Central truth: Matthew was written to reveal Jesus as the promised Messiah and King, explain the nature of His kingdom, and teach believers how to live as His disciples.
Matthew 1:1
Matthew 1:21–23
Matthew 4:17
Matthew 5:17
Matthew 16:13–17
Matthew 28:18–20
OPENING ILLUSTRATION
Imagine entering a room while a movie is already playing.
A king has appeared, enemies are opposing him, and people are deciding whether to follow him.
But because you missed the beginning, you do not understand who the king is, what promises were made, or why everyone is waiting for him.
The New Testament can feel like that if we do not understand the Old Testament.
Matthew helps us understand the whole story.
It connects the promises of the Old Testament with their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Matthew’s message is that Jesus did not appear unexpectedly or begin a completely unrelated religion.
He is the fulfillment of the plan God had been revealing throughout Scripture.
The Old Testament ends with God’s people waiting.
Matthew begins by declaring that the One they were waiting for has arrived.
The first verse announces:
“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
—Matthew 1:1
Before Matthew tells us what Jesus did, he tells us who Jesus is.
PART ONE: UNDERSTANDING MATTHEW AND HIS WORLD
What is a Gospel?
The word translated “gospel” comes from the Greek word euangelion, meaning good news.
In the Roman world, the word could be used for an announcement concerning a victory, a new ruler, or an important event.
The Christian gospel announces the greatest news of all: God has acted through Jesus Christ to save sinners and establish His kingdom.
The four Gospels are:
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
They are not four contradictory stories about Jesus.
They are four inspired witnesses that present the same Jesus with different emphases.
Matthew especially emphasizes Jesus as:
The promised Messiah
The Son of David
The King of Israel
The new and greater Moses
The Son of God
Immanuel, “God with us”
The Teacher of God’s Kingdom
The crucified and risen Lord
Matthew is not merely a modern biography.
He records real historical events, but he carefully arranges the material to reveal the identity and mission of Jesus.
Matthew does not only want us to know what happened.
He wants us to understand what the events mean.
Who Was Matthew?
The Gospel does not name its author within the text.
However, the consistent testimony of the early church identifies its writer as Matthew, one of the twelve apostles.
Matthew was also known as Levi.
Mark 2:14 and Luke 5:27 call the tax collector Levi, while Matthew 9:9 calls him Matthew.
It was common in the ancient world for a person to be known by more than one name.
Before following Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector.
Read Matthew 9:9–13.
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Tax collectors were hated by many Jewish people because they worked for the Roman system.
Rome controlled the land and collected taxes from the population.
Tax collectors could increase the required amount and keep the additional money for themselves.
Consequently, they were commonly viewed as:
Traitors to their people
Corrupt and dishonest
Friends of Rome
Spiritually unclean
Unworthy of religious respect
Matthew was not someone the religious leaders would have chosen to represent God.
Yet Jesus approached him and said:
“Follow me.”
The word translated “follow” comes from the Greek verb akoloutheō.
In this setting, it means more than walking behind someone.
It describes becoming attached to a teacher as a committed disciple.
Jesus was not simply inviting Matthew to attend a meeting.
He was calling Matthew to leave his former way of life and place himself under the authority of Jesus.
Matthew got up and followed Him.
Matthew’s calling reveals the message of grace
Matthew’s life is a picture of the gospel he would later proclaim.
Jesus did not call Matthew because Matthew had earned a place among the disciples.
Jesus called him by grace.
Matthew went from serving Rome’s financial system to serving God’s kingdom.
He went from collecting taxes to proclaiming grace.
He went from being rejected by religious society to becoming an apostle of Jesus Christ.
After being called, Matthew held a meal where other tax collectors and sinners could meet Jesus.
When the Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with them, Jesus responded:
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
—Matthew 9:12
Jesus was not saying that some people have no sin.
He was confronting people who refused to recognize their spiritual sickness.
A person who thinks he is spiritually healthy will not seek a physician.
