The Gospel According to Matthew

Introduction: How many books are in the Bible? 66 books! How many books are in the Old Testament? 39 books! What is the first book of the Bible? Genesis! What is the last book of the Old Testament? Malachi (some think he was an Italian – not really). So, if there are 39 books in the Old Testament, what number is the book of Malachi? It’s the 39th book – it is the last book of the Old Testament Scripture.

400 Years of Silence between the Testaments

Are you aware that for over 400 years there were no records of God’s speaking to His people? This is known as the silent period. It is also called the Intertestamental period. Life still went on, but no word was coming from God. BUT… then something happened – Prophecy was fulfilled. John the Baptist was born, raised, and became the herald for the KING. We have the recorded for us in the book of Matthew. Matthew bridges the gap between the Old and New Testaments. Matthew is the 40th book of the Bible. What number is the book of Matthew? The 40th book. It is the inspired record of Jesus Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection.

Insight into the Book of Matthew

Who wrote Matthew? Church fathers (Papias, Eusebius, Origen) agree that Matthew (Levi, the son of Alphaeus), one of the 12 apostles (Mark 2:14) penned this gospel. This is widely accepted.

Who was Matthew?He was a Roman tax collector (a Publican), and therefore hated by the Jews (Matthew 10:3). When Jesus called him, he left all to follow Christ (Luke 5:27-28). He made a great feat for Christ and invited sinners and tax collectors (Luke 5:29).

When was Matthew written? Sometime around A.D. 60, and before the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.

What is the Theme of the gospel of Matthew? Jesus is King and He has a Kingdom. How followers of Jesus Christ are to live in the sphere of God’s Kingdom right now.

To whom was Matthew written? It was written to the Jews. There are over 60 references to Old Testament prophecies and about 40 quotations from the Old Testament. Everything in Matthew was written to PROVE that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah of the Old Testament.

How is Matthew laid out as a book? Inside the gospel of Matthew, we will find six narrative sections (where Jesus goes and what He does) and five discourse sections (what Jesus teaches). The discourse sections all end very much alike – “when Jesus had ended these sayings,” (See Matthew 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1).

What are the Key Words used in Matthew? Fulfilled is repeated frequently, especially as related to Old Testament prophecy. Kingdom appears 55 times. Kingdom of heaven is used 35 times.

What are the Key Verses in the gospel of Matthew? Matthew 16:16-19. In that passage, we have Peter’s Great Confession,

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16).

Overview of the Gospel of Matthew

Now, I want to turn our attention to what we will be studying as we go through the Gospel of Matthew. This gospel like Mark’s gospel was used as a training manual for early Christians. This I believe is important as we travel through the 28 chapters of Matthew. We need to ask ourselves, what do I need to nail down from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ?

Keep in mind that everything we have in the Gospel of Matthew is presented to help us live inside the kingdom sphere of which Jesus Christ is the ruler.

Matthew's purpose in this book is to write an account of the good news of Jesus Christ—how Jesus came, what Jesus Christ did, what Jesus Christ said, and what Jesus Christ accomplished in His death, burial, and resurrection. These truths are intended to change our lives and the entire world. (Christ-Centered Bible Commentary)

Now, are you READY to learn about King Jesus and His Kingdom? Here we go…

I. The Introduction to the King – Matthew 1-4

These 28 chapters of Matthew provide the necessary information needed for readers to have a good understanding of who our King is.

What I am going to do in this message is provide for you an overview of where we will be going in this series. I want to quickly walk through this gospel with you. I will provide you a KEY WORD for each chapter, and then I will highlight some of the narratives and discourses that we will be looking at throughout this series.

We begin in…

Matthew 1 – Genealogy

1. The genealogy of the King – Matthew 1:1-17

This may be boring for the average reader, but not to a Jew. Jews understood the importance of knowing their ancestry. Jesus’ genealogy pinpoints his rightful place as Israel’s King.

