Tax collectors were often seen as outcasts in biblical times, yet Jesus showed them compassion and even called one to be His disciple. Today, we’ll delve into what the Bible teaches about tax collectors and what we can learn from Jesus’ interactions with them about grace, forgiveness, and transformation.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Self Improvement
What Does The Bible Say About Tax Collectors
Matthew 9:9-13
“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. 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?’ On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'”
This passage highlights Jesus’ interaction with tax collectors and his willingness to associate with those who were considered outcasts in society. It demonstrates Jesus’ inclusive love and acceptance for all people, regardless of their background or profession.
By choosing Matthew, a tax collector, as one of his disciples, Jesus shows that he offers forgiveness and redemption to even the most despised individuals. This verse challenges us to extend the same love and grace to others, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s transformative power.
Luke 3:12-13
“Even tax collectors came to be baptized. ‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘what should we do?’ ‘Don’t collect any more than you are required to,’ he told them.”
This verse illustrates the response of tax collectors to John the Baptist’s call to repentance and baptism. It reveals their desire for change and their openness to receiving guidance from John on how to live righteously.
John’s instruction to the tax collectors to collect only what they are required to implies a call to integrity and honesty in their profession. This passage reminds us of the transformative power of God’s Word and the potential for individuals in any occupation to live in alignment with God’s principles.
Luke 5:27-32
“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. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'”
In this passage, Jesus invites Levi, another tax collector, to become his disciple. Levi responds by leaving everything behind and following Jesus. This encounter sparks controversy among the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who question Jesus’ association with tax collectors and sinners.
Jesus responds by emphasizing his mission to call sinners to repentance and to offer them salvation. He sees the tax collectors and sinners as those who recognize their need for spiritual healing, contrasting them with those who consider themselves righteous. This verse challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards those society deems unworthy and to extend compassion and forgiveness, just as Jesus did.
Matthew 5:46-47
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
This verse comes from Jesus’ sermon on the mount, where he challenges the crowd to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. He uses tax collectors, who were despised by the Jewish community, as an example to emphasize the need for love that extends beyond common boundaries.
Jesus encourages his followers to love even those who are considered societal outcasts. By doing so, we demonstrate a love that goes beyond societal norms and expectations. This verse prompts us to examine our own capacity for love and challenges us to love others unconditionally, irrespective of their social status or profession.
Luke 7:34
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’”
In this passage, Jesus responds to his critics who accused him of associating with tax collectors and sinners. He acknowledges their accusation that he is a friend of such individuals and highlights the misunderstanding of his purpose.
Jesus did not come to simply conform to societal expectations or cater to the religious elite. Instead, he deliberately reached out to the marginalized, offering them hope, redemption, and the opportunity for transformation. This verse reminds us that Jesus was willing to go against societal norms in order to show God’s love to all people.
Luke 18:9-14
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'”
In this parable, Jesus contrasts the prayers of a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee arrogantly boasts about his self-righteousness and condemns others, while the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness and pleads for God’s mercy.
Jesus uses this parable to teach about the importance of humility before God. It emphasizes that those who exalt themselves and judge others will be humbled, while those who humble themselves before God will be exalted. The tax collector’s sincere repentance and recognition of his need for God’s mercy serve as a powerful example for us all, challenging us to approach God with humility and reliance on His grace.
Matthew 21:31-32
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.'”
In this passage, Jesus confronts the religious leaders who question his authority. He emphasizes that tax collectors and prostitutes, who were considered the lowest in society, are willingly receiving the message of repentance and entering the kingdom of God.
Jesus highlights the irony that those whom society deemed unworthy were more receptive to John the Baptist’s message and responded with repentance and faith. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and recognize that the kingdom of God is open to all who believe and repent, regardless of their past or current circumstances.
Luke 19:1-10
“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'”
This story recounts the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector. Zacchaeus, motivated by curiosity, climbs a tree in order to see Jesus. To his surprise, Jesus notices him and invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house.
As a result of this encounter, Zacchaeus not only repents but also demonstrates his repentance through selflessness and restitution. This transformation of heart and action leads Jesus to declare salvation upon Zacchaeus and his household. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that redemption is available to all, including those who may have been despised and labeled as sinners.
Mark 2:15-17
“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. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'”
This passage portrays another instance where Jesus is found eating with tax collectors and sinners. The presence of these individuals during the meal triggers criticism from the teachers of the law.
In response, Jesus explains his mission by stating that he is here to seek and save those who are lost, emphasizing the importance of ministering to those in need of spiritual healing. By associating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus sends a powerful message that no one is beyond the reach of his love and mercy.
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.”
