Teaching Kids About Jesus Calling Matthew and Acceptance

Children often learn through stories that convey profound moral and spiritual lessons. One such story is the calling of Matthew by Jesus, which holds significant teachings about acceptance and forgiveness.

This narrative not only illustrates Jesus’ message of love and inclusion but also offers a framework for instilling these values in young minds.

The Calling of Matthew

The story of Matthew’s calling is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Jesus’ message. Matthew, a tax collector, was often viewed with disdain by his fellow Jews. Tax collectors were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers and were notorious for their corrupt practices. Despite this, Jesus saw beyond Matthew’s profession and societal status, recognizing his potential for change and growth.

One day, as Jesus was walking along, he saw Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. Without hesitation, Jesus approached him and simply said, “Follow me.” This invitation was profound in its simplicity, yet it carried a weighty implication. By asking Matthew to follow him, Jesus was extending an offer of acceptance and a chance for a new beginning. Matthew’s immediate response, leaving everything behind to follow Jesus, underscores the magnetic pull of Jesus’ call and the deep yearning for redemption and purpose that Matthew must have felt.

The decision to follow Jesus was not without its challenges. Matthew’s choice to abandon his lucrative position and the security it provided was a significant sacrifice. It also meant facing the judgment and skepticism of those who knew him as a tax collector. Yet, Matthew’s willingness to embrace this new path highlights the transformative impact of Jesus’ message and the hope it offered.

Jesus’ Teachings on Acceptance

Jesus’ teachings on acceptance are woven throughout the Gospels, reflecting his unwavering commitment to inclusion and compassion. He consistently reached out to those marginalized by society, offering them dignity and a place within his broader vision of the Kingdom of God. This approach is vividly captured in his interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, each encounter reinforcing the idea that no one is beyond the reach of divine love.

One notable instance is Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. Jews and Samaritans harbored deep-seated animosities, yet Jesus deliberately engaged with her, breaking cultural taboos and demonstrating acceptance. He spoke to her about living water, symbolizing spiritual renewal and inclusivity. This interaction underscored that societal divisions hold no power over the unifying love that Jesus preached, a love that transcends ethnic and social barriers.

Another profound example is Jesus’ healing of the lepers. In biblical times, leprosy was not only a physical ailment but also a cause for social ostracization. Lepers were forced to live in isolation, cut off from community and religious life. Jesus, however, approached them without hesitation, healing their afflictions and restoring their place in society. This act of compassion underscored that acceptance also involves tangible actions that restore dignity and wholeness to those shunned by others.

Furthermore, Jesus’ parables often conveyed themes of acceptance and grace. The Parable of the Good Samaritan challenges listeners to look beyond societal prejudices and extend kindness to all, regardless of their background. The Samaritan’s actions in aiding a stranger highlight that true acceptance is unconditional and active, urging followers to embody this principle in their daily lives.

Lessons for Children

Teaching children about Jesus’ calling of Matthew and his broader teachings on acceptance can lay a strong foundation for their moral and spiritual development. These lessons can be broken down into key themes that are both accessible and impactful for young minds.

Understanding Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a central theme in Jesus’ teachings, and the story of Matthew’s calling is a perfect illustration. Children can learn that everyone makes mistakes, but forgiveness offers a path to redemption and growth. By understanding that Jesus forgave Matthew despite his past, children can grasp the importance of forgiving others and themselves. This lesson can be reinforced through simple activities like role-playing scenarios where they practice saying “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you.” Such exercises help children internalize the concept of forgiveness, making it a natural part of their interactions with others.

Embracing Diversity

Jesus’ acceptance of people from all walks of life teaches children the value of diversity. By highlighting stories like that of the Samaritan woman or the healing of the lepers, children can learn that everyone deserves kindness and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances. This lesson can be brought to life through activities that celebrate different cultures and traditions, such as creating a “world map” where children can place pictures or symbols representing various countries. These activities not only make the concept of diversity tangible but also encourage children to appreciate and embrace the differences that make each person unique.

The Importance of Following Jesus

Following Jesus means embodying his teachings in everyday life. For children, this can be simplified to understanding the importance of kindness, compassion, and making good choices. The story of Matthew leaving everything to follow Jesus can be a powerful example of commitment and trust. Children can be encouraged to think about what it means to follow Jesus in their own lives, such as being kind to classmates, helping those in need, or simply being honest. Activities like creating a “good deeds” chart can help children track their actions and see the positive impact of following Jesus’ teachings, reinforcing the idea that small, everyday actions can make a big difference.

Activities and Crafts

Engaging children in activities and crafts can make the lessons of Jesus’ teachings more tangible and memorable. These hands-on experiences allow children to explore the themes of forgiveness, diversity, and following Jesus in a fun and interactive way.

Role-Playing the Story

Role-playing the story of Matthew’s calling can be an effective way for children to internalize its lessons. By acting out the scene where Jesus invites Matthew to follow him, children can better understand the concepts of acceptance and transformation. Assigning roles such as Jesus, Matthew, and other characters can help children empathize with each perspective. This activity can be extended by discussing how each character might have felt and what they learned from the experience. Role-playing not only makes the story come alive but also encourages children to think deeply about the values it conveys, fostering a more personal connection to the teachings.

Creating a “Follow Me” Poster

Crafting a “Follow Me” poster can be a creative way for children to visualize what it means to follow Jesus. Provide materials like poster boards, markers, stickers, and magazines for children to create a collage that represents acts of kindness, forgiveness, and acceptance. Encourage them to include images or words that symbolize how they can follow Jesus in their daily lives, such as helping a friend, sharing with others, or being honest. This activity not only reinforces the lessons but also allows children to express their understanding in a personal and artistic way. Displaying the posters in a common area can serve as a constant reminder of the values they are striving to embody, making the teachings a visible part of their environment.