Matthew
Book Overview
Author: Matthew (Levi), former tax collector and apostle Date of Writing: Approximately 50-70 AD Historical Context: Written to Jewish Christians, likely before Jerusalem's destruction (70 AD) Original Audience: Jewish believers and seekers Purpose: To prove Jesus is the promised Messiah and King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy Genre: Gospel; theological biography
One-Sentence Summary
Jesus is the promised Messiah-King who fulfills Old Testament prophecy and establishes God's kingdom through His authoritative teaching, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection.
⚡ Quick Facts
Book Structure
I. The Coming of the King (1-4)
- Birth narratives and genealogy (1-2)
- John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism (3)
- Temptation and beginning of ministry (4)
II. The Sermon on the Mount (5-7)
- Kingdom ethics and righteousness
III. The Authority of the King (8-10)
- Ten miracles demonstrating power (8-9)
- Commissioning of the twelve apostles (10)
IV. Responses to the King (11-13)
- Growing opposition and rejection (11-12)
- Kingdom parables (13)
V. The Training of Disciples (14-18)
- Jesus withdraws to train the twelve (14-17)
- Church life and discipline (18)
VI. The Journey to Jerusalem (19-25)
- Teaching on the way to Jerusalem (19-20)
- Triumphal entry and temple confrontations (21-23)
- Olivet Discourse on end times (24-25)
VII. The Passion and Resurrection (26-28)
- Betrayal, trial, crucifixion (26-27)
- Resurrection and Great Commission (28)
📖 Chapter-by-Chapter Outline
✨ Key Verses
Essential passages that capture the heart of this book
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Establishes Jesus as the fulfillment of all Old Testament expectations, the central theme of Matthew's Gospel. Jesus didn't come to destroy the Hebrew Scriptures but to bring them to their intended completion in Himself.
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
Peter's confession marks the climax of Jesus' identity revelation and introduces the church that will carry His mission forward. This foundational truth—that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God—is the bedrock on which the entire church is built.
Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Jesus distills all of Scripture into two love commands, providing the interpretive key for understanding God's will. These two commands summarize the entire Old Testament and form the foundation for kingdom ethics.
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
The Great Commission extends Jesus' messianic authority to all nations and defines the church's ongoing mission. This is not merely a suggestion but a command rooted in Jesus' absolute authority, empowered by His abiding presence until He returns.
Memorization Tip: Choose one of these verses to memorize this week. Write it on a card and place it where you'll see it daily.
Key Themes & Messages
Major Themes
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Jesus as Messiah-King
- Genealogy traces Jesus to Abraham and David
- Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies emphasized throughout
- Kingdom of heaven is central message
- Jesus is the promised King of Israel
-
Fulfillment of the Old Testament
- Repeated phrase: "to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet"
- Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets
- New covenant completes and surpasses old covenant
- Bridge between Old and New Testaments
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The Kingdom of Heaven
- Jesus announces kingdom has come near
- Sermon on the Mount describes kingdom ethics
- Parables reveal kingdom mysteries
- Already present yet still coming in fullness
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Discipleship and Mission
- Call to follow Jesus and learn from Him
- Great Commission: make disciples of all nations
- Cost of discipleship clearly stated
- Commission extends beyond Israel to all peoples
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Teaching of Jesus
- Five major teaching discourses (like five books of Moses)
- Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7)
- Emphasis on Jesus as authoritative teacher
- Higher righteousness than scribes and Pharisees
Central Message
Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah-King who fulfills Old Testament prophecy and establishes God's kingdom. Jesus' teaching, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, reveals kingdom ethics that surpass external law-keeping. Though rejected by Israel's leaders, Jesus accomplishes redemption through His death and resurrection, commissioning disciples to extend His kingdom to all nations. The Gospel emphasizes Jesus' authority as King, Teacher, and Lord.
🤔 Study & Discussion Questions
Reflect on these questions personally or discuss them with your study group
📖Understanding the Text
- How does Matthew's genealogy in chapter 1 establish Jesus' credentials as the Jewish Messiah? What is significant about the inclusion of four women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba)?
- What are the five major teaching discourses in Matthew, and how do they structure the entire Gospel? Why might this echo the five books of Moses?
- How does Matthew use fulfillment quotations (e.g., "This was to fulfill what was spoken...") throughout the Gospel? What does this reveal about his purpose?