The Virgin Birth

2. The supernatural birth of the King – Matthew 1:18-25

Jesus was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). His was supernatural birth. God was his Father, and Mary was his mother. Thus, Jesus was the Son of God.

Matthew 2 – Wise Men/Star

1. The worship of the King – the Wise Men – Matthew 2:1-12

A star appeared in the East that divinely guided the Wise Men to Jesus Christ.

2. The divine protection of the King – Matthew 2:13-15

Jesus was sent to Egypt so that He would be called from Egypt. This was to fulfill the prophecy.

3. The hometown of the King – Matthew 2:19-23

Jesus was raised in the city of Nazareth.

Matthew 3 – Announcement

1. The presentation of the King – Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist (Jesus’ cousin – 6 months older than Jesus) was the forerunner of Jesus. He was the one whom God chose to be the herald for the King. He too fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy (see Isaiah 40:1-5; Malachi 3).

2. The Baptism of the King – Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus’ baptism was what we the installation of the King. It was His anointing! Here Jesus begins His public ministry. The Holy Spirit came upon Him, and God spoke, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Draw a Triangle next to these verses. The triangle stands for the Trinity. In these verses we have the God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, and God the Father.

Matthew 4 – Victory

1. The first victory of the King – Matthew 4:1-11

For 40 days and nights, Jesus Christ was tempted by Satan. Jesus never gave in, and in the end, He was VICTORIOUS over the enemy.

Jesus showed us that it is possible to defeat Satan when we are tempted. We will all be tempted in the same way Jesus was tempted – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

2. The ministry of the King – Matthew 4:12-17

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)

The word “Repent” means to change one’s mind, and change one’s direction.

The “kingdom of heaven” has been best described as the sphere in which Jesus Christ rules.

3. The disciples of the King – Matthew 4:18-22

Here we have the four fishermen that were called to be disciples of Jesus Christ. They are Peter, Andrew, James, and John (sons of Zebedee). Two sets of brothers. Later we are introduced to the other eight.

We read,

“and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:22)

4. The healing and preaching of the King – Matthew 4:23-25

This spread his fame through all of Syria, and great multitudes followed Him.

Everything we have looked at so far is a part of the first narrative section of Matthew’s gospel. We now move into a discourse section – what Jesus taught his followers.

II. The Instructions of the King – Matthew 5-7

This second section of the Book of Matthew is commonly referred to as The Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:1, we read, “He went up on a mountain,” and in Matthew 8:1, we read, “When He had come down from the mountain,”.

What do we have in this section of the Gospel of Matthew? We have what has been called: Instructions for Kingdom Living. How to live like citizens of God’s Kingdom.

Matthew 5 - Happy

1. The Beatitudes – Matthew 5:1-12

The King teaches His disciples (followers) how to be happy living inside the sphere of the kingdom of heaven. Here we have a picture of what kingdom citizens look like to the rest of the world.

2. Salt and Light – Matthew 5:13-16

· Salt must have flavor. Be a favorable Christian.

· Light provides direction. Let Jesus shine through you.

3. Importance of God’s Word (His Commandments) – Matthew 5:17-20

How much of God’s Word is important? All of God’s Word is important. Every jot and tittle are vital. Here we get down to the very punctuation of Scripture.

4. Murder Vs. Anger – Matthew 5:21-26

5. Adultery Vs. Lust – Matthew 5:27-30

6. The utter sacredness of Marriage – Matthew 5:31-32

God hates divorce! It was NEVER a part of God’s plan for mankind.

7. The importance of truth – Matthew 5:33-37

8. Going the second mile – Matthew 5:38-42

9. Loving your enemies – Matthew 5:43-48

Talk about truth going against contemporary thought. These truths are laughed at by 21st-century educated elites.

Matthew 6 - Practices

1. Doing good for the right reasons – Matthew 6:1-4

What we do should be done for the King. We should check our motivation for what we do. This is very important. Do good for the right reasons.

