"Craft Jesus Calls Matthew: Fun Kids Activity"

Imagine a bustling city, and among the crowd is Matthew, a hardworking tax collector. Suddenly, a call stops him in his tracks. It's not just any call, but a life-altering invitation from none other than Jesus himself. This is an extraordinary story of faith and courage, retold beautifully in the Gospel of Matthew. Let's dive into this fascinating account – perfect for kids and adults alike to explore and learn.

The Bible tells us that one day, Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. He had just given His first unforgettable sermon on the mount, and now, He was ready to gather His first disciples. As Matthew, also known as Levi, sat in his tax booth, Jesus called out, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). This was not just an invitation; it was a life's purpose waiting to be discovered.

The Calling of Matthew

Jesus' call to Matthew is a powerful reminder that God invites each one of us, too. He knocks at our hearts, waiting for us to let Him in and follow Him. This story inspires us to ask, "How would I respond to such a call?"

Matthew's reaction was swift and remarkable. The Bible records that he got up and followed Jesus immediately (Matthew 9:9). This action shows us that when we truly hear God's voice, we can't help but respond. It's a testament to the transforming power of God's love, even today.

Matthew's New Identity

Once Matthew started following Jesus, everything changed. He left behind his old life as a tax collector, embracing the new identity Jesus offered. This is a beautiful picture of what happens when we put our faith in Jesus – we become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Jesus changed Matthew's profession, making him a fisher of men instead. This meant Matthew learned to catch people – to help others find Jesus, just as Jesus had found him. Isn't that an incredible calling?

Matthew's Impact

Matthew, now transformed and empowered by Jesus, became a loyal disciple and eventually wrote one of the four Gospels in the New Testament. Hisisitry reminds us that God can use anyone who says "Yes" to His call, no matter their past or their role in society.

Matthew's Gospel is unique because it shows us Jesus as the promised Messiah, King, and Savior. It's filled with stories that highlight Jesus' power, wisdom, and love. Through his writings, Matthew invites us to know Jesus better and follow Him more closely.

Matthew's Party

Another fascinating aspect of Matthew's story is the party he threw after meeting Jesus. When Jesus entered Matthew's house and began to eat with his fellow tax collectors and sinners, some of the Pharisees complained (Matthew 9:10-13).

Jesus responded brilliantly, sharing the famous analogy of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:10-14). He explained that there is more joy in heaven when one sinner repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don't need repentance. This story illustrates Jesus' amazing love and His eagerness to welcome sinners into His family.

The Joy of Repentance

Matthew's party reminds us that turning away from sin and turning to God brings immense joy, both to the one who returns and to all who rejoice in their return. It encourages us to celebrate our own victories and those of others in following Jesus.

Jesus Himself is the guest of honor at this spiritual party. He came to seek and save the lost, offering them forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope. When we introduce Jesus to others, we can also host such life-changing gatherings.

The Criticism and the Response

Matthew's party, though, was not without criticism. But Jesus' response shows us how to handle opposition and remain steadfast. When we'restrongто follow Jesus, people might question or judge our decisions, just as the Pharisees did with Matthew. But Jesus empowers us to keep going, even when facing adversity.

One of the most beautiful things about this story is that it happened because Jesus took the initiative. He called out to Matthew, inviting him to follow. Today, Jesus is also calling out to each one of us. Will we say yes and follow, becoming fishers of men and women in our own lives?