It is most likely that when Jesus was talking to Matthew (also known as Levi), he was talking about the
New Covenant, which he was inaugurating through his life, death, and resurrection.
Here's why:
* Context of Jesus' Ministry: Jesus' ministry was centered around proclaiming the Kingdom of God and fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. A key aspect of this fulfillment was the establishment of a New Covenant, replacing or superseding the Old Covenant established with Moses.
* Matthew's Gospel: The Gospel of Matthew is written to a Jewish audience and emphasizes how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies. This would include the prophecies about a new covenant.
* Key Teachings: Jesus often spoke about themes related to a new covenant, such as:
* Forgiveness of Sins: The New Covenant offered a deeper and more complete forgiveness of sins than the Old Covenant's sacrificial system.
* A New Relationship with God: The New Covenant involved a more direct and personal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.
* Love and Grace: The emphasis shifted from strict adherence to laws to love for God and neighbor, and grace as the foundation of the relationship.
* The Last Supper: During the Last Supper, Jesus explicitly referred to the New Covenant when he said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:20). This established a clear link between his sacrifice and the establishment of the New Covenant.
While Jesus didn't explicitly use the phrase "New Covenant" in every conversation, his teachings and actions, especially in the context of his ministry, point towards the inauguration of a new covenant. Matthew, as a disciple and apostle, would have been part of the inner circle and privy to these teachings. Therefore, it is very likely that Jesus was discussing aspects of the New Covenant with Matthew.