Matthew the Apostle is an important figure in the New Testament of the Bible. He is known for being one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and for writing the Gospel of Matthew. His life shows us how anyone can be called to follow Christ, no matter their background. Matthew was a tax collector, a job that many people disliked, but Jesus saw his potential and chose him as a friend and follower.
Today, we will look at some key Bible verses about Matthew the Apostle. These verses remind us of his role in spreading the message of Jesus and how his story can inspire us in our faith. Let’s take a closer look at Matthew’s journey and the lessons we can learn from it.
Bible Verses About Matthew The Apostle
The Call of Matthew
When we think about the call of Matthew, it’s a reminder of how Jesus sees potential in everyone, no matter their current status or past mistakes. Matthew’s journey from a tax collector to an apostle shows us that Christ calls us to serve Him no matter where we come from. His story encourages us to respond to God’s call in our own lives. As we reflect on these verses, let’s embrace the pivotal moment in Matthew’s life when he left everything behind to follow Jesus.
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 reveals the immediate and profound response Matthew had to Jesus’ call. By following Jesus, Matthew made a life-altering decision that showcases faith and obedience. His willingness to leave a secure job illustrates how following Christ often involves stepping into the unknown.
Matthew 4:18
“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.” – Matthew 4:18
Though this verse mentions Peter and Andrew, it highlights the nature of discipleship. Jesus calls ordinary people from various walks of life and empowers them for His purpose, including Matthew. It reminds us that God can choose us no matter our vocation.
Matthew 10:3
“Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus.” – Matthew 10:3
This verse lists Matthew among the twelve apostles, marking his important role in spreading the Gospel. As a former tax collector, Matthew’s inclusion shows how Jesus values diverse backgrounds in fulfilling His mission. It encourages us that no past disqualifies us from service to God.
Luke 5:27-28
“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
This passage, referring to Matthew as Levi, shows the personal nature of the call to follow Jesus. It emphasizes leaving behind our old lives in pursuit of something greater. We are encouraged to let go of what holds us back in order to answer God’s call on our lives.
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
Similar to the account in Luke, this verse narrates Matthew’s call and reinforces the idea of transformation. Matthew’s choice to follow Jesus serves as a challenge for us to respond willingly to God’s voice, no matter where we are in life.
The Ministry of Matthew
Matthew’s ministry is vital to understanding the growth of the early church. His experiences as a disciple shaped his actions and writings, especially in the Gospel of Matthew. Through his ministry, we witness the impact of a transformed life dedicated to sharing God’s message. As we examine these verses, we should appreciate how each teaching reflects the teachings of Jesus and Matthew’s dedication to sharing this message with the world.
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 shows Matthew’s role not just as a disciple but as a leader. It emphasizes the importance of spreading the Gospel to all, reminding us that sharing our faith is a vital part of our Christian walk. It encourages us to be active participants in God’s plan for the world.
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
Matthew conveys Jesus’ teachings on being a light to others, emphasizing that our lives should reflect Christ. It reminds us that through our actions and faith, we can guide others to God. This call to be visible in our faith can inspire others to seek the light of Christ in their lives.
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Here, Matthew shares Jesus’ words about prayer and persistence. This encouragement to seek God actively influences how we approach our relationship with Him. It highlights the necessity of faith and dependence on God in fulfilling our Christian efforts.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
This powerful invitation by Jesus invites the weary to find solace in Him. Matthew reminds us of the compassionate nature of Christ and encourages us to rely on Him for our burdens, providing comfort in our times of need.
Matthew 19:29
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” – Matthew 19:29
This verse speaks to the sacrifices we make for Christ. It reassures us that our commitment and sacrifices will be rewarded. Matthew’s experience informs us that following Christ comes with challenges, but the eternal rewards are immeasurable.
The Teachings of Matthew
The teachings of Matthew provide a foundational understanding of Jesus’ message. His emphasis on love, humility, and the Kingdom of God resonates throughout his writing. As we explore these verses, we are encouraged to reflect on how these teachings apply to our lives even today, guiding us towards a fruitful Christian journey.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
This transformative teaching challenges us to love beyond our comfort zones. Matthew urges us to emulate Jesus’ radical love, even towards those who hurt us. It’s a powerful reminder that our love can break barriers and change hearts.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God. Matthew encourages us to place our faith in His provision, trusting that when we seek God first, He takes care of the rest. It invites us to reassess our priorities in life.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
The Golden Rule encapsulates the heart of Jesus’ message. This teaching urges us to treat others with kindness and respect, which is essential in living out our faith. It is an excellent reminder to reflect Christ’s love through our interactions daily.
