John Wesley's notes
on the Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13
9. He saw a man named Matthew - Modestly so called by
himself. The other evangelists call him by his more honourable name, Levi.
Sitting - In the very height of his business, at the receipt of custom - The
custom house, or place where the customs were received.
Mark ii, 14;
Luke v, 27.
10. As Jesus sat at table in the house - Of Matthew, who
having invited many of his old companions, made him a feast,
Mark ii, 15; and that a great one, though he does not himself mention
it. The publicans, or collectors of the taxes which the Jews paid the
Romans, were infamous for their illegal exactions: Sinners - Open,
notorious, sinners.
11. The Pharisees said to his disciples, Why eateth your
Master? - Thus they commonly ask our Lord, Why do thy disciples this? And
his disciples, Why doth your Master?
13. Go ye and learn - Ye that take upon you to teach
others. I will have mercy and not sacrifice - That is, I will have mercy
rather than sacrifice. I love acts of mercy better than sacrifice itself.
Hosea vi, 6.