A person who recognizes his sin will understand his need for a Savior.
Matthew knew from personal experience that Jesus came to call sinners.
When was Matthew written?
The Gospel does not provide an exact date.
Some scholars place its writing before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, possibly during the AD 50s or 60s.
Others place it later in the first century, often between AD 70 and 90.
Facts: AD starts after Jesus was born, not after he died.
It stands for Anno Domini, a Latin phrase meaning "in the year of our Lord"
BC stands for "Before Christ" and counts down to his birth.
AD starts counting up right at his estimated birth year (1 AD).
The Living Years: If AD meant "after death," the roughly 30 to 33 years Jesus was alive would not fit into either BC or AD.
Believers should not be disturbed by this discussion.
The exact year does not change the message or authority of the book.
What is clear is that Matthew was written while the early church was growing and learning how to fulfill the mission Jesus had given it.
Christians needed to understand:
How Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament
Why He was the promised Messiah
Why many religious leaders rejected Him
How Jews and Gentiles fit into God’s saving plan
What the kingdom of heaven means
How disciples of Jesus should live
How the church should carry the gospel to all nations
To Whom Was Matthew Written?
Matthew appears to have written for readers who possessed considerable knowledge of the Old Testament and Jewish life. The Jewish People.
Evidence of this includes:
Matthew’s many Old Testament quotations
His emphasis on fulfilled prophecy
His discussion of the Law of Moses
His use of Jewish titles such as “Son of David”
His frequent use of the expression “kingdom of heaven”
His attention to Jewish religious practices and debates
However, Matthew was not teaching that salvation belonged only to Jewish people.
From the beginning, he shows that God’s plan includes the Gentile nations.
For example:
Gentile women appear in Jesus’ genealogy.
Wise men from the east worship Jesus.
Jesus praises the faith of a Roman centurion.
Jesus ministers to a Canaanite woman.
Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations.
Matthew shows that Jesus is Israel’s promised Messiah, but He is also the Savior and King for people from every nation.
THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Period between the Testaments
The Old Testament closes with the book of Malachi.
The New Testament begins approximately four centuries later.
This period is sometimes called the “silent years.”
This does not mean God had stopped working.
It means that no new book of canonical Scripture was being produced and no widely recognized prophetic voice like Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Malachi had arisen.
During this period, major political changes occurred.
The Persian Empire was eventually defeated by Alexander the Great.
Greek language and culture spread widely.
Following Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals.
The Jewish people later experienced severe persecution under the Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV.
This led to the Maccabean revolt and a period of Jewish independence.
Eventually, Rome gained control of the region.
By the time Jesus was born, the Jewish people were living under Roman authority.
The Greek language helped the gospel spread across nations, while Roman roads and political organization made travel easier.
Even through empires that did not worship Him, God was preparing the historical setting for the coming and proclamation of Christ.
Roman Occupation
Rome controlled the land during the time of Jesus.
Herod the Great ruled as a king under Roman authority when Jesus was born.
He was a skilled builder and politician, but he was also jealous, violent, and willing to kill anyone he considered a threat.
This explains why Herod reacted so violently when the wise men spoke of a newborn “king of the Jews.”
Later, Roman governors such as Pontius Pilate exercised political authority.
Roman soldiers were visible reminders that Israel was not politically free.
The Jewish people paid taxes to Rome.
Many longed for deliverance.
Some expected the Messiah to become a military leader who would overthrow Rome.
Jesus came as King, but He did not first come to lead a political revolution.
He came to deal with humanity’s deepest enemy: SIN.
Matthew 1:21 explains:
“You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning “the Lord saves.”
Many people wanted salvation from Rome.
Jesus came to provide a greater salvation—from guilt, sin, judgment, Satan, and death.
THE RELIGIOUS ENVIRONMENT
Several religious and political groups appear throughout Matthew.
The Pharisees emphasized obedience to the Law and the traditions that had developed around it.
Some may have been sincere in their desire for holiness, but many gave greater attention to outward religious performance than inward transformation.
