Matthew Introduction

The Book of Matthew, the first Gospel in the New Testament, introduces Jesus Christ as the long-awaited Messiah and Savior. It is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Matthew, who writes to a primarily Jewish audience to prove that Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Matthew highlights Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and parables, emphasizing the Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus’ authority. Through its portrayal of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection, Matthew calls readers to follow Christ and live by the principles of His kingdom.

Chapter 1
Matthew opens by tracing Jesus’ genealogy, linking Him to Abraham and David, fulfilling Jewish messianic expectations. The chapter recounts the miraculous conception of Jesus, emphasizing that His birth fulfills prophecies. An angel reassures Joseph, encouraging him to take Mary as his wife and revealing Jesus’ role as “God with us.” The chapter introduces Jesus as both the Son of David and the Savior, sent to save His people from their sins, establishing a foundation for His redemptive mission.

Chapter 2
Wise men from the East come to worship Jesus, recognizing Him as the King of the Jews. King Herod, feeling threatened, attempts to destroy Jesus by ordering the massacre of young children in Bethlehem. Warned in a dream, Joseph flees with Mary and Jesus to Egypt, fulfilling the prophecy, “Out of Egypt I called my Son.” After Herod’s death, they return and settle in Nazareth, which fulfills additional prophecies about the Messiah’s origins and sets the stage for Jesus’ ministry.

Chapter 3
John the Baptist emerges as a prophetic figure, calling for repentance and preparing the way for Jesus. He baptizes those confessing their sins, declaring the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus comes to be baptized by John, marking the beginning of His public ministry. As Jesus rises from the water, the Spirit descends upon Him, and God’s voice affirms, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” declaring His divine mission.

Chapter 4
Jesus is led into the wilderness, where He fasts for forty days and is tempted by Satan. He resists each temptation using Scripture, proving His commitment to God’s will. Afterward, Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee, calling His first disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—to follow Him and become “fishers of men.” He teaches in synagogues, preaches about the Kingdom, and heals diseases, gathering followers eager to hear His message and witness His miracles.

Chapter 5
Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount, sharing the Beatitudes and teaching on righteousness, mercy, and purity of heart. He describes His followers as “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” urging them to let their light shine. Jesus intensifies the law’s demands, challenging His disciples to pursue genuine righteousness. He teaches on anger, adultery, oaths, and loving one’s enemies, laying out the standards for life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Chapter 6
Continuing the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to gain human approval. He teaches His followers to give, pray, and fast privately, emphasizing sincerity before God. He introduces the Lord’s Prayer, encouraging a humble, God-centered approach to prayer. Jesus also addresses materialism and anxiety, urging His followers to prioritize the Kingdom and trust God for their needs, teaching that no one can serve both God and money.

Chapter 7
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount, warning against judgmentalism and hypocrisy. He encourages persistence in prayer and treating others as one wishes to be treated, summarizing the law and prophets. Jesus speaks about the narrow gate leading to life and warns of false prophets. He emphasizes the importance of building one’s life on a solid foundation, urging His listeners to hear and do His words, as only those who obey will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Chapter 8
Jesus performs multiple healings, showcasing His power and compassion. He cleanses a leper, heals a centurion’s servant, and Peter’s mother-in-law, and calms a storm, proving His authority over illness, nature, and the spiritual realm. People are amazed by His miracles, and large crowds follow Him. Through His actions, Jesus reveals His identity and draws attention to the faith He seeks in those who come to Him for healing.

Chapter 9
Jesus continues healing and forgiving sins, illustrating His authority as the Son of Man. He calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him, challenging social norms. Religious leaders question Jesus, but He responds by emphasizing mercy over sacrifice. Jesus raises a girl from the dead, heals a woman with a blood issue, and gives sight to the blind and speech to the mute. The chapter ends with Jesus noting the great need for laborers in His harvest.

Chapter 10
Jesus commissions His twelve disciples, giving them authority to heal and cast out demons. He instructs them to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven to the lost sheep of Israel and warns of coming persecution. Jesus encourages them not to fear, reminding them of God’s care and the rewards for those who acknowledge Him before others. The chapter emphasizes the cost of discipleship, including division among family members for His sake.

Chapter 11
Jesus reassures John the Baptist, who is imprisoned, of His messianic works. He condemns the cities that witnessed His miracles but remained unrepentant, lamenting their hardness of heart. Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, presenting Himself as gentle and humble. He offers a new way of life that contrasts with the legalistic burdens imposed by religious leaders, promising rest for those who accept His yoke.

Chapter 12
Conflict grows as Jesus’ actions challenge the Pharisees. He defends His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath, asserting His lordship over it. Jesus heals a man with a withered hand, prompting the Pharisees to plot against Him. Despite their opposition, He continues healing and teaching, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. Jesus speaks about the unpardonable sin and emphasizes that those who do God’s will are His true family.

