Leader Guide

Coloring Activity


Write the SuperVerse on the board. Matthew 9:13:

“I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

Give a coloring page to each child, along with crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers to share. Lead a discussion using the questions below as children color their pages.

  • Who is Jesus talking to in this picture? Matthew (Levi).    
  • What was his job? He collected taxes.
  • Were tax collectors popular back then? No, they were considered to be dishonest and thieves. They often collected more than they should and then kept the extra for themselves.
  • Did Matthew ask Jesus for some time to think about following Him? No, he immediately got up and left his tax booth.

Conclusion: Tax collectors were viewed as being dishonest and traitors for working for the Roman government. Imagine how surprised Jesus’ disciples must have been when He told Matthew to join them and follow Him! Jesus came for sinners; Matthew’s life was changed in a moment.