Matthew the tax collector. Simon the Zealot. What did they feel when they looked into each other’s eyes - hatred, rejection?

The two were on opposite sides of the fence. Matthew, traitor, revenue collector for the conquerors. Simon, revolutionary, sworn to fight the Roman oppressors to the death. How could they work for a common cause?

Actually, of course, Matthew and Simon had not been attracted by a common cause. The call of a Person, Jesus Christ, brought them together. Jesus changed twelve men from a clutter of strangers into a fellowship. Because of Jesus, the tax collector, the Zealot, and the fishermen looked and saw acceptance, encouragement, and love in one another’s eyes.

Here we stand - as different as Matthew and Simon. Different in family background, educational experience, job preference, food choices, clothing styles, not to mention political and economic views. What will we see in each other’s eyes? Worldly suspicion and rejection? Or will we allow the Christ who has called us to him to fill our hearts and thus our eyes with the acceptance he has extended to each of us?