Matthew the Tax Collector is an important figure in the Bible. He was not just any tax collector; he was called by Jesus to be one of His disciples. At that time, tax collectors were often disliked because they collected money for the Roman government and sometimes cheated people out of their money. But Jesus saw something special in Matthew. His story reminds us that everyone can be forgiven and chosen, no matter their past.
Today, we will look at some Bible verses that talk about Matthew and his journey. These verses teach us about faith, redemption, and the power of following Jesus. Matthew’s life is a perfect example of how God can change anyone and use them for His purpose. Let’s take a closer look!
Bible Verses About Matthew The Tax Collector
Matthew 9:9
“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” – Matthew 9:9
This verse captures the moment of Matthew’s calling by Jesus. It shows how Jesus sees beyond a person’s profession or reputation. Matthew, once labeled as a sinner and corrupt tax collector, immediately responds to Jesus’ invitation, representing a significant turning point in his life. This demonstrates how God’s grace offers a new beginning for anyone willing to follow Him.
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
This verse emphasizes the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry. By dining with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus demonstrates that He came to offer salvation to everyone, regardless of their past. Matthew’s act of hosting Jesus signifies his transformation and desire to share this newfound faith with others who might feel marginalized.
Matthew 9:11
“When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?'” – Matthew 9:11
This verse reveals the criticism Jesus faced from religious leaders of His time. By questioning His associations, the Pharisees underestimated the very purpose of Jesus’ mission — to seek and save the lost. This highlights that the call of God often draws people from unexpected places, bridging gaps between the righteous and the broken.
Matthew 9:12
“On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.'” – Matthew 9:12
In this verse, Jesus articulates the heart of His mission. He acknowledges that spiritual healing is needed for those who recognize their brokenness. Just like a doctor treats the ill, Jesus reaches out to those who are aware of their need for redemption. This reinforces the notion that acknowledging our shortcomings is the first step toward healing.
Matthew 9:13
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Matthew 9:13
This verse emphasizes God’s desire for mercy over mere ritual sacrifices. Jesus calls upon the Pharisees to realize that genuine love and compassion for others take precedence in God’s eyes. This invites us to reflect on our own hearts, encouraging us to show kindness and forgiveness rather than judgment towards those seeking redemption.
Matthew 10:3
“Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus.” – Matthew 10:3
Here, Matthew is listed among the Apostles, showcasing his important role in Jesus’ mission. Being mentioned as a tax collector serves as a reminder of the radical transformation possible through following Christ. It illustrates that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, for His divine purposes.
Matthew 11:19
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” – Matthew 11:19
This verse touches on the criticism Jesus received for His lifestyle and associations. His willingness to spend time with those rejected by society highlights His mission of inclusivity. It challenges us to embrace those unlike ourselves and serve as instruments of healing and love in our communities.
Matthew 12:1
“At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; his disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them.” – Matthew 12:1
While this verse does not mention Matthew directly, it reflects the daily lives of Jesus’ disciples, including him. It emphasizes the importance of human needs over strict adherence to tradition. This compassion-driven approach encourages us to prioritize love and mercy when interacting with others.
Matthew 14:14
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” – Matthew 14:14
Jesus’ compassion for the crowds reinforces His call to extend mercy. It can be inferred that Matthew, as a witness to His miracles, learned to embrace compassion in his own life. It serves as a reminder for us to approach others with empathy, reflecting the love of Christ in our actions.
Matthew 18:12
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” – Matthew 18:12
This verse reflects the heart of God in seeking those who have lost their way. As a former tax collector, Matthew can emphasize the significance of each individual to God. It encourages us to value each person and be willing to actively seek out those we may have lost touch with, demonstrating God’s relentless love.
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
This great commission serves as a profound call to spread the teachings of Jesus. It speaks to the transformation of Matthew from a tax collector to a disciple who shares the message of hope. It inspires us to fulfill our role in making disciples and sharing God’s love, regardless of our pasts.
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.” – Luke 5:27
In the Gospel of Luke, Matthew is referred to as Levi. This passage highlights the moment Jesus chose to call Matthew to follow Him. It illustrates how Jesus seeks out individuals from various walks of life, affirming that each of us is called to leave behind our former lives and pursue a new destiny in Him.