2. Learning how to Pray – Matthew 6:5-15

Learn to talk to the King. Good News – We have access to the presence of the King. Learn how to talk with God. Disciples are praying people.

3. Fasting – Matthew 6:16-18

Learn to draw near to the King. Get connected to your spiritual sense. Some call this your sixth sense.

4. Laying up treasure in heaven – Matthew 6:19-21

Where are you storing up treasure? Here on earth, or sending it ahead? I encourage you to have some kingdom treasure awaiting your arrival.

5. The lamp of the body – Matthew 6:22-23

Stay healthy for the King. Your eyes have been called a window to the soul. Are your eyes healthy?

6. You cannot serve two masters – Matthew 6:24

You cannot serve two masters. You will love the one and hate the other. You cannot serve God and money. So, then, serve the King.

7. Do not worry – Matthew 6:25-34

As Kingdom citizens, we are NOT to worry about what we eat, drink, or wear. God knows our needs, and we need to TRUST Him.

Our King has our best interest in mind in all areas of our lives.

Matthew 7 – Healthy/Decisions

1. The speck Vs. the plank – Matthew 7:1-8

2. Ask, seek, and knock – Matthew 7:7-12

3. The narrow way – Matthew 7:13-14

4. How to spot a false prophet – Matthew 7:15-20

5. Not all who profess Jesus possess Jesus – Matthew 7:21-23

6. Build your house on the Rock – Matthew 7:24-28

Here we end Jesus’ first discourse. The truths He taught. What truths do we need to incorporate into our lives from this section of Scripture? Next, we move into the second narrative section of the gospel of Matthew.

III. The Miracles and Instruction of the King – Matthew 8-9

Chapter 8 - Miracles

1. Jesus heals a Leper – Matthew 8:1-4

2. Jesus heals the Centurion’s Servant – Matthew 8:5-13

3. Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law – Matthew 8:14-15

Question: Was Peter married? Yes!

4. Jesus heals demon-possessed individuals – Matthew 8:16-17

5. Jesus teaches the cost of discipleship – Matthew 8:18-22

6. Jesus rebukes the wind and the sea – Matthew 8:23-27

7. Jesus heals the demon-possessed man – Matthew 8:28-34

Chapter 9 – Compassion

1. Jesus heals the Paralytic man – Matthew 9:1-8

2. Jesus calls Matthew, the tax collector to follow Him – Matthew 9:9-13

3. Jesus is questioned about fasting – Matthew 9:14-17

4. Jesus heals a woman and raises a young girl from death – Matthew 9:18-26

5. Jesus heals two blind men – Matthew 9:27-31

6. Jesus heals a mute man – Matthew 9:32-34

7. Jesus is full of compassion – Matthew 9:35-38

This brings the second narrative section of this gospel to a close. Next, we enter Jesus’ second discourse. His instructions to His disciples.

IV. The King’s Instructions to His Disciples – Matthew 10

Matthew 10 - Discipleship

1. The Twelve called – Matthew 10:1-4

2. The Twelve sent – Matthew 10:5-15

And as you go, preach saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 10:7)

3. The Twelve warned – Matthew 10:16-26

Not everyone will want to hear you, and some will persecute you. Jesus said, “do not fear them.” (Matthew 10:26).

4. The Twelve reminded – Matthew 10:27-31

· Who to Fear – God more than man.

· Their value – More than many sparrows.

5. The Twelve teach – Matthew 10:32-42

· Confess Christ before men – Matthew 10:32-33

· Christ brings division – Matthew 10:34-39

· Give a cup of cold water – Matthew 10:40-42

What wonderful instruction from our King. Disciples are called to learn from the life of Jesus Christ. This is what we learn from this discourse.

