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where did jesus find matthew and what was his occupation matthew 9:9

Jesus found Matthew in or near Capernaum , sitting at his tax collector’s booth, and Matthew’s occupation was that of a tax collector (also called a toll/customs officer).

Quick Scoop (Matthew 9:9)

“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.”

From this verse and related study notes:

  • Location: The scene occurs in and around Capernaum , a city by the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus was active in ministry.
  • Setting: Matthew is sitting at the tax collector’s booth/tax office , likely positioned on or near a border/trade route to collect customs duties.
  • Occupation: Matthew (also known as Levi) works as a tax collector , handling taxes, tolls, and customs for the Roman authorities.

So, answering the question plainly:

  1. Where did Jesus find Matthew?
    • At his tax collector’s booth in or around Capernaum , by the Sea of Galilee.
  1. What was Matthew’s occupation?
    • He was a tax collector , collecting duties and tolls, a profession despised by many fellow Jews in that time.

Mini Context: Why This Was Striking

  • Tax collectors were seen as collaborators with Rome and often suspected of corruption and overcharging.
  • Jesus deliberately calling a tax collector as a disciple shows his focus on mercy and on calling “sinners,” not just the outwardly religious.

This is why the Pharisees later questioned why Jesus ate with “tax collectors and sinners,” and Jesus replied that he came for those who are spiritually “sick,” not those who think they are already righteous.

Key Facts in Brief

  • Verse: Matthew 9:9.
  • Place: In or near Capernaum , by the Sea of Galilee.
  • Setting: A tax booth / tax office / toll booth.
  • Occupation: Tax collector (working under Roman authority, collecting tolls and customs).

Simple Takeaway

In Matthew 9:9, Jesus finds Matthew at his tax booth in Capernaum , working as a tax collector , and calls him with the words “Follow me,” which Matthew immediately obeys.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.