Inspired by Matthew from The Chosen
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Seen and Loved: A Reflection on Being Different
Inspired by Matthew from The Chosen
My wife and I have been watching The Chosen. Like any portrayal of the life of Jesus, it has its critics—what’s new? But in the quiet moments, in the glances exchanged and the words not said, it offers something beautiful. For me, it’s the character of Matthew who stands out.
Not because he’s portrayed as neurodivergent, although that may be part of it. But because he knows what it’s like to be on the outside looking in. To be met with puzzled looks instead of warm smiles. To be judged not for what you've done, but for who you are—your tone of voice, your silence, your need for order, or your lack of small talk.
How many of us have lived that story?
Some of us carry what the world calls “quirks.” We may speak differently, think differently, organize our lives with a precision that others can’t understand. We may struggle in noisy crowds or with the unspoken rules of social interaction. And in a culture that prizes sameness and speed, it can feel like we’re standing still on the wrong side of the glass.
But what I see in Matthew’s story—and more importantly, in Jesus’ response to him—is something healing. Jesus doesn’t ask Matthew to “tone it down” or fit in. He simply says, Follow me.
He calls the whole person.
And that, to me, is the Gospel in miniature. That God doesn’t just tolerate difference—He chooses it. He sees the order in our minds, the care in our words, the depth behind our silences. He sees the pain of rejection, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. And he calls us anyway.
To those who feel different—neurodivergent, misunderstood, or simply “other”—you are not broken. You are not less than. You are seen, loved, and invited. Just like Matthew.
The world may pass by, misunderstanding what it sees. But Jesus stops. And when he calls your name, he calls all of you—every carefully arranged thought, every stammered word, every quiet strength.
***
But the LORD said to Samuel,
“Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” I Samuel 16:7
Jesus Calls Matthew the Tax Collector (The Chosen Scene)
