Word Search

Jesus Calls Matthew Word Search for Kids (Easy, Medium and Hard)

Free printable Jesus Calls Matthew word search in three levels, from 6 big words across and down to 16 words in every direction. Answer keys included.

Preschool–Grade 5 · Medium

Download

Free to print and copy for your church, classroom, VBS and home. Please don't resell or re-post our files; link to the page instead.

Ages: Preschool (3–5), Early Elementary (K–2), Upper Elementary (3–5)
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 10 minutes
Scripture: Matthew 9:9–13
Bible story: Jesus Calls Matthew

Use this word search after you teach Jesus Calls Matthew (Matthew 9:9–13).

The story: As Jesus passed forth, he saw a man named Matthew "sitting at the receipt of custom," the place where taxes were paid, and said unto him, "Follow me." And he arose, and followed him. As Jesus sat at meat in the house, many publicans and sinners sat down with him, and the Pharisees asked his disciples, "Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?" Jesus said, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick... for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Talk about it: Big idea: Jesus calls everyone, Follow Jesus, Turn from sin. Which word from the puzzle reminds you most of the story?

Three levels: easy (ages 4–6) has 6 big words that go only across and down; medium (grades K–2) has 10 words that also go diagonally; hard (grades 3–5) has 16 words that go every direction, even backwards. Each downloads with or without an answer key.

The Bible story

As Jesus passed forth, he saw a man named Matthew "sitting at the receipt of custom," the place where taxes were paid, and said unto him, "Follow me." And he arose, and followed him. As Jesus sat at meat in the house, many publicans and sinners sat down with him, and the Pharisees asked his disciples, "Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?" Jesus said, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick... for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Read the whole story in Matthew 9:9–13 (KJV).

Memory verse: "But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Matthew 9:13, KJV). It is printed on every level.

Words to find

Easy (ages 4–6, 6 words): Matthew, Jesus, Follow, Custom, Sinners and Mercy.
Medium (grades K–2, 10 words): Matthew, Jesus, Follow, Custom, Publicans, Sinners, Pharisees, Physician, Mercy and Repentance.
Hard (grades 3–5, 16 words): Matthew, Jesus, Follow, Custom, Publicans, Sinners, Pharisees, Physician, Mercy, Repentance, Receipt, Disciples, Master, Sacrifice, Righteous and House.

The words come from the story in Matthew 9:9–13 (KJV). Before kids start, read the words aloud together and ask where each one is in the story.

Answer keys

Each level downloads two ways: the puzzle on its own, or with a second page that shows the answer (every word circled in red). Print the key for helpers, or let kids check their own work.

More for Jesus Calls Matthew: Jesus Calls Matthew Sunday school lesson, crossword and maze.

Frequently asked questions

What ages are these Jesus Calls Matthew word searches for?

The easy one (6 big words, across and down) is for ages 4–6, the medium one (10 words, with diagonals) for kindergarten to 2nd grade, and the hard one (16 words in every direction, even backwards) for 3rd to 5th grade.

Is there an answer key?

Yes. Every level downloads with or without its answer key, which circles each word in red.

Are these word searches free?

Yes. Print as many as you need for your church, school or home. Please don't resell them.

What words are in the Jesus Calls Matthew word search?

The easy level has Matthew, Jesus, Follow, Custom, Sinners and Mercy. The medium and hard levels add more words from Matthew 9:9–13 (KJV); the full lists are on this page.