Jesus confronted their hypocrisy, pride, and misuse of Scripture.
The Sadducees
The Sadducees were often wealthy and politically connected.
Many were associated with the priesthood and temple leadership.
They rejected several beliefs held by the Pharisees, including the resurrection of the dead.
The Teachers of the Law
The teachers of the Law, or scribes, were experts in studying and interpreting the Scriptures.
They possessed extensive biblical knowledge, but many failed to recognize the Messiah to whom those Scriptures pointed.
Differences between Pharisees, Sadducees, and Teachers of the Law
Pharisees
Believed in the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits.
Accepted the Scriptures and also followed religious traditions passed down by Jewish teachers.
Emphasized strict obedience, purity, fasting, tithing, and Sabbath rules.
Had strong influence among ordinary people and in local synagogues.
Jesus often confronted them when their traditions and outward religious appearance became more important than genuine obedience to God.
Sadducees
Did not believe in the resurrection, angels, or spirits.
Focused mainly on the written Law of Moses.
Were closely connected to wealthy priestly families, the Jerusalem Temple, and the Sanhedrin.
Often cooperated with Roman authorities to protect their political position and maintain order.
They opposed Jesus partly because His ministry threatened their authority and challenged their beliefs.
Teachers of the Law
Also called scribes or experts in the Law.
Studied, copied, interpreted, and taught the Scriptures.
Helped people understand how the Law of Moses should be applied in daily life.
Many teachers of the Law were connected with the Pharisees, although the two terms did not mean exactly the same thing.
Jesus criticized those who knew and taught the Law but failed to practice justice, mercy, humility, and sincere faith.
These groups were different, but they sometimes worked together in opposing Jesus because He challenged their teachings, hypocrisy, influence, and authority.
The Zealots
The Zealots opposed Roman control.
Some believed armed resistance was necessary to free Israel.
Ordinary people
Most people were workers, farmers, fishermen, craftsmen, mothers, children, servants, and the poor.
Many struggled under taxation, sickness, spiritual oppression, and religious burdens.
Jesus showed compassion toward people who were ignored or rejected by society.
An important caution is necessary: Matthew must not be interpreted as Christianity attacking the Jewish people.
Jesus, His apostles, and the earliest believers were Jewish.
Matthew records Jesus confronting unbelief and religious hypocrisy, not condemning an ethnic group.
PART TWO: THREE REASONS MATTHEW WAS WRITTEN
1. Matthew Was Written to Reveal Jesus as the Promised Messiah and King
Matthew begins with these words:
“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Every part of that statement carries theological meaning.
“The genealogy”
The Greek expression is biblos geneseōs.
It can mean “book of genealogy,” “record of origin,” or “account of beginning.”
The word geneseōs is related to the word from which we get Genesis.
Similar language appears in the Greek translation of Genesis.
Matthew may be signaling that the coming of Jesus marks a new beginning in God’s work.
The first creation was damaged by human sin.
Through Jesus, God begins His work of new creation and redemption.
The genealogy is therefore not a meaningless list of names.
It announces that Jesus entered real human history and that God remained faithful across generations.
“Jesus”
The name Jesus means “the Lord saves.”
Matthew immediately explains what kind of salvation Jesus brings:
“He will save his people from their sins.”
—Matthew 1:21
Sin is not merely making mistakes.
Sin is rebellion against God’s authority.
It produces guilt, corruption, separation from God, broken relationships, and death.
Jesus did not come only to improve people’s circumstances.
He came to rescue sinners from sin’s guilt and power.
“The Messiah”
The Greek word is Christos, meaning “Anointed One.”
It corresponds to the Hebrew title Messiah.
“Christ” is not Jesus’ last name.
It is His title.
In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and sometimes prophets were anointed for God’s service.
The title Messiah came to represent the promised Deliverer who would fulfill God’s saving purposes.
By calling Jesus “the Christ,” Matthew declares that Jesus is the One whom God promised.
