Season 3 Episode 2 Matthew & Forgiveness

[Dr. Shane]

This episode begins with an incredible apology.  It is worth watching the apology scene several times.  Matthew acknowledges the harm he has done to his family.  This is a little more difficult for EuroAmericans to understand because our value system gives more independence to family members.  In the EuroAmerican thinking,  we are much more egalitarian.  That is the belief that all people are equal.  In the eastern mind, the father is the king of the home.  The wife is slightly below him and the children even further below.  The obligation and duty to the father does not end when a boy becomes a man.  Thus, Matthew becoming a tax collector was an act of rebellion. 

Matthew's father, Alphaeus', apology is just as important.  When reconciliation takes place, both parties need to own their mistakes - even when one party was obviously more in the wrong.   The Apostle Paul taught parents not to provoke their children (Eph. 6:4.)   So-called Christians today still disown their children when the child makes decisions they do not approve of.  This is seen even in the Seventh-day Adventist church.  Examples are when a child comes out as gay, transgender, leaves the faith or becomes atheist.  Alphaeus' admission that God should strike him down for how he treated Matthew is exactly how professing Christian parents should see themselves after disowning a child in today's society.

The main emphasis after this epic apology is Jesus sending the disciples out, two by two, to a missionary journey.  Jesus explains to little James why He has not healed him.  Simon Zee is hunted down my some from his former order.  It ends with Matthew and Simon Zee getting paired up.  It is a perfect match.  Simon Zee has much to learn about adjusting his worldview.  Matthew has much to learn about letting his faith become his identity. 

Watch The Chosen here