Sermons on tax collectors and harlots:

Paid In Full: Matthew Series

Contributed by Stewart Holloway on Feb 7, 2007

During this series we will look at seven people who came in contact with Jesus, met the penetrating eyes of Jesus, responded to the offer of Jesus, and were made new by the transforming power of Jesus. Matthew the tax collector saw his sin debt paid in fu

INTRODUCTION TO SERIES AND SERMON (from pulpit) False gods – the gods people make up – despise sinners. But the one true God loves sinners (Manning, Ragamuffin Gospel, 22). Brennan Manning, author of The Ragamuffin Gospel says, “Whatever our failings may be, we need not lower our eyes in the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Baptist

I Want To See Jesus! Series

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Oct 13, 2016

In this passage Luke shares with us the story of Zacchaeus - a chief tax collector who 1. Wanted to see Jesus 2. Wo possessed a spirit of humility 3. Who opened his heart and home to Jesus and 4. Who displayed the heart and life of righteousness

Scripture: Luke 19:1-9; Psalms 119:137 - 144; Isaiah 1:1-10 Theme: Seeking to See Jesus Title: Zacchaeus - The Righteous One In this passage Luke shares with us the story of Zacchaeus - a chief tax collector who 1. Wanted to see Jesus 2. Wo possessed a spirit of humility 3. Who opened ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Nazarene

"They Both Came Too Pray"

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Oct 21, 2010

The parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector.... one represents all people through history who seek to find "their" own "way" to justify themselves.... and one represents the one who finds Jesus and knows that by faith God sees him/her "just as if I

In Jesus Holy Name October 24, 2010 Text: Luke 18:9-14 Redeemer “They Both Came to Pray” During the past Sundays our Sunday morning Gospel lessons have been moving us through the Gospel of Luke. In Luke 14 Jesus told his disciples about the “cost of being a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Compassionate Grace

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Mar 20, 2016

Jesus was never to busy to stop and help whoever was in need. Wether a tax collector, or a rich young ruler. He showed grace to everyone, all the way to the cross. If we call ourselves Christian and we are Christ, shouldn't we be willing to do the same?

Compassionate Grace Matthew 18:35-42 NKJ 35 Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. 36 And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. 37 So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he cried out, saying, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:35-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus' Best Joke? Series

Contributed by David Smith on Nov 2, 2010

Luke chapter 18: "Jesus told them another joke", we are told, "and He told this one to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and looked down on others." Did you hear the one about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector who wandered into the

Now I know I’m being a little free with my translation here. I know most translations say that Jesus told them a 'parable' rather than a 'joke', but I'm not the first person to suggest that 'joke' is actually a very good translation. # Did you here the one about the frog and the scorpion who were ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Saviour And A Sinful Servant

Contributed by Larry Grant on Apr 6, 2024

John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'

Luke 7:36-50 (NKJV) The Saviour and a Sinful Servant April 7, 2024 There are two servants here, the Pharisee serving dinner and a Prostitute serving kindness. There are also two sinners here, Simon the Pharisee in contempt and arrogance and this unnamed Sinner who was well known in her community. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Baptist

Good Debt (Not What You Think!)

Contributed by Monty Newton on Sep 8, 2014

We are called to be good citizens, good neighbors and good examples... living decent lives for all to see.

Title: Good Debt (Not What You Think!) Text: Romans 13:8-14 Thesis: We are called to be good citizens, good neighbors and good examples… living decent lives for all to see. Introduction Debt has a number of categories… one is Government debt. The Urban Dictionary defines debt simply ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:6-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Character Study Of Matthew (Levi) Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 25, 2025

Matthew’s life is a testimony of God’s transforming power. He went from being a despised tax collector to a devoted disciple and Gospel writer. His decision to follow Jesus changed not only his own life but also the lives of millions through his Gospel.

CHARACTER STUDY OF MATTHEW (LEVI) – FORMER TAX COLLECTOR, WRITER OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Matthew 9:9 "As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he arose and followed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32, Matthew 10:3

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Tricky Words, Tricky Questions”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Oct 16, 2020

Taxes, Taxes California is considering a "Wealth and Exit Tax" Religious leaders need Jesus dead. Jesus would have said, "Whose image is on you?" “Are you reflecting God’s character?” if the discussion continued. It did not.

In Jesus Holy Name October 18, 2020 Text: Matthew 21:45,46a, 22:15 Redeemer “Tricky Words, Tricky Questions” Benjamin Franklin has often been quoted as saying, "In this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes." Many have figured out ways ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15, Luke 20:20-26

Denomination: Lutheran

Show Me The Money! Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Aug 20, 2012

Jesus' response to the Pharisees and the Herodians when they tried to trick him with a question about taxes.

INTRODUCTION Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding, Jr. starred in the 1996 movie, “Jerry McGuire.” Tom Cruise played a sports agent with only one client. Cuba Gooding, Jr. played an NFL receiver who made the line, “Show me the money, Jerry! Show me the money!” famous. In our passage ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22

Denomination: Baptist

Conspiracy With A Coin Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 6, 2018

As Jesus continued within the Temple, He was confronted about the lawfulness of paying taxes. Those who opposed Him sought to find further accusation. In Jesus' response, we find wisdom for our lives - taxes, tithes, and submission.

Conspiracy with a Coin Mark 12: 13-17 As we continue through Mark’s gospel, I want to offer a reminder of the volatile environment in which Jesus walked at this time. He is in the last few days prior to the crucifixion. Having entered Jerusalem triumphantly, He had returned twice since, entering ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Transferring Ownership Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Oct 5, 2017

We owe the One who owns us.

Many years ago, when Ronald Reagan was President, a little boy wanted $50 very badly and prayed for a whole week. When nothing happened he decided to write God a letter. When the Post Office received the letter addressed to God they forwarded it to the White House. President Reagan was both ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Stewardship

Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on Feb 2, 2013

We should know how to manage money if we are to be good stewards of the money resources God has entrusted to us.

Stewardship We should know how to manage money if we are to be good stewards of the money resources God has entrusted to us. UNDERSTANDING STEWARDSHIP Luke 12:42-46 - Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:42-46

Denomination: Charismatic

Who Gave You This Authority?

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 4, 2023

The masterful answers of the Master.

WHO GAVE YOU THIS AUTHORITY? Luke 20:1-26. 1. The authority of Jesus questioned (Luke 20:1-8). This conversation follows hard on the heels of Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple (Luke 19:45-48) “Who gave you this authority?” demanded the Temple authorities, and the leaders of the people (Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:1-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Twenty-Ninth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A--Church And State

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Sep 3, 2023

Otherwise, politics is about "bread and circuses."

Have you ever noticed that when you combine the two words, “THE” and “IRS,” it spells “THEIRS”? At one and the same time Jesus affirmed the rights of the state and freedom of conscience to worship and serve God. By allowing Caesar to collect taxes, Jesus opposes the Pharisees by acknowledging ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-21

Denomination: Catholic