“Son of David”
God made a covenant with King David.
He promised that a descendant of David would possess an enduring kingdom.
Read 2 Samuel 7:12–16.
12 When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. 15 But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me[a]; your throne will be established forever.’”
The title “Son of David” therefore identifies Jesus as the promised royal King.
Jesus is not merely another ruler in David’s family.
He is the final and greater Davidic King.
Human kings die and their kingdoms fall, but Jesus rose from the dead and possesses an eternal kingdom.
Throughout Matthew, people call Jesus “Son of David.”
Even when He is crucified, the sign over His head identifies Him as the King of the Jews.
The cross appeared to be the defeat of the King.
In reality, it was how the King gave His life to save His people.
“Son of Abraham”
God promised Abraham:
“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
—Genesis 12:3
By calling Jesus the Son of Abraham, Matthew connects Him with God’s promise to bless the nations.
Jesus came through Israel, but He did not come for Israel alone.
Through Jesus, God’s blessing is extended to every nation.
Jesus fulfills Scripture
Matthew repeatedly uses statements such as:
“This took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet.”
The Greek word translated “fulfill” is plēroō.
It means to fill up, bring to completion, or accomplish.
Fulfillment is more than Jesus matching a list of predictions.
Jesus brings the entire Old Testament story to its intended goal.
He fulfills:
The promises given to Abraham
The covenant given to David
The meaning of Israel’s history
The sacrificial system
The Law
The prophets
The expectation of God’s kingdom
Jesus said:
“I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
—Matthew 5:17
Jesus did not come to declare the Old Testament useless.
He came to bring its promises, patterns, sacrifices, and expectations to completion.
Jesus is the New and Greater Moses
Matthew presents several parallels between Moses and Jesus:
A wicked ruler tried to kill both of them as infants.
Both came out of Egypt.
Both passed through water before entering a period of testing.
Both went into the wilderness.
Both went up a mountain to deliver God’s instruction.
Both miraculously provided food in the wilderness.
However, Jesus is greater than Moses.
Moses received God’s Law.
Jesus speaks with divine authority.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeatedly says:
“You have heard that it was said … but I tell you.”
Jesus is not correcting mistakes in God’s Word.
He is correcting shallow and distorted interpretations of God’s Word.
He reveals the Law’s true intention and exposes the condition of the human heart.
Jesus is Immanuel
Matthew 1:23 calls Jesus Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”
This theme frames the entire Gospel.
Near the beginning, Jesus is called “God with us.”
At the end, the risen Jesus promises:
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
—Matthew 28:20
Matthew begins and ends with the presence of Jesus.
Jesus is not simply a messenger who tells us how to find God.
In Jesus, God has come near to us.
2. Matthew Was Written to Explain God’s Kingdom and True Discipleship
One of Matthew’s most important expressions is “the kingdom of heaven.”
The Greek phrase is basileia tōn ouranōn.
The word basileia refers primarily to kingship, rule, reign, or royal authority.
Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is not merely a place people enter after death.
It is God exercising His saving rule.
The expression “heaven” does not mean the kingdom is unrelated to earth.
It was a reverent Jewish way of speaking about God.
The Kingdom of heaven is essentially God’s Kingdom—God’s authority breaking into human history through Jesus Christ.
The Kingdom has come near
John the Baptist announced:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
—Matthew 3:2
Jesus announced the same message in Matthew 4:17.
The word translated “repent” is metanoeō.
It describes a change of mind that produces a change of direction.
Biblical repentance is more than:
Feeling guilty
Becoming emotional
Apologizing without changing
Trying to become religious
Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God.
It involves recognizing that God is right, we are wrong, and Jesus has the authority to rule our lives.
The arrival of the King demands a response.
The Kingdom is present and future
God’s kingdom was present because the King had arrived.
Jesus demonstrated the Kingdom through:
Forgiving sins
Healing sickness
Delivering people from demons
Calming storms
Raising the dead
Teaching with authority
Welcoming sinners
Confronting evil
However, the Kingdom has not yet been revealed in its fullness.