We now want to turn our attention to the third narrative section of the gospel of Matthew. Here we discover that…

V. The King faces Opposition - Matthew 11-12

Matthew 11 - Rest

1. The King questioned by John – Matthew 11:1-19

2. The King rebukes three cities – Matthew 11:20-24

Jesus rebukes Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their unbelief and unwillingness to repent. Jesus did many mighty works in these cities and the people shrugged it off. It didn’t move them.

3. The King gives true rest – Matthew 11:25-30

Who doesn’t need true rest and inward peace? Rest and peace are found in the presence of the King.

Matthew 12 - Opposition

1. The King’s disciples are accused of breaking the law – Matthew 12:1-8

2. The King heals on the sabbath, and a plot is made against Him – Matthew 12-9-14

3. The King withdraws and heals a great multitude – Matthew 12:15-21

4. The King is accused of being controlled by Beelzebub (the prince of the devils) – Matthew 12:22-30

5. The King speaks about the Unpardonable sin – Matthew 12:31-32

6. The King tells us that a person is known by the fruit they bear – Matthew 12:33-37

7. The King refuses to put on a miracle show – Matthew 12:38-42

8. The King teaches about the power of unclean spirits – Matthew 12:43-45

9. The King teaches about the Spiritual family – Matthew 12:46-50

All of that brings the third narrative section of Matthew to a close. Next, we enter another discourse section. Here we discover that Jesus teaches in parables.

VI. The King’s Parables – Matthew 13

What is a parable? I have heard it defined as: An earthly story that reveals a heavenly truth. The word parable means, to cast alongside. Jesus tells stories that reveals spiritual truth.

Matthew 13 - Parables

1. The parable of the Sower – Matthew 13:1-9

2. The purpose of Parables – Matthew 13:10-17

3. The parable of the Sower is explained – Matthew 13:18-23

4. The parable of the Wheat and the Tares – Matthew 13:24-30

5. The parable of the Mustard Seed – Matthew 13:31-32

6. The parable of the Leaven – Matthew 13:33

7. The parables and prophecy – Matthew 13:34-35

8. The parable of the Tares explained – Matthew 13:36-43

9. The parable of the Hidden Treasure – Matthew 13:44

10. The parable of the Pearl of Great Price – Matthew 13:45-46

11. The parable of the Dragnet – Matthew 13:47-52

12. The King finishes His parables – Matthew 13:53-58

Many of the King’s parables are about the Kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:11, 24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47).

That finishes the third discourse, and we enter the fourth narrative section of Matthew’s gospel. Here we discover who Jesus Christ is.

VII. The King faces additional Opposition – Matthew 14-17

Matthew 14 – Solitude

1. Jesus is believed to be John the Baptist raised from the dead – Matthew 14:1-12

2. Jesus feeds the 5,000 – Matthew 14:13-21

3. Jesus walks on water – Matthew 14:22-33

4. Jesus is touched and many made well – Matthew 14:34-36

Matthew 15 - Faith

1. Jesus’ disciples accused of transgressing traditions – Matthew 15:1-20

2. Jesus heals a woman’s demon-possessed daughter – Matthew 15:21-28

3. Jesus heals a great multitude – Matthew 15:29-31

4. Jesus feeds the 4,000 – Matthew 15:32-39

Matthew 16 - Signs

1. Pharisees and Sadducees want a sign from Jesus – Matthew 16:1-4

The King tells the religious leaders that an adulterous generation seeks after signs.

2. Jesus teaches about the leaven of the Pharisees – Matthew 16:5-12

Leaven in the Bible is a picture of sin.

3. Jesus was proclaimed as the Son of God by Peter – Matthew 16:13-20

This is a very important section of Scripture. Every person must answer the question: Whom do you say that I am?

4. Jesus predicts His Death and Resurrection – Matthew 16:21-23

5. Jesus tells His disciples to take up the cross and follow Him – Matthew 16:24-28

The King teaches what true discipleship (following Him) looks like. One must deny himself and take up the cross and follow Jesus.

