I Believe Matthew's Calling is Evidence of Unconditional Election and Irresistible Grace

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Matthew 9:9-13 tells us of the story of Matthew (also called Levi) in his calling to be one of the twelve. Just remember that Judas Iscariot was only chosen to fulfill prophecy but not chosen for salvation. I was thinking about the command that Jesus gave to Matthew in Matthew 9:9 that says the following:
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom (tax booth, emphasis mine): and He saith unto him, "Follow Me." And he arose, and followed Him. (KJV)

The calling of Matthew would be a grand example of two doctrines of grace shown. The first doctrine is unconditional election. The other is irresistible grace. Matthew was so deeply stained in the sin as a tax collector that it looks impossible for him to be chosen. The tax collectors were reputed to be cheaters. The Jews regarded them as the lowest of sinners. I doubt Matthew had an honest profession nor was he honest. Yet, Jesus chose him for salvation. Matthew was simply told, "Follow me." and we see the response was to that of obedience. Matthew was probably at the tax booth counting all his ill-gotten wealth then the Savior from sin appeared to save him from his sin. Matthew immediately left the franchise for a more honorable profession.

I doubt Matthew had that free will as he himself was so dead in sin. If Jesus didn't pass by and call him, I doubt that Matthew would've abandoned that life of sin. Instead, Matthew couldn't resist the call to follow Jesus because of that irresistible grace. Matthew couldn't resist the grace of God that delivered him away from the sin of ill-profits. Matthew wasn't the only one there. Veres 10-13 shows us that there were other tax collectors who soon dined with the Savior. This would be a divine appointment that brought in Matthew along with his peers unto repentance. Matthew didn't choose Jesus at all. Instead, Jesus chose Matthew instead. Jesus verified this in John 15:16-17 that He chose them and not that they chose Him.

We can also the hardness of the Pharisees looking at the repentant tax collectors. The Pharisees felt that they were more qualified to be called. Instead, Jesus chose a dirty tax collector and dined with the tax collectors. I find it so amazing how the Pharisees felt that they were good enough for Heaven. That's why Jesus had to expose to them that they were unable to guard their minds and hearts against sin. The Pharisees never saw themselves as sinners. The Pharisees would've gained Heaven if salvation is by self-effort. However, Jesus burst their bubble by dining with people who the Pharisees presented as beyond repentance. Instead, Jesus told them the hard truth that it's the sick that need a doctor, not the healthy. Jesus declared that He called sinners (which we all are) instead of those who are righteous (which none are apart from God's grace) to repentance. 

Later, we can also see the election of Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was another man who was chosen by Jesus and not the other way around. Luke 19:1-10 also tells us the truth that Jesus said, "I must stay in your house today." Zacchaeus didn't invite Jesus but it was the other way around. Zacchaeus, like Matthew, made a u-turn in his life from a life of cheating to a life of service. Repentant sinners of the lowest of the low show just how God can redeem whom people can deem irredeemable. 

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