How to study Matthew (NASB)

• 1. From the first verses Matthew’s propose is clear: to show the Jesus was the long-awaited King, the son of David, the Messiah whose coming was prophesied throughout the Old Testament.

            There is a pattern to Matthew that repeats itself and divides the Gospel into six segments. Matthew presents certain facts concerning the person and work of Jesus   which he then follows with an account of Jesus’ teaching. Each teaching account is         brought to a conclusion with one of the following three phrases: “And when Jesus had    finished these words,” “finished giving instructions,” or “finished these parables.”

            Therefore before you read through Matthew chapter by chapter, mark in a distinctive way each occurrence of a dividing phrase in 7:28, 11:1, 13:53, 19:1; and 26:1.   Remember, these phrases conclude that particular teaching. Then the cycle begins again.    

• 1. Now read Matthew chapter by chapter, keeping in mind these six segments. As you read:

a)      In a distinctive way mark in the text the key words: king (kingdom, kingdom of heaven, kingdom of God), fulfilled, mark every reference to the devil or demons, covenant, Spirit (Holy Spirit), believe (faith), disciples (disciple), sign (signs), Christ (Messiah), sin (s), heart.(NASB) Mark every reference to time with a green clock. Double-underline in green all geographical location and locate them on a map.

1) List in Gospels and the Kingdom of God what you learn about the the Kingdom of God in Matthew

2) In addition to these key words, watch for other key words or phrases.

b)    Using the same color each time, underline or highlight each reference to or quotation from an Old Testament prophecy that shows Jesus as the promised King.

c) Watch for the events, work, or facts that demonstrate who Jesus Christ is.

d) When you read Jesus' teaching on a particular subject, in you notebook make a list of the main points covered in His teaching. If it is a prophetic teaching, pay attention to time phrases or indicators, including then and when. Watch for the progression of events. 

e) Record the main theme or event of each chapter in you Bible next to the chapter number and on Structure of Matthew

    3.    Chapter 26 through 28 give an account of the final events in the life of Jesus. Record the progression of events on the char The Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and The Account of Jesus' Resurrection.    Note the chapter and the verse of each insight for future reference.

    4.     When you record the circumstances surrounding the resurrection of Jesus Christ, also note any post resurrection appearances that are recorded in Matthew . After you do this for all four Gospels you will have comprehensive notes on all that took place. Remember, Luke gives the consecutive order of events and therefore becomes a chronological plumb line for the other Gospel records.

    5.    List and consolidate everything you learn from Matthew about the kingdom of God in your notebook. Be sure to note the chapter and verse for future reference.

    6.    Complete Structure of Matthew. Under "Segment Divisions," record the theme of each segment of Matthew. There is also a blank line for any other segment division you might see.    

Key Words in the NIV and KJV

Key doctrine in Matthew

1. Jesus is the Messiah - also called the Christ; prophesied in the OT as the awaited One who would die for the sins of the world (2:17, 18; 4:13-15 ; 13:35; 21:4, 5; 27:9, 10; Gen 49:10; Deut 18:15-18; 2Sam 7:12-14; Is 52:13-53:12; Dan 9:26; Mic 5:2-5; Mark 1:1; Luke 23:2, 3; John 4:26; Acts 18:28)

Worksheets

Studies on Matthew