Matthew the Tax Collector for Kids: The Bible Story Explained Simply

Series: Jesus Begins Ministry (Episode 09 of 10) | Scripture: Matthew/Mark/Luke/John | Ages 5+

Matthew the Tax Collector is a Bible story from Matthew/Mark/Luke/John in the New Testament. This retelling is designed for kids ages 5 and up, using simple language they can understand and lessons they will remember.

Watch the Full Story of Matthew the Tax Collector

Watch Matthew the Tax Collector in our 60-second video lesson. Your child can follow along and take a quiz after to check what they learned.

Watch "Matthew the Tax Collector" on Faithful Kids

Part of our Jesus Begins Ministry series, 10 episodes covering calling, healing, compassion, faith.

What Is the Story of Matthew the Tax Collector for Kids?

JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY — EPISODE 9 "Matthew the Tax Collector" Based on Matthew 9:9-13

Let me tell you about the day I picked the LAST person anyone expected me to choose.

In Israel, there was nobody more hated than a tax collector. I mean NOBODY. Here's why — the Roman Empire occupied Israel, and tax collectors were Jewish men who worked FOR Rome, collecting money from their own people. But it got worse. They were allowed to charge EXTRA and keep the difference. So they got rich by ripping off their own neighbors, their own families, their own nation. People saw them as traitors. Thieves. Scum.

I walked right up to his tax booth. He was sitting there, probably counting coins, surrounded by the stench of everyone's disgust. People crossed the street to avoid him. Religious leaders wouldn't even look his direction. He was the outcast of outcasts.

This story comes from Matthew/Mark/Luke/John and is part of the New Testament.

What Does the Story of Matthew the Tax Collector Teach Children?

The story of Matthew the Tax Collector teaches children important lessons about calling, healing, compassion, faith:

• This story teaches children about calling in a way they can understand
• God's love and faithfulness are visible throughout this story
• Every Bible story connects to the bigger picture of God's plan for the world

Key Bible Verse

"Follow me." — Matthew 9:9

Parent's Guide: Why This Story Matters

Every Bible story is an opportunity to talk with your child about faith in a natural, low-pressure way. After watching, ask an open-ended question like 'What was your favorite part?' or 'What do you think God was trying to teach us?' These conversations do not need to be long or perfect. The goal is simply to make the Bible feel like a living, relevant part of your family's life, not something dusty on a shelf.

Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned

After watching the video, see if your child can answer these questions:

1. Why were tax collectors so hated in Israel?

Discussion Questions for Families

Use these questions at the dinner table or during bedtime:

1. What was your favorite part of the story of Matthew the Tax Collector?
2. What do you think God was teaching us through this story?
3. How can we be more like Matthew in our own lives?
4. If you were in this story, what would you have done differently?
5. What does this story teach us about trusting God?

More Episodes in the Jesus Begins Ministry Series

This story is episode 09 of 10 in the Jesus Begins Ministry series:

• Temptation in the Desert for Kids
• The First Disciples for Kids
• Water Into Wine for Kids
• The Woman at the Well for Kids
• Rejected in Nazareth for Kids
• The Four Fishermen for Kids
• Healing the Sick for Kids
• The Paralyzed Man for Kids
• The Twelve Apostles for Kids

400+ Bible Stories for Kids on Faithful Kids

Faithful Kids has 400+ Bible story videos covering the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Every story is 60 seconds, designed for kids Ages 5+, with a quiz after each lesson. No ads, ever.

Try Faithful Kids free for 7 days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of Matthew the Tax Collector about for kids?

Matthew the Tax Collector is a story from Matthew/Mark/Luke/John. JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY — EPISODE 9 "Matthew the Tax Collector" Based on Matthew 9:9-13

What age is the story of Matthew the Tax Collector appropriate for?

This retelling of Matthew the Tax Collector is designed for children Ages 5+. The language is simple and age-appropriate, and the video is 60 seconds long, perfect for young attention spans.

Where is Matthew the Tax Collector found in the Bible?

Matthew the Tax Collector is found in Matthew/Mark/Luke/John in the New Testament. It is part of the Jesus Begins Ministry series on Faithful Kids.

Is there a video of Matthew the Tax Collector for kids?

Yes. Faithful Kids has a 60-second video retelling of Matthew the Tax Collector designed for children, with narration, visuals, and a comprehension quiz. Watch it here.

How can I use Matthew the Tax Collector for Sunday School or homeschool?

Play the 60-second Faithful Kids video as an introduction, then use the discussion questions above for group conversation. The built-in quiz checks comprehension. Many Sunday school teachers and homeschool parents use Faithful Kids as weekly curriculum.

What does Matthew the Tax Collector teach kids?

The story of Matthew the Tax Collector teaches children about calling, healing, compassion, faith. This story teaches children about calling in a way they can understand.