As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collectors’ booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. – Matthew 9:9
Bible Verses About Matthew The Tax Collector
Matthew’s Calling
When we think about Matthew, the tax collector, we can reflect on how God calls us in the most unexpected ways. Matthew was not your average disciple; he was a man of the world, working in a job that many despised. Yet, Jesus saw beyond his profession. This tells us that our past does not define our future. God calls us from our current situation, no matter how far we may feel from Him. We can be assured that like Matthew, we too can respond to His call and transform our lives dramatically.
Matthew 9:9
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collectors’ booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. – Matthew 9:9
Mark 2:14
As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. – Mark 2:14
Luke 5:27
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. – Luke 5:27-28
Matthew 9:10
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. – Matthew 9:10
Luke 19:5
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” – Luke 19:5
The Transformation
The story of Matthew reveals the powerful transformation that can occur when we accept Jesus’ calling. As we see in Matthew’s life, he left his old ways behind and entirely followed Christ. This calls us to consider how we can change our own lives for the better when we encounter Jesus. We learn that God is always ready and willing to forgive, and every effort we take towards transformation makes us a new creation. Like Matthew, we can star anew when we choose to live in the light of Christ.
Matthew 9:12
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” – Matthew 9:12
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
Ephesians 4:24
And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:24
Embracing Forgiveness
The story of Matthew the tax collector reinforces the undeniable theme of forgiveness and grace in our Christian faith. Matthew, like all sinners, found acceptance in Jesus’ eyes. This shows us that no matter how far we may stray, we are never beyond the reach of God’s grace. We need to embrace this gift of forgiveness not only for ourselves but extend it towards others as well. As God has forgiven us, we are called to be generous with our forgiveness toward those around us.
Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. – Matthew 6:14
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. – Ephesians 1:7
Luke 7:47
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. – Luke 7:47
Matthew 18:21
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” – Matthew 18:21
Faith and Discipleship
Matthew’s life reminds us that true faith requires a commitment to discipleship. Choosing to follow Jesus is not a one-time event but a continual journey that calls for our faith to grow deeper every day. Being a disciple means learning and sharing the good news, experiencing hardships, and leaning into God’s promises. We embrace Matthew’s example by dedicating our lives to serving Christ, spreading His message of love and grace. Together, we can strengthen our faith and grow in our discipleship.
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. – Matthew 28:19
2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. – 2 Timothy 2:2
John 15:8
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. – John 15:8
John 8:31
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” – John 8:31
Love and Acceptance
The interaction between Jesus and Matthew also speaks volumes about love and acceptance. Jesus didn’t turn away from Matthew because of his work or reputation. Instead, He welcomed him with open arms. This teaches us that we, too, should extend love and acceptance to those who might be viewed as outsiders or unworthy. Our faith calls us to build bridges, not walls, creating a community filled with love and grace just as Jesus did.
Luke 15:2
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” – Luke 15:2
Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
John 13:34
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34
James 2:1
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? – James 2:1
Matthew’s Legacy
Matthew’s life ended up being more than just an account of a tax collector; it became a testament to God’s ability to reshape our legacy. After accepting Jesus’ call, Matthew had a profound impact on the early church through his Gospel. Our legacy can also change once we choose to follow Jesus. It inspires us to think about how we can impact our communities and the world when we live according to God’s purpose. With each step we take towards Him, we create a lasting legacy of faith and hope.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. – Acts 1:8
Philippians 2:15
So that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. – Philippians 2:15
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing