The Bible is full of amazing stories and teachings that help us understand our faith better. One important figure in the New Testament is Matthew, who was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Matthew was a tax collector before he followed Jesus, and his life changed completely. He wrote the Gospel of Matthew, which shares many of Jesus’ teachings and miracles. His story reminds us that anyone can change and follow God, no matter their past.
Today, we will look at some Bible verses that highlight Matthew’s life and contributions. These verses show how he answered Jesus’ call and how his faith impacted many others. Let’s learn more about this remarkable disciple and the lessons we can apply to our lives today!
Bible Verses About Matthew
The Call of Matthew
We witness Matthew’s calling as a prime example of how God can transform lives. Following Jesus doesn’t always begin in the context we expect. Matthew’s journey started from the despised profession of a tax collector. It reminds us that God sees potential in unlikely situations and invitations to serve Him come when we least anticipate them.
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 illustrates the moment when Matthew, a tax collector, received Jesus’ call. It signifies a profound transformation and willingness to leave his previous life behind. Matthew didn’t hesitate; he immediately responded to the call to follow Jesus. His story inspires us to recognize the importance of responding to God’s call in our own lives.
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 verse, Jesus invites Simon Peter and Andrew to follow Him, foreshadowing that they will be used for greater purposes. This invitation parallels Matthew’s call, revealing how Jesus wants to use each of us uniquely for His kingdom. We are reminded to be open to Jesus’ call and to join in His mission to reach out to others.
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, we note that Levi is another name for Matthew. The immediate response of leaving everything behind shows how transformative an encounter with Jesus can be. By following Jesus, Matthew chose a new direction in his life, which encourages us to reflect on our own willingness to abandon our comfort zones for Christ.
John 1:43
“The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me!'” – John 1:43
This mentioning of Jesus’ call emphasizes His active pursuit of individuals. Just as He called Matthew and others, He actively seeks us as well. We are asked to respond to His voice, showing us that being part of His plan is available to us all.
Matthew 10:3
“Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus.” – Matthew 10:3
This verse reminds us of Matthew’s inclusion among the twelve disciples. Jesus handpicked Matthew despite his past profession, symbolizing grace. Being named here reminds us that we are all called to be disciples, regardless of our past or who we were.
The Teachings of Jesus
The teachings of Jesus, as documented by Matthew, emphasize how we can live our lives in a way that honors God. It presents incredible lessons and guidelines for life that inspire us to reflect on ourselves and how we treat others. The words of Jesus challenge us to become our better selves and to embody the love and grace He represents.
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
In these words, Jesus affirms our role as beacons of hope. As disciples, we’re meant to shine light in the darkness. Life’s challenges cannot extinguish this light, encouraging us to embrace our purpose and influence others positively wherever we go.
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 how prioritizing God leads us to fulfillment. By seeking His kingdom first, we align our desires with His will. In doing so, we find true satisfaction that surpasses worldly pursuits and blessings come our way as a result.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
In these comforting words, Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him. It reveals the loving nature of our Savior, who cares about our struggles. This invitation encourages us to lean on Him in our times of trouble, ensuring we pursue peace through faith.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Matthew 22:39
This commandment challenges us to be compassionate and loving toward others. It reminds us that our actions should reflect the love we have for ourselves, urging us to treat others with kindness and empathy in our daily interactions.
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.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Here, Jesus commissions us to share the gospel. We learn that spreading the message of Christ is a part of being His disciple, showing that our responsibility extends beyond ourselves. We have a vital role in God’s plan to reach the whole world.
The Miracles of Jesus
Matthew’s Gospel illustrates numerous miracles performed by Jesus, showcasing His divine authority and compassion for humanity. These miracles serve to inspire our faith and reveal God’s power. They remind us that, through Jesus, we can witness remarkable occurrences that enhance our belief and trust in Him.
Matthew 8:16
“When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.” – Matthew 8:16
This verse highlights Jesus’ authority over evil and sickness. It reassures us that through faith, Jesus can heal and deliver us as well. His miracles remind us of His continual presence and willingness to intervene in our lives when we call on Him.
Matthew 9:20-22
“Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’ Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.” – Matthew 9:20-22
This miracle demonstrates the power of faith. The woman believed in Jesus’ ability to heal her, showing us the importance of faith in our requests to God. Her healing illustrates that with faith, we can experience the transformative touch of Jesus in our lives.
Matthew 14:14
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” – Matthew 14:14
In this verse, we witness Jesus’ compassion as He responds to the crowd’s needs. It teaches us about the importance of having a compassionate heart. We are called to mirror this compassion in our lives, reaching out to those in need just as Jesus did.