Matthew 10:34
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” – Matthew 10:34
This challenging verse indicates that following Christ may create conflict in our relationships. Matthew reminds us to be prepared for the struggles that may come as we stand firm in our faith. It highlights the importance of being resolute in our belief amidst external pressures.
Matthew 12:30
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” – Matthew 12:30
This verse calls us to make a choice in our allegiance to Jesus. Matthew emphasizes the urgency of commitment to Christ, compelling us to be part of His mission or to face the consequences of neutrality. It encourages us to align ourselves with the work of God actively.
The Impact of Matthew’s Writings
Matthew’s writings not only document the life of Jesus but also teach us principles that guide our own faith journey. His Gospel provides a rich theological framework that challenges us to live out our faith authentically. Comprehending the depth of Matthew’s writings is crucial for anyone wanting to deepen their relationship with Christ. As we explore these verses, we can appreciate how they shape our understanding of God’s love and purpose.
Matthew 1:1
“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.” – Matthew 1:1
Starting with a genealogy, Matthew sets the stage for Jesus’ strong lineage. This historical account shows that Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and emphasizes His rightful place as the Messiah. It reinforces that Jesus’ story is interconnected with God’s plan throughout history.
Matthew 2:2
“and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” – Matthew 2:2
This verse highlights the reverence and recognition of Jesus as the King. The wise men sought Jesus not only out of curiosity but to honor Him. It emphasizes the importance of worship and understanding Jesus’ divine authority in our lives.
Matthew 3:17
“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” – Matthew 3:17
This affirmation from God underscores the identity of Jesus as His beloved Son. It reassures us of the loving relationship between Jesus and the Father. Matthew’s account reminds us of our identity as children of God, delighted in His love.
Matthew 4:1
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” – Matthew 4:1
This verse highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. Matthew acknowledges the challenges Jesus faced, reminding us that even in our trials, we can find strength in relying on God. It encourages us to prepare for our own battles by leaning on our faith.
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
Matthew encourages us to be visible in our faith, showcasing our good deeds. Our actions are not just for self-recognition but to point others to God’s glory. The impact of our example can lead others to encounter Christ’s love through us.
The Legacy of Matthew
The legacy of Matthew extends beyond his writing and into the way we practice our faith today. His transition from a tax collector to a devoted disciple inspires us to consider how we, too, can reflect God’s grace in our lives. Each verse we explore illustrates his willingness to serve and the importance of our commitment to encounter and share Jesus. Let’s commit to leaving our legacy of faith similar to Matthew’s as we encourage others to meet Christ.
Matthew 20:26
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26
This teaching on servanthood illustrates the greatness of humility. Matthew reminds us that in God’s kingdom, true status comes from serving others. It challenges us to seek significance through acts of love and service to those around us.
Matthew 22:37
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” – Matthew 22:37
This heartfelt command captures the essence of our relationship with God. Matthew emphasizes the importance of loving God holistically, fueling our commitment to a deeper, more genuine faith. It invites us to assess our priorities and passion for God.
Matthew 23:11
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11
This verse reiterates the call to humility in leadership. Matthew reminds us that greatness in God’s eyes is measured by our willingness to serve others. It challenges us to rethink our ideas of success in light of God’s values.
Matthew 24:14
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:14
Matthew’s teaching focuses on the urgency of spreading the Gospel. He emphasizes our role in actively sharing our faith so that all might know Christ. This motivates us as believers to take seriously our mission to reach the world around us.
Matthew 28:20
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
This final promise reassures us of Christ’s constant presence in our lives. Matthew encourages us that as we go forth to spread the Gospel, we are never alone. His presence empowers us to carry out our mission with confidence and courage.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the life and ministry of Matthew, we see a beautiful narrative of transformation and purpose. His journey shows us that Jesus calls each of us, regardless of our past. We can find inspiration in Matthew’s dedication to sharing the message of Christ, impacting many with his words and actions. The teachings of Jesus, revealed through Matthew’s writings, encourage us to live with love, humility, and commitment. It’s vital for us to grasp these lessons, allowing them to guide our own faith journeys as we strive to be effective disciples in our day-to-day lives.
As we continue to explore the Bible, let’s look into more topics like the life of Jesus or the importance of prayer. There is so much more to learn and grow in our faith.