To Matthew’s right stands a very well dressed man in red. He appears to be the youngest of the men, has no facial hair, and is leaning over the table reaching for some coins. Behind him stand two others. One is wearing a white hat, and has some facial hair. He is the only person in the painting besides Matthew who notices Christ. The other just stands and stares at the table.

To Matthew’s left stands an older man. He

The most remarkable aspect of this painting is its use of lighting. The light shown upon Matthew makes him the most important figure in the painting. Those who surround him, even Christ, are not illuminated like Matthew. I believe the light signifies Matthew’s transformation into a religious preacher, which is what the artist wanted to convey the most.

The biblical passage from which the painting arises teaches much about the strength of faith, even though it is very short. Jesus only said, “Follow me” (Matthew 8.9) and Matthew got up to follow. He gave up his high position in society as a tax collector, and gave up his riches to become a disciple of Jesus. The biblical passage is striking because Christ did not have to do anything to convince Matthew. He said two words and Matthew rose and pursued. Overall, the painting, along with the biblical passage enlightens people. It illustrates Christ, as great as he was, could not just walk into a room and immediately get people to follow him. It also informs people of faith, and how we are to follow Christ blindly. This is what Matthew did, and all Christians do now.

The final person, also on Matthew’s left side, is Jesus Christ. He is identified by faint hint of a halo on the

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