Matthew 17 - Transfiguration

1. Jesus is Transfigured before Peter, James, and John – Matthew 17:1-13

2. Jesus heals a boy with epileptic attacks – Matthew 17:14-21

3. Jesus predicts His death and Resurrection a second time – Matthew 17:22-23

4. Peter and Jesus pay their taxes – Matthew 17:24-27

That concludes the fourth narrative section, and so we again turn our attention to another discourse section – what Jesus taught.

VIII. The King Instructs His Disciples about the Church – Matthew 18

Jesus’ Kingdom has been called an upside-down Kingdom. Why? Because Jesus’ teachings go against the ebb and flow of modern thought.

Matthew 18 – Church

1. Be a servant of all – Matthew 18:1-5

This is not what we are taught today. No, we are told to look out for number one (Me, Myself, and I).

2. Don’t seek to offend – Matthew 18:6-9

3. Reach the lost – Matthew 18:10-14

4. Take care of problems – Matthew 18:15-20

5. Be quick to forgive – Matthew 18:21-35

If the Church truly lived out the truths that Jesus taught our building would be overflowing with people. We must learn to walk out these ideas that Jesus taught His disciple.

Next, we turn our attention to the fifth narrative section of Matthew’s gospel.

IX. The King’s Instructions and Miracles – Matthew 19-23

Matthew 19 – Testing

1. The King teaches about marriage and divorce – Matthew 19:1-10

2. The King teaches about celibacy – Matthew 19:11-12

3. The King teaches about the value of little children – Matthew 19:13-15

4. The King teaches the rich young ruler – Matthew 19:16-22

5. The King teaches about salvation – Matthew 19:23-30

Matthew 20 - Vineyard

1. The Parable of the workers in the Vineyard – Matthew 20:1-16

2. Jesus predicts His Death and Resurrection a third time – Matthew 20:17-19

3. Jesus teaches that greatness comes from serving others – Matthew 20:20-28

4. Jesus heals two blind men – Matthew 20:29-34

Matthew 21 - Entry

1. The King enters Jerusalem – Matthew 21:1-11

2. The King cleanses the Temple – Matthew 21:12-17

3. The King curses the Fig Tree – Matthew 21:18-19

4. The King teaches the lesson of the withered Fig Tree – Matthew 21:20-22

5. The King’s authority is questioned – Matthew 21:23-27

6. The Parable of the Two sons – Matthew 21:28-32

7. The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers – Matthew 21:33-45

Matthew 22 - Questions

1. The Parable of the Wedding Feast – Matthew 22:1-14

2. The question from the Pharisees about paying taxes – Matthew 22:15-22

The Pharisees were trying to get Jesus to say something they could use against Him.

3. The Sadducees question Jesus about the Resurrection – Matthew 22:23-33

The Sadducees didn’t believe in a resurrection.

4. The Scribes questions Jesus about the greatest Commandment – Matthew 22:34-40

Scribes were those who made copies of the Old Testament Scripture, and they knew the Law well. They too were trying to trap Jesus.

5. The King claims to be God – Matthew 22:41-46

We end the fifth narrative section and enter the fifth and final discourse section of Matthew’s writings.

Matthew 23 – Woes/Weeping

1. The King’s Woe’s – Matthew 23:1-36

These are woes given to the Scribes and the Pharisees. Jesus is talking to very religious people, who lack real genuine connection with God.

2. The King laments over Jerusalem – Matthew 23:37-39

X. The King’s Discourse – Matthew 24-25

Matthew 24 - Signs

1. The King teaches about the End of the age – Matthew 24:1-14

The signs of the Times! What could we expect to see before the Return of the King?

2. The King teaches about the Great Tribulation – Matthew 24:15-28

3. The King teaches about His Second Coming – Matthew 24:29-31

4. The King teaches the parable of the Fig Tree – Matthew 24:32-35

5. The King teaches that He is the only one who knows when He will return – Matthew 24:36-44

Never be taken in by any Bible teacher who tells you that they know the date and time when the King will return – they don’t!