This verse narrates the moment when Jesus encounters Levi, a tax collector, and calls him to be one of his disciples. Despite the societal stigma associated with tax collectors, Jesus extends an invitation to Levi to follow him.
This act demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to extend grace and redemption to all, regardless of their past or present circumstances. It challenges us to examine our own prejudices and biases and encourages us to imitate Jesus by extending love and acceptance to everyone we encounter.
Matthew 5:46
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”
This verse is part of Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. He challenges his listeners to go beyond mere reciprocity in love, pointing out that even tax collectors exhibit love towards those who love them.
Jesus’ words invite us to love unconditionally, beyond the boundaries of social norms. He calls us to demonstrate a love that extends to all people, regardless of their social standing or occupation.
Matthew 18:17
“If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
This verse appears within the context of resolving conflicts within the church community. Jesus instructs his disciples on the steps to take when dealing with an unrepentant person.
By likening an unrepentant person to a pagan or a tax collector, Jesus highlights the need for the church to exercise discernment and maintain healthy boundaries. It also implies that the individual should be treated with love and grace, seeking their restoration but also acknowledging the need for consequences when repentance is absent.
Matthew 10:3
“Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus.”
This verse lists the names of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. Among them is Matthew, who is specifically identified as a tax collector.
This inclusion reinforces the idea that Jesus intentionally called individuals from various backgrounds and professions to be his disciples. By choosing Matthew, a tax collector, Jesus highlights his desire for all people to experience forgiveness, redemption, and the opportunity to serve and follow him.
Matthew 21:31
“Which of the two did what his father wanted?’ ‘The first,’ they answered. Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.'”
This verse comes from a parable Jesus tells in response to the chief priests and elders questioning his authority. He asks them which of two sons did what their father wanted, leading them to acknowledge that the first son obeyed eventually.
Jesus then draws a parallel between their response and the response of tax collectors and prostitutes to John the Baptist’s message of repentance. He emphasizes that the seemingly sinful individuals are entering the kingdom of God ahead of the self-righteous religious leaders. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and respond to God’s call with humility and repentance.
Matthew 9:10-11
“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?'”
In this passage, Jesus attends a dinner hosted by Matthew, who was a tax collector. Many other tax collectors and sinners also gather to eat with Jesus and his disciples.
The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to religious laws, criticize Jesus for associating with such individuals. However, Jesus’ actions reflect his desire to reach out to those who are marginalized and in need of spiritual healing. This verse encourages us to have a heart of compassion and to extend love and acceptance to all, just as Jesus did.
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.”
This verse describes the moment Jesus encounters Levi, also known as Matthew, seated at his tax collector’s booth. Jesus calls Levi to follow him, and Levi promptly responds by leaving everything behind.
This interaction emphasizes the drastic life change that occurs when individuals respond to Jesus’ call. Levi’s immediate obedience to Jesus’ invitation serves as an example for us, inspiring us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and surrender our lives to his transformative power.
Luke 3:12
“Even tax collectors came to be baptized. ‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘what should we do?'”
This verse highlights the response of tax collectors to John the Baptist’s preaching and the call to repentance. Tax collectors, recognizing their need for spiritual renewal, approach John and ask for guidance on how to live righteously.
John’s response to the tax collectors instructs them to collect only what they are required to, emphasizing integrity and fairness in their profession. This verse reminds us that no matter our occupation or background, we can turn to God for forgiveness and guidance on how to live upright lives.
Matthew 17:24-25
“After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, ‘Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?’ ‘Yes, he does,’ he replied.”
In this passage, the collectors of the temple tax approach Peter to inquire whether Jesus pays the tax. Peter affirms that Jesus indeed pays the tax.
This interaction demonstrates Jesus’ adherence to civil obligations and his willingness to fulfill societal expectations. It serves as a reminder for us to be diligent in fulfilling our responsibilities as well, demonstrating honesty and integrity in our dealings with the world around us.
Matthew 18:15-17
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
Jesus outlines a process for dealing with interpersonal conflicts and addressing sin within the community of believers. He advises approaching the offender privately first and escalating the matter if necessary, emphasizing the importance of seeking reconciliation.
His instruction to treat an unrepentant person as a tax collector underscores the need for healthy boundaries and accountability within the church, while also reminding us of the potential for repentance and restoration. This verse encourages us to pursue reconciliation and restoration while maintaining a stance against unrepentant sin.
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.’”
This verse captures the criticism Jesus faced for his association with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus addresses the misinterpretation of his actions, acknowledging the accusations of being a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of societal outcasts.
Jesus counters the judgmental mindset, reminding his critics that he came not to condemn but to offer salvation and invite all, including tax collectors and sinners, to experience God’s love. This verse prompts us to examine our own judgmental tendencies and embrace Jesus’ example of accepting and loving all people.