Matthew 15:30-31
“Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they praised the God of Israel.” – Matthew 15:30-31
This passage showcases the transformational impact of Jesus’ miracles. The crowd’s amazement reflects how our lives can inspire faith in others. When we witness God’s work, it leads us to praise and share the good news, multiplying the impact of His miracles in our communities.
Matthew 17:1-2
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” – Matthew 17:1-2
The Transfiguration emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature. Peter, James, and John witnessed this extraordinary event, revealing the glory of Christ. This calls us to recognize the holiness of God in our lives, leading us to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and encouraging us to share His glory with others.
The Passions and Sufferings of Jesus
Matthew highlights the suffering of Jesus, leading to His ultimate sacrifice for our sins. This part of Matthew’s account is crucial as it lays bare the depth of Christ’s love for us. We must reflect on His sufferings and remember that they led to our salvation.
Matthew 26:36
“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.'” – Matthew 26:36
This moment in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals Jesus’ vulnerability as He seeks solitude to pray. It encourages us to turn to Him in our struggles, reminding us to ground ourselves in prayer during difficult times. We need to follow Jesus’ example and communicate our worries to God.
Matthew 26:39
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'” – Matthew 26:39
This prayer emphasizes submission to the Father’s will. Jesus’ honest struggle reminds us to trust in God’s plan, even in our darkest hours. It teaches us the importance of aligning our desires with God’s for the greater good, embracing the possibility of sacrifices in our faith journey.
Matthew 27:46
“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)” – Matthew 27:46
In His moment of deep anguish, Jesus expresses ultimate loneliness and suffering. Even in His darkest hour, Jesus calls to God, illustrating our need for connection with the Father amidst despair. It shows us that, like Him, we can reach out in our times of pain and uncertainty.
Matthew 27:50-51
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks split.” – Matthew 27:50-51
Here, Jesus’ death signifies the moment our separation from God is reconciled. The tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes that through Christ, we gain direct access to God. This powerful moment calls us to understand that through His sacrifice, we are invited into a close relationship with our Creator.
Matthew 28:5-6
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'” – Matthew 28:5-6
This angelic announcement reveals the central hope of our faith: Jesus has conquered death. His resurrection assures us that through Him, we have eternal life. It invites us to embrace the joy of the resurrection and share the good news with others as followers of Christ.
The Purpose of Matthew’s Gospel
Matthew’s Gospel serves a distinct purpose in expounding on the life and teachings of Jesus. It aims to show Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy while emphasizing that He is the Messiah. Understanding the purpose behind Matthew’s writings encourages us to delve deeper into our faith.
Matthew 1:21
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21
Here, the purpose of Jesus’ birth is established: to save us from our sins. It signifies the core of the Christian faith, reminding us of our need for a Savior. Recognizing this truth draws us closer to God’s love and reflects His desire to redeem humanity.
Matthew 2:6
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” – Matthew 2:6
This verse further emphasizes Jesus’ role as the shepherd of His people. By citing prophecy, Matthew illustrates how Jesus is the awaited ruler, inviting us to trust in His guidance and leadership, knowing His heart is for everyone around the world.
Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” – Matthew 5:17
In this line, Jesus clarifies His mission regarding the Law. He came to fulfill it, teaching us the deeper meaning and purpose behind the commandments. Understanding this calling helps us to live lives aligned with His purpose, growing in faith and obedience to God.
Matthew 13:11
“He replied, ‘Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.'” – Matthew 13:11
This verse speaks to the special revelation given to believers. Jesus explains how understanding the kingdom involves intimacy with Him. It encourages us to seek deeper knowledge and relationship with Christ, fostering growth in our faith journey.
Matthew 28:20
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
This promise from Jesus reinforces His everlasting presence with us. It reassures us that no matter what we face, we are never alone. His commitment to remain by our side invites us to trust Him daily as He guides our paths.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the life and teachings of Matthew, we see the incredible impact of Jesus calling an unlikely tax collector to be His follower. Matthew’s story is a powerful reminder that anyone can receive grace and become a part of God’s plan.
Through Matthew’s Gospel, we explore the profound teachings and miracles of Jesus, which encourage us to deepen our faith and live with purpose. We learn about love, compassion, and the importance of sharing the message of Christ with others.
Let’s take inspiration from Matthew’s life. Whether we feel far from God or recognized for our past, Jesus is always extending a hand to invite us closer to Him. Let this journey lead us to faithfully follow Him, shining His light wherever we go. We can find more inspiration about Jesus’ teachings in these verses or discover more about Matthew’s influencing life in this collection of verses.