6. The King teaches about being a faithful servant – Matthew 24:45-51

Matthew 25 - Ready

1. The Parable of the wise and foolish virgins – Matthew 25:1-13

2. The Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30

3. The Son of Man will judge the nations – Matthew 25:31-46

So, all that concludes the discourse sections of Matthew. We now come to the final narrative section.

XI. The King’s Qualifications – Matthew 26-28

Matthew 26 - Preparation

1. The King speaks about the plot to kill Him – Matthew 26:1-5

2. The King is anointed in Bethany – Matthew 26:6-13

3. The King is betrayed by Judas Iscariot – Matthew 26:14-16

Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty-pieces of silver. The price you would pay for a slave.

4. The King celebrates the Passover – Matthew 26:17-25

The King looks back at the sacrificial lamb and the blood that was placed on the doorpost of the Hebrews doors.

5. The King introduces the Lord’s Supper – Matthew 26:26-30

The bread is a picture of Jesus’ broken body. The cup is a picture of Jesus’ shed blood. He suffered and bled for all of us. When we partake of the elements we are testifying to His sacrifice until He returns.

6. The King predicts Peter’s denial – Matthew 26:31-35

7. The King prays in the Garden of Gethsemane – Matthew 26:36-46

8. The King is betrayed and arrested in the Garden – Matthew 26:47-56

Judas betrayed the King with a kiss. A kiss is the dearest sign of affection and friendship.

9. The King faces the court of the Sanhedrin – Matthew 26:57-68

The Sanhedrin was a group of 70 religious leaders who lead the nation of Israel.

10. The King’s disciple denies Him – Matthew 26:69-75

Matthew 27 - Crucifixion

1. The King is handed over to Pontius Pilate – Matthew 27:1-2

The Jews were not able to put a criminal to death, so they bring Jesus to stand before Pilate.

2. The King’s betrayer goes out and hangs himself – Matthew 27:3-10

3. The King stands before Pilate – Matthew 27:11-14

Jesus stays quiet before Pilate.

4. The King is delivered over to be crucified – Matthew 27:15-26

Pilate sought to release Jesus by offering to release a prisoner. The crowd cried out to release Barabbas, and to crucify Jesus.

5. The King is abused by Soldiers – Matthew 27:27-31

6. The King is nailed to the CROSS – Matthew 27:32-44

7. The King expires on the CROSS – Matthew 27:45-56

8. The King is buried in Joseph’s Tomb – Matthew 27:57-61

9. The King’s Tomb is made secure – Matthew 27:62-66

Pilate didn’t want anyone to say that Jesus’ body was stolen. Soldiers were placed at the tomb, and the tomb was sealed. This made the tome very secure. And don’t forget that a large rock was rolled in front of the entrance.

Matthew 28 – Resurrection/Appearance

1. The King rises from the Dead – Matthew 28:1-8

Death could not stop the King. “He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:6).

2. The King appears to the women – Matthew 28:9-10

3. The King’s resurrection covered up – Matthew 28:11-15

Many today continue to try and cover up the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. They say, “Impossible.” God says, “POSSIBLE.” All things are possible for God. Nothing is too hard for Him.

4. The King shares the Great Commission – Matthew 28:16-20

What is the Great Commission? It is the command to EVANGELIZE! We are to take the message of the gospel and share it at home and around the world.

Look at the last part of verse 20,

“and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

This is a play on the King's name: Immanuel, which means: God with us.

Conclusion: Are you excited about the gospel of Matthew? I am. Each message will be independent, but a part of the whole. We are going to get insight into the King and His kingdom. So, then, what can you do to prepare?

1. Read through the gospel of Matthew.

2. Pray that your heart will be receptive to God’s Word.

3. Surrender yourself to live in the sphere of God’s Kingdom.

4. Learn what it means to be a true disciple.

5. Be ready to make a difference in the world.