Luke 5:28
“And Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.” – Luke 5:28
This verse echoes Matthew’s immediate and complete response to Jesus’ call. It emphasizes that true discipleship requires leaving behind our old lives. Matthew’s willingness to follow Jesus showcases the transformative power of faith and serves as a challenge for us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above worldly attachments.
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10
This verse encapsulates the mission of Jesus. As a tax collector who was seen as lost, Matthew can personally testify to being sought and saved by Jesus. It reassures us that regardless of our past mistakes, salvation is available to everyone who is willing to accept it.
John 1:46
“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there? Nathanael asked. ‘Come and see,’ said Philip.” – John 1:46
In this passage, we see skepticism about where Jesus came from. Matthew, representing those unexpected voices God chooses, illustrates that goodness can indeed come from unlikely places. This is a reminder that we should not judge others by their background but rather encourage them to experience Christ for themselves.
Matthew 8:11
“I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 8:11
This verse offers a glimpse of the inclusive kingdom of heaven. Matthew, a tax collector, is a testament to how God’s grace extends beyond societal boundaries. It shows that God’s family is made up of people from every background, united by faith in Jesus. We are all invited to partake in His goodness.
Matthew 3:7
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?'” – Matthew 3:7
This verse underscores the seriousness of repentance. John the Baptist, although not directly mentioning Matthew, represents the call to true transformation. This highlights that mere association with religious leaders does not guarantee righteousness. All of us, including Matthew, need genuine change to walk in Christ’s ways.
Mark 2:15
“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.” – Mark 2:15
Mark’s account emphasizes the gatherings that included those sinnered individuals. The presence of tax collectors and sinners around Jesus reflects His mission to embrace the outcasts of society. Matthew’s hospitality demonstrates his response to Christ, showing that transformed hearts want to share that experience with others.
Luke 18:14
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 18:14
This verse speaks about the value of humility. It teaches that those who acknowledge their need for God, like Matthew did when he turned from his past, are lifted up. The message assures us that humility is key in our journey with Christ, encouraging us to reflect on our hearts before Him.
Acts 1:13
“When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas son of James.” – Acts 1:13
This verse mentions Matthew among the early apostles after Jesus’ ascension. It highlights Matthew’s commitment to Christ. His presence among Jesus’ chosen demonstrates how he fulfilled his calling and sought to spread the Gospel. This encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and share God’s message of love.
Galatians 2:9
“James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.” – Galatians 2:9
This verse pertains to the apostles in Galatians but represents unity among believers, including Matthew. It reflects the acknowledgment of grace as the common thread among Jesus’ followers. Matthew, who once may have been distrusted due to his past, exemplifies how grace connects us all in a divine family.
Philippians 4:3
“Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” – Philippians 4:3
This passage focuses on partnership in the spread of the Gospel. Although not directly linked to Matthew, it illustrates the importance of teamwork among believers. Matthew’s legacy as an evangelist encourages us to support one another in sharing the Good News with the world.
Revelation 21:27
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” – Revelation 21:27
This scripture assures us that those who accept Christ are welcomed into heaven. Matthew, once a tax collector, experienced a radical transformation and found his name written in the Lamb’s book. It signals a hope for all believers that we are accepted and cherished in God’s eternal family.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the life of Matthew the Tax Collector, we see a powerful story of redemption and transformation. Matthew’s journey shows us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Each scripture highlights a different facet of his calling and what it means to truly follow Christ. We are reminded that our past doesn’t define us, but our willingness to follow Jesus does.
There is great hope in knowing that God chooses each of us, regardless of where we’ve been or what we’ve done. Just as Matthew abandoned his tax booth for a life of faith, we are called to leave behind anything holding us back and embrace the life Christ offers.
Let’s remember to extend grace to others, just as Christ did and continue to grow in our faith. If you’d like to learn more about how to show grace, check out our piece on showing grace to others, or explore forgiving criminals. Every step we take towards understanding His grace helps us to shine His light brighter in our lives.