Matthew was a tax collector, and during his time, tax collectors were considered great sinners. Nevertheless, Jesus came to Matthew. He did this because Jesus comes for the sinners, not the righteous. Matthew decided to respond to God’s calling by leaving everything he had and following Jesus. This made him a great example to all of us today. In the painting, Caravaggio represented the event as nearly silent, and very dramatic. The tax collector Levi (Saint Matthew), sits at a table with his four assistants, counting the day's proceeds. Christ enters the room with Saint Peter. He summons Levi with a gesture of his hand. Levi is surprised and gestures toward himself with his left hand, incredulously. The dramatic point of the picture
