3D Bible story ornament

Jesus Calls Matthew 3D Bible Story Ornament

A printable 3D Bible story ornament based on Jesus Calls Matthew. Children colour, cut, fold and glue the story circles to make a three-dimensional paper ornament. The story teaches that Jesus calls us to follow Him no matter who we are.

Suggested ages
8–12 years
Activity time
45–75 min
Difficulty
Moderate

English

Age, time and difficulty are planning guides. Check the preparation notes for adult help.

$3.15 USD

One-time purchase

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Digital download · No physical item shipped

What’s included

  • Illustrated story-circle templates for a 3D paper ornament
  • A4 & US Letter Sizes Included
  • Includes 8 illustrated story circles
  • Colour, cut, fold & glue to create a 3D paper ornament

Your download files

  • JesusCallsMatthew.pdf: 2 pages
  • OrnamentInstruction.pdf: 1 page

File inventory and page counts checked against the originals. Page counts include any instruction pages. Please check the preparation notes before printing for a group.

Getting ready

Age & adult help

Repeated circle folds and accurate gluing make this a more involved paper construction.

Help with matching folds and gluing the sections evenly. An adult can assemble the ornament after younger children colour the pieces.

What you’ll need

Printer, paper or light card, colouring pencils or crayons, scissors, glue. String is optional if the finished ornament is hung.

Time & preparation

One ornament, including colouring, cutting and assembly. Teaching time is additional.
Age is an editorial estimate for the motor and reading demands of this format. Difficulty, completion time and suggested tools are planning estimates, not build-tested.

Check the file before you print for a group, and allow for any extra help the kids might need.

Printing tips

The story behind the craft

Bible passage: Matthew 9:9–13

Jesus calls Matthew from the tax booth, and Matthew follows. A meal with tax collectors and other people attracts criticism, and Jesus answers with words about mercy and his purpose in calling sinners.

Main takeaway: Jesus’ invitation and table challenge exclusion and call people towards change.

Before you hang the ornament

Read the illustrated story circles in sequence before joining them and adding the hanging thread.

Notice the tax booth, the call and the shared meal. Keep Matthew’s individual call distinct from the lakeside fishermen.

Younger learners can name a pictured moment with adult support. Older learners can explain how that moment connects with the one before and after it.

Questions to explore

  • Where was Matthew when Jesus called?
  • Why did others object to the meal?
  • How can welcome and an invitation to change belong together?

Common questions

What files are included in this download?

The download contains 2 PDFs with 3 pages in total: JesusCallsMatthew.pdf (2 pages); OrnamentInstruction.pdf (1 page). This is the English edition. You print the files yourself; physical supplies are not included.

How does this become a hanging ornament?

Colour and cut the story circles, fold each in half and glue the blank sides together in the indicated order. Before joining the final halves, place hanging thread between them and secure it with glue or tape. Open the sections into the finished ornament. For a Bible reading to accompany this activity, use Matthew 9:9–13.

Which pages should I print, and at what size?

The original PDF pages are A4 portrait. JesusCallsMatthew.pdf: print the pages you want to use for each learner or group. OrnamentInstruction.pdf: keep as a shared assembly guide. Print single-sided. On US Letter paper, select Letter and Fit or shrink to the printable area; the originals are not separate Letter-sized files.

What supplies and preparation does this need?

Paper, colouring pencils, scissors, glue and a short piece of thread or ribbon. An adult should help align the folds and attach the hanging loop.

What help might children need with this activity?

Suggested ages: 8–12 years. Help with matching folds and gluing the sections evenly. An adult can assemble the ornament after younger children colour the pieces. Adjust this guide for the child’s reading and making skills.

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