Matthew the Tax Collector, also known as Matthew the Evangelist, is an important figure in the Bible. He was a tax collector before becoming one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Tax collectors were often disliked because they collected taxes for the Romans and sometimes charged more than necessary. Despite this, Jesus chose Matthew to follow Him, showing that anyone can change and find redemption.
Today, we will look at some Bible verses that mention Matthew and his story. These verses remind us that Jesus welcomes everyone, no matter their past. Matthew’s journey teaches us about forgiveness, acceptance, and the amazing love of God.
Bible Verses About Matthew The Tax Collector
Matthew’s Calling
When we reflect on our own lives, we can be reminded of the moments God called us to something greater. Just like Matthew, we may have faced challenges and disappointments, but God sees our potential. His call can transform our lives and set us on a path to purpose. Matthew’s story shows us how God’s grace can reach even the most unlikely individuals, compelling us to trust in His plan for each of us.
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 highlights Matthew’s immediate response to Jesus’ call. When Jesus extended an invitation, Matthew put aside his profession and followed, symbolizing his readiness for change. His willing heart illustrates how life transformations occur when we answer God’s call.
Matthew 4:18-19
“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. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’” – Matthew 4:18-19
In this passage, Jesus invites Simon and Andrew just as He invited Matthew. This pattern of calling shows that Jesus chooses us from our ordinary lives and offers a mission. Answering this call signifies our willingness to embrace God’s purpose for us.
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
Here, Matthew (Levi) leaves behind his secure life as a tax collector. This relinquishment signifies the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Christ over worldly attachments. His decision reflects immense faith and an open heart ready for transformation.
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
This verse emphasizes Jesus’ recognition of Matthew despite societal labels. Even in our struggles or less-than-perfect situations, God calls us to His side, reminding us that our past does not define our future.
Matthew 9:10-13
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’” – Matthew 9:10-13
This passage illustrates Jesus’ heart for the marginalized. In welcoming Matthew and his friends, He shows that His grace extends to everyone. It encourages us to open our own hearts to people from all walks of life, just as Jesus did.
Transformation Through Jesus
When we think about transformation, we realize that it often requires stepping out in faith. Jesus changes lives in ways we could never imagine. With Matthew, we see an immediate shift from his old life as a tax collector to being an apostle spreading the Gospel. This metamorphosis serves as a reminder that our past mistakes do not define us, and with God’s grace, we can find new beginnings.
Matthew 18:12-14
“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? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.” – Matthew 18:12-14
This verse highlights God’s pursuit of lost individuals. Just like Matthew, we are found and valued by God. His willingness to leave the ninety-nine sheep behind reflects His passion for each of us and emphasizes personal transformation through faith.
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
Here, Paul reminds us of our identity after accepting Christ. When we accept Jesus, we become new creations, leaving behind the past just as Matthew did. This transformation is a beautiful reminder of the hope we have in Christ.
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
This passage assures us that God is faithful in completing our transformation. Just like Matthew’s journey, it’s a process that involves God’s guidance. We can trust that He continues working in our lives as we seek Him wholeheartedly.
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
Transformation requires a change in perspective. By renewing our minds through God’s Word, we open ourselves to understanding His plans better. Just as Matthew embraced this change, we can step out of worldly ways and into God’s purpose.
Colossians 3:10
“And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” – Colossians 3:10
Finally, this verse encourages us to embrace our new identity in Christ. Just like Matthew, we can step into the life God has for us, reflecting His image as we grow in faith. God’s transformation beautifies our lives and prepares us for His purpose.
Matthew’s Commitment
Commitment is a key theme in Matthew’s story. After encountering Jesus, Matthew immediately made a decision to follow Him. This dedication teaches us about the importance of faithfulness in our walk with Christ. Our commitment can inspire those around us as we live out our faith authentically and boldly.
Matthew 10:38
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” – Matthew 10:38
This verse challenges us to fully commit to Christ. By taking up our crosses, we acknowledge the sacrifices required to follow Jesus. A genuine commitment means we are willing to face hardships for the sake of our faith, just as Matthew did.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” – Luke 9:23
This challenge to deny ourselves daily rings true in our commitment to Christ. Our lives may look different after accepting Jesus, but joy comes from following Him wholeheartedly, just as Matthew did by leaving everything behind.
Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
This verse captures the essence of commitment. Like Matthew, we aim for higher purposes and eternal rewards. As we journey through life, our dedication to Christ ensures we remain focused on what truly matters.
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58
Being firm in our commitment allows us to impact the world positively, just as Matthew did. This encouragement serves to remind us that our hard work does not go unnoticed by God and encourages us to be diligent in our faith.
Revelation 2:10
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” – Revelation 2:10
This verse reassures us during tough times to remain committed. Matthew faced challenges after his calling, but our perseverance leads us to ultimate victory in Christ. Faithfulness in difficult times draws us closer and strengthens our faith.