Chapter 13
Through parables, Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of Heaven. He shares the parables of the sower, weeds, mustard seed, and yeast, explaining the different ways people respond to the message of the Kingdom. The disciples receive private explanations, while the crowds hear in parables, fulfilling prophecy. Jesus emphasizes the value of the Kingdom, likening it to a hidden treasure and a pearl of great price, urging His listeners to understand its worth.

Chapter 14
Jesus performs miracles, feeding over five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. He walks on water to meet His disciples during a storm, demonstrating His divine power. Peter walks toward Jesus on the water but begins to sink when he doubts, showing the importance of faith. After saving Peter, Jesus calms the wind. The people of Gennesaret recognize Him and bring the sick to be healed by touching His garment.

Chapter 15
Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ traditions that undermine God’s commandments, teaching that inner purity matters more than ritual observance. He heals a Canaanite woman’s daughter after she demonstrates persistent faith, showing His compassion extends beyond Israel. Jesus feeds four thousand people with seven loaves and a few fish, repeating His earlier miracle and highlighting His provision for those in need.

Chapter 16
The Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign, but Jesus rebukes them for their lack of faith. He warns His disciples about the “leaven” of their teachings. Peter declares Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus promises to build His church upon this foundation of faith. Jesus predicts His suffering and resurrection, instructing His disciples to deny themselves and take up their crosses, pointing to the cost of true discipleship.

Chapter 17
Jesus is transfigured on a mountain, revealing His glory to Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elijah appear, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets, while God’s voice affirms Jesus as His Son. Later, Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon, after His disciples were unable to cast it out, emphasizing the importance of faith. He predicts His betrayal, death, and resurrection, preparing His disciples for what lies ahead.

Chapter 18
Jesus teaches about humility, warning against leading others into sin. He explains God’s care for each “lost sheep” and the importance of reconciliation within the community. Through the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus emphasizes forgiveness, urging His followers to forgive others as they have been forgiven. He stresses that forgiveness is an essential part of life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Chapter 19
Jesus addresses marriage, divorce, and celibacy, emphasizing God’s original design for marriage. He blesses children and highlights their place in the Kingdom, teaching that childlike faith is essential. A rich young man approaches Jesus, seeking eternal life, but is unwilling to give up his wealth. Jesus warns about the difficulty of the wealthy entering the Kingdom and promises rewards for those who forsake all to follow Him.

Chapter 20
Through the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, Jesus teaches about God’s grace and the equality of all in His Kingdom. He predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection for the third time. The mother of James and John requests high positions for her sons, but Jesus reminds His disciples that greatness in the Kingdom requires humility and service. Jesus heals two blind men who persistently call out to Him, showing compassion and responsiveness to faith.

Chapter 21
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, fulfilling the prophecy of a king coming on a donkey. He cleanses the temple, driving out merchants and restoring it as a place of prayer. His authority is questioned by religious leaders. Through parables, Jesus rebukes the leaders for their lack of faith and warns that the Kingdom will be given to others who produce fruit, marking a turning point in His ministry.

Chapter 22
Religious leaders question Jesus on taxes, marriage, and the greatest commandment, but He answers wisely, silencing them. Jesus highlights the importance of loving God and one’s neighbor as the foundation of the law. He challenges the Pharisees with a question about the Messiah, revealing their limited understanding. The chapter contrasts the leaders’ unbelief with Jesus’ wisdom and calls readers to true devotion.

Chapter 23
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and teachers of the law, calling them hypocrites for their outward displays of piety while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He pronounces seven woes upon them, exposing their pride and leading others astray. Jesus laments over Jerusalem, predicting its downfall due to its rejection of God’s messengers. His words reveal His grief over Israel’s spiritual blindness and His desire to gather them in.

Chapter 24
Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple and the signs of His return, warning His disciples about false prophets, persecution, and tribulations. He emphasizes vigilance, as no one knows the exact day or hour of His coming. Through parables, Jesus urges His followers to be prepared, illustrating the need for faithful stewardship and readiness for His return.

Chapter 25
In three parables—the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and Goats—Jesus teaches about the importance of being prepared, faithful, and compassionate. He emphasizes that readiness for His return involves using one’s gifts responsibly and serving others. Jesus concludes with a warning that all nations will be judged based on how they treated the “least of these,” underscoring the call to live righteously.

Chapter 26
Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples, instituting the Lord’s Supper and predicting His betrayal. In Gethsemane, He prays for strength, submitting to God’s will. Judas betrays Him, leading to His arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin. Peter denies knowing Jesus, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier prediction. The chapter captures Jesus’ suffering and the faithfulness with which He faces betrayal and impending crucifixion.

Chapter 27
Jesus is brought before Pilate, who reluctantly orders His crucifixion under pressure from the crowd. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified alongside two criminals. As He dies, the temple curtain is torn, symbolizing a new way of access to God. Jesus is buried in a tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea. His death fulfills prophecies and sets the stage for His resurrection.

Chapter 28
On the third day, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary find the tomb empty, and an angel announces Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus appears to His disciples, instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them His commandments. He promises to be with them always, even to the end of the age, commissioning His followers to spread the good news and build His Kingdom.