- What is the "kingdom of heaven" in Matthew? How is it both "already" present and "not yet" fully realized?
- How do the parables in chapter 13 reveal different aspects of the kingdom: its growth, value, and final judgment?
💡Applying to Life
- The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7) presents kingdom ethics that go beyond external behavior to heart attitudes. Which teaching challenges you most personally, and how can you apply it this week?
- Jesus calls His disciples to be "salt" and "light" in the world (5:13-16). What does this look like practically in your workplace, neighborhood, or family?
- In chapter 6, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be seen by others. How can you cultivate authentic, secret devotion in your giving, prayer, and fasting?
- The Great Commission (28:18-20) commands us to "make disciples of all nations." Who in your sphere of influence is God calling you to intentionally disciple?
- Jesus teaches, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (6:33). What anxieties or material concerns tempt you to prioritize the kingdom second rather than first?
✝️Theological Themes
- How does Matthew present Jesus as both the Son of David (fulfilling royal promises) and the Son of God (divine identity)? Why are both crucial?
- What is the relationship between the Old Testament Law and Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount? How does Jesus both fulfill and intensify the Law's demands?
- How does Peter's confession in 16:16-18 serve as the foundation for the church? What does Jesus mean by "on this rock I will build my church"?
- Matthew emphasizes Jesus' authority throughout the Gospel. What different kinds of authority does Jesus demonstrate (teaching, miracles, forgiveness, nature, demons)?
- How does the death and resurrection of Jesus accomplish the kingdom mission announced at the beginning of Matthew? What does Jesus' victory over death mean for the kingdom's future?
🏛️Cultural & Historical Context
- Why would Matthew's Jewish audience be particularly interested in Jesus' genealogy and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy?
- What was the role of tax collectors like Matthew in first-century Jewish society? Why was Jesus' call of Matthew and association with "sinners" so shocking?
- What were the Pharisees and Sadducees, and why did they oppose Jesus so strongly? What were their key theological differences?
- What was the significance of the temple in Jewish life, and why was Jesus' prediction of its destruction (chapter 24) so devastating?
- How does understanding the Jewish expectation of a political/military Messiah help explain Peter's rebuke of Jesus in 16:22 and the disciples' confusion about Jesus' kingdom?
📚 How to Use These Questions
Personal Reflection
Journal your thoughts and answers. Be honest about areas where you struggle or questions you have.
Group Discussion
Share different perspectives and learn from others' insights. Listen actively and ask follow-up questions.
Prayerful Meditation
Ask God to reveal truth through His Word. Let the questions lead you into deeper conversation with Him.
Practical Application
For Daily Living:
- Live Kingdom Ethics: Apply the Sermon on the Mount practically—be a peacemaker, show mercy, let your yes be yes, and go the extra mile in relationships
- Pursue Heart Righteousness: Move beyond rule-keeping to examining your heart motives in anger, lust, honesty, and love
- Practice Sacrificial Giving: Give, pray, and fast in secret for God's eyes alone, not for public recognition or approval
- Seek First God's Kingdom: Make daily decisions based on kingdom priorities rather than anxiety about material needs (Matthew 6:33)
- Make Disciples, Not Just Converts: Invest in others by teaching them to obey all Jesus commanded, not just intellectual knowledge
For Spiritual Growth:
- Memorize and meditate on Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, asking the Spirit to transform your character to match kingdom values
- Study how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy to deepen your confidence in God's faithfulness and the unity of Scripture
- Embrace Jesus' authority as King over every area of your life—relationships, finances, career, time, and priorities
- Participate actively in the Great Commission by sharing your faith and discipling others in your sphere of influence
Recommended Resources
Commentaries
Best Overall The Gospel According to Matthew (NICNT) by R.T. France - Combines scholarly depth with pastoral insight, excellent on Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
For Beginners Matthew (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by R.T. France - Clear, concise, and accessible introduction to Matthew's Gospel with practical applications.
For In-Depth Study Matthew (NIV Application Commentary) by Michael J. Wilkins - Bridges the gap between biblical text and contemporary life with rich exegesis and practical application.
Technical/Academic The Gospel According to Matthew (NIGTC) by D.A. Carson - Comprehensive scholarly treatment with extensive discussion of Greek text and interpretive issues.