Book of Matthew

New Testament – 
A New Beginning: Discover the Bible Through Matthew

  • The Book of Matthew introduces us to Jesus—the teacher, the healer, the Savior. Whether you’ve tried reading the Bible before or this is your first time, Matthew offers a fresh start. Join us as we explore his life, his words, and what they mean for us today.

Summary of Matthew

  • The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. Written to a primarily Jewish audience, Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The book follows Jesus’ birth, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection, emphasizing his role as the King and Savior of all people.
  • Matthew includes well-known teachings like the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), parables about the Kingdom of God, and Jesus’ great commission to his followers. The book highlights Jesus’ authority, not only over nature and illness but also in his ability to forgive sins and bring people into God’s kingdom.

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Key Themes in Matthew

  1. Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy

    • Matthew repeatedly connects Jesus’ life to Old Testament prophecies, showing that he is the Messiah Israel had been waiting for.
    • Example: Matthew 1:22-23 cites Isaiah’s prophecy about the virgin birth.

  2. The Kingdom of Heaven

    • Unlike the other Gospels, Matthew often refers to God’s rule as the “Kingdom of Heaven” instead of the “Kingdom of God.”
    • Jesus describes what it means to live as a citizen of this kingdom through parables and teachings.

  3. Jesus as a Teacher (The New Moses)

    • Matthew portrays Jesus as the ultimate teacher, giving new interpretations of God’s law.
    • The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is one of the most famous collections of Jesus’ teachings.

  4. Faith and Discipleship

    • Jesus calls people to follow him, teaching that true discipleship involves faith, humility, and love.
    • His interactions with his disciples highlight their growth in understanding who he is.

  5. Conflict with Religious Leaders

    • Matthew frequently depicts Jesus confronting the Pharisees and other religious leaders for their hypocrisy.
    • Jesus teaches that righteousness comes from the heart, not just following religious rules.

  6. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus

    • The climax of Matthew’s Gospel is Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, proving his victory over sin and death.
    • The book ends with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus commands his followers to spread his message to the world.

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Historical Context of Matthew

  • Authorship: Traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), a tax collector and one of Jesus’ twelve disciples.
  • Date Written: Likely between AD 50–80, making it one of the earliest Gospel accounts.
  • Audience: Primarily Jewish Christians, which is why Matthew emphasizes Old Testament references and Jewish customs.
  • Roman and Jewish World:
    • At the time, Rome ruled over Judea, and Jewish people were waiting for a Messiah to free them.
    • Many Jews expected a political leader, but Matthew presents Jesus as a different kind of King—one who rules through love and sacrifice rather than military power.

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Why Read Matthew?

  • If you’re new to the Bible, Matthew is a great place to start. It gives a clear picture of Jesus—his life, teachings, and purpose—while connecting his story to the bigger picture of God’s plan.

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The Book of Matthew: Interesting Facts & Reflections

1. Matthew Was a Tax Collector

Before following Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector—a profession often associated with corruption. His transformation into a disciple shows that no one is beyond redemption.

  • Reflection: Have you ever felt unworthy of a fresh start? How does Matthew’s story encourage you?

2. More Old Testament References Than Any Other Gospel

Matthew quotes or alludes to the Old Testament over 60 times, proving Jesus is the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.

  • Reflection: How does seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy impact your understanding of him?

3. The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew contains the famous Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), where Jesus introduces the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and teachings on love, forgiveness, and righteousness.

  • Reflection: Which part of the Sermon on the Mount stands out to you the most, and why?

4. The Phrase “Kingdom of Heaven”

Unlike the other Gospels, Matthew almost always uses “Kingdom of Heaven” instead of “Kingdom of God.” This may have been out of reverence for God’s name.

  • Reflection: What does it mean for you to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven in your daily life?

5. The Genealogy of Jesus

Matthew begins with Jesus’ family tree, tracing his lineage back to Abraham and King David to highlight his royal and prophetic heritage.

  • Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus’ ancestors weren’t perfect encourage you about your own faith journey?

6. The Visit of the Wise Men

Unlike Luke, Matthew is the only Gospel to mention the wise men (Magi) who traveled from the East, following a star, to honor Jesus as King.

  • Reflection: The Magi sought truth and recognized Jesus when many others did not. How are you seeking spiritual truth in your own life?

7. Jesus as the “New Moses”

Matthew presents Jesus as a New Moses—leading people to freedom, giving a new law in the Sermon on the Mount, and even surviving a king’s attempt to kill him as a baby (just like Moses in Exodus).

  • Reflection: What areas of your life do you need Jesus to bring freedom to?

8. The Great Commission

Matthew ends with Jesus’ final command: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). This mission continues today.

  • Reflection: In what ways can you live out the Great Commission in your own life?

9. Matthew’s Gospel Was Designed to Be Heard

Most people in the ancient world couldn’t read, so Matthew’s structured writing made it easy to listen to, memorize, and share.

  • Reflection: How can hearing the Bible read aloud or discussing it with others deepen your understanding?

10. The Parables of Jesus

Matthew includes 23 parables, more than any other Gospel, using simple yet powerful stories to reveal deep truths.

  • Reflection: Which parable in Matthew speaks to you the most, and how can you apply its lesson to your life?
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Study Guide Topics for Matthew

  • The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus (Matthew 1–2)

    • Key Questions:
      • Why does Matthew start with a genealogy?
      • How does Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth connect to Old Testament prophecy?

    • Reflection:
      • What does the fulfillment of prophecy tell us about God’s plan?

  • The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)

    • Key Questions:
      • What are the Beatitudes, and why are they important?
      • How does Jesus redefine righteousness in this sermon?

    • Reflection:
      • Which teaching from the Sermon on the Mount challenges you the most?

  • Jesus’ Miracles and Their Meaning (Matthew 8–9)

    • Key Questions:
      • How do Jesus’ miracles reveal his authority?
      • Why does Jesus emphasize faith when healing people?

    • Reflection:
      • How do these miracles demonstrate God’s care for individuals?

  • The Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13)

    • Key Questions:
      • What do the parables of the sower, the mustard seed, and the hidden treasure teach about the Kingdom of God?
      • Why did Jesus teach in parables?

    • Reflection:
      • Which parable resonates with your faith journey?

  • Peter’s Confession and the Transfiguration (Matthew 16–17)

    • Key Questions:
      • What does Peter’s declaration of Jesus as the Messiah reveal?
      • What is the significance of the Transfiguration?

    • Reflection:
      • How does recognizing Jesus as the Messiah change one’s perspective on faith?

  • Jesus’ Teachings on Forgiveness and Humility (Matthew 18)

    • Key Questions:
      • What does the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant teach about grace?
      • How does Jesus emphasize humility and childlike faith?

    • Reflection:
      • How does this chapter challenge how you handle forgiveness?

  • Jesus’ Triumphal Entry and Cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 21)

    • Key Questions:
      • How does Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem fulfill prophecy?
      • Why does Jesus drive out the money changers in the temple?

    • Reflection:
      • How can we ensure our worship is genuine and not driven by self-interest?

  • The Olivet Discourse – End Times Teachings (Matthew 24–25)

    • Key Questions:
      • What warnings does Jesus give about the end times?
      • What do the parables of the ten virgins and the talents teach about readiness?

    • Reflection:
      • How does Jesus’ teaching on watchfulness shape your faith?

  • The Last Supper and Jesus’ Betrayal (Matthew 26)

    • Key Questions:
      • What is the significance of Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper?
      • Why does Jesus predict Peter’s denial?

    • Reflection:
      • How does remembering the Last Supper strengthen our relationship with Christ?

  • The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 27–28)

    • Key Questions:
      • Why does Matthew emphasize the events surrounding Jesus’ death?
      • How does the resurrection confirm Jesus’ identity?

    • Reflection:
      • How does the resurrection give hope and purpose to believers today?