Witnessing and Evangelism
Matthew’s story beautifully depicts the heart of evangelism. After his transformation, he became a vessel for sharing Christ’s message. His life challenges us to spread the Gospel in our own lives and encourage others to receive God’s love and grace. Each encounter we have can plant seeds of faith in the hearts of those around us.
Matthew 28:19-20
“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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
This Great Commission reminds us of our responsibility to share the Gospel, just as Matthew did. Jesus encourages us to go out into the world and make disciples. It is our duty as followers of Christ to proclaim the good news and baptize those who believe.
Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” – Mark 16:15
In this verse, Jesus sends us forth to proclaim the message of salvation. This call resonates deeply with us, prompting us to share the love of Christ wherever we go, just like Matthew reached others after his transformative encounter.
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
The promise of the Holy Spirit empowers us to preach and witness effectively. Like Matthew, as we share our faith, we do so in the strength bestowed upon us by God. This verse challenges us to reach out beyond our comfort zones as we spread the Gospel.
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” – Romans 1:16
This verse encourages us to be bold in our witness. Matthew was once ashamed of his past, but Jesus redeemed him. This reminder prompts us to share our testimonies and never apologize for who we are in Christ.
2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:2
Being prepared to share God’s Word at all times is crucial. Matthew’s journey is a testament to the importance of having opportunities to offer hope and encouragement. This instruction motivates us to remain grounded in faith and ready to witness for Christ.
Sharing the Love of Christ
The way Matthew encountered Jesus showcases not only his transformation but also the love of Christ. We are called to share this same love with others, understanding that it is the foundation of our faith. Our interactions should reflect the love and grace that Jesus showed Matthew, embracing individuals regardless of their pasts.
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
This simple truth guides us as we approach others. Just as Jesus loved Matthew, we are called to extend that love to everyone we meet. It is our response to Christ’s deep love for us that compels us to love others.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
Jesus commands us to love as He loved, setting the standard of love for us to follow. Like Matthew, our lives should reflect this love, enabling others to see Christ in us. This powerful witness draws others to Him.
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
This call to serve others highlights the love-centered approach we should take. Matthew’s life after meeting Jesus serves as an illustration of using our freedom to serve and uplift others, honoring Him.
Titus 3:4-5
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” – Titus 3:4-5
This passage points to the kindness God shows us, which is vital for sharing with others. Matthew’s past didn’t dictate his worth; instead, God’s mercy defines us and invites us to extend that grace to those around us.
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
We are called to let our light shine, just as Matthew did through his transformation. Our acts of kindness and love reflect God’s glory, inviting others to join in the grace we’ve received from Christ.
Grace and Forgiveness
Matthew’s story is a powerful testimony of grace and forgiveness. He experienced it firsthand and became a messenger of this message to the world. We are reminded that our own lives are marked by God’s grace, and extending forgiveness to others becomes a crucial part of our faith journey, just as Jesus modeled for Matthew.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
This powerful reminder emphasizes that our salvation comes through grace alone. Like Matthew, we know we are undeserving but freely accepted by God. This grace challenges us to extend that same gift to others.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
This verse calls us to embody forgiveness. Matthew’s acceptance of God’s forgiveness encourages us to let go of offenses, mirroring Christ’s love in our relationships. The act of forgiving others liberates us and reflects God’s character.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
This beautiful expression of love shows that God forgives us despite our imperfections. Just as Matthew was forgiven, we are invited to embrace this grace. Our understanding of forgiveness deepens as we recognize we had been redeemed when we did not deserve it.
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
This assurance invites us to confess our sins openly. Like Matthew, who received forgiveness, we understand that our relationship with God is continually restored. Confession leads us to His cleansing grace, teaching us the importance of honesty in our walk with Christ.
Psalms 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalms 103:12
This poetic depiction of God’s forgiveness illustrates how He separates us from our sins. Matthew’s transformation reminds us of the freedom we have in Christ, urging us to let go of guilt and fully embrace the life He has for us.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the life of Matthew the Tax Collector, it becomes clear how powerful God’s grace is in transforming hearts. Matthew’s story challenges us to embrace our identities as beloved children of God, irrespective of our past. His response to Jesus’ call serves as a beautiful reminder that we too can experience transformation and contribute to God’s work.
We are encouraged to share our faith boldly, showing others the love of Christ and extending grace and forgiveness. Let us take Matthew’s example to heart as we navigate our lives, seeking ways to fulfill God’s purpose for us. Together, we can shine our lights brightly and witness the incredible impact of living for Christ.
For more insights on biblical figures like Matthew, check out Bible Verses About Matthew The Apostle. Let’s continue exploring and deepening our understanding of God’s Word together.