Book excerpt: And he said to them, 'Follow me'. When Jesus called upon Matthew, as he sat in his office where he collected customs duty, Matthew got up and followed him and left everything behind him except one thing - his pen. Matthew was to become the great chronicler of Christ's life and teachings and, though it is now widely accepted that he did not write the gospel itself, the influence of Matthew's record is undeniably felt throughout. This first volume of William Barclay's thoughtful study of the Gospel of Matthew brings startling insights into Jesus' early life and teaching. Journey with Barclay and re-discover the baptism of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount and the challenges of discipleship. William Barclay's world-renowned down-to-earth New Daily Study Bible commentaries - including his own translations of the New Testament texts - have inspired millions of people across the generations 'to know better their Bible, their God and their Saviour'.