfil His purpose.
(iii) Discrimination/distinctions should be avoided. Need to respect and treat people equally.
(iv) No profession is more important than the other.
(v) We should not look down on some professions.
(vi) One good turn deserves another/need to reciprocate good gestures/show gratitude.