Sin, suffering, rebellion, and death remain in the world.
Jesus will return, judge evil, raise the dead, and openly establish His rule.
Christians therefore live between the Kingdom’s inauguration and its completion.
The Kingdom has already come through Jesus, but we still await its fullness when He returns.
Jesus Explains the Life of the Kingdom
Matthew records five major teaching sections from Jesus:
The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7
The Mission Instructions in Matthew 10
The Kingdom parables in Matthew 13
Teaching about Relationships in Matthew 18
Teaching about Judgment and Christ’s Return in Matthew 24–25
Each section ends with wording similar to, “When Jesus had finished saying these things.”
Some interpreters believe these five teaching sections intentionally remind readers of the five books of Moses.
This is possible, although Matthew does not explicitly say so.
At the very least, the structure shows that Matthew carefully organized Jesus’ teaching to train disciples.
A Disciple is a Learner and Follower
The Greek word for disciple is mathētēs.
It means a learner, student, or apprentice.
A disciple does not merely collect information from Jesus.
A disciple places his or her life under Jesus’ instruction.
A disciple learns:
To believe what Jesus says
To value what Jesus values
To reject what Jesus rejects
To obey what Jesus commands
To imitate His character
To participate in His mission
Matthew shows a difference between the crowds and the disciples.
The crowds often admired Jesus’ miracles, but disciples were called to follow Him even when it was difficult.
Jesus did not call people merely to admire Him.
He called them to follow Him.
True Righteousness Begins in the Heart
The religious leaders often focused on outward behavior.
Jesus revealed that God examines the heart.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses:
Anger as the root of murder
Lust as the root of adultery
Truthfulness instead of deceptive speech
Love for enemies
Giving without seeking recognition
Prayer without religious performance
Fasting without trying to impress people
Trust in God instead of slavery to anxiety
Obedience instead of empty confession
Matthew 5:20 says that the disciples’ righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees.
Jesus was not teaching salvation by human effort.
He was exposing the inadequacy of outward religion.
True righteousness is not merely appearing holy before people.
It flows from a heart transformed by God.
Hearing Must Lead to Obedience
At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes two builders in Matthew 7:24–27.
Both builders hear Jesus’ words.
The difference is that one obeys them and the other does not.
The wise person hears Jesus and puts His teaching into practice.
The foolish person hears the same teaching but does not obey.
Information without obedience cannot produce a stable Christian life.
A new believer should therefore study Matthew with this attitude:
“Lord Jesus, show me who You are, show me what You command, and teach me to obey You.”
3. Matthew Was Written to Prepare the Church to Make Disciples
Matthew does not end with the resurrection as an isolated miracle.
It ends with a mission.
Read Matthew 28:18–20.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
“All authority”
Jesus declares:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
The Greek word translated “authority” is exousia.
It refers to rightful power, jurisdiction, and the freedom to act.
Throughout Matthew, Jesus demonstrates authority over:
Scripture
Sickness
Nature
Demons
Sin
Religious traditions
The temple
Death
After His resurrection, Jesus announces that all authority belongs to Him.
The Great Commission does not begin with the ability of the disciples.
It begins with the authority of Jesus.
The first disciples were not powerful political leaders.
They did not possess great wealth, armies, or social influence.
Nevertheless, the risen King sent them because His authority stood behind their mission.
“Make disciples”
The central command in Matthew 28:19 is “make disciples.”
The Greek word is mathēteusate.
Jesus does not tell the church merely to collect decisions, attract crowds, or increase attendance.
He commands His followers to form people who will trust, learn from, and obey Him.
Making disciples includes going, baptizing, and teaching.
Going
The Gospel must move outward.
The church cannot keep the good news within its own community.
Christ sends His people across cultural, social, geographical, and ethnic boundaries.
Baptizing
Jesus commands believers to baptize disciples in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Baptism publicly identifies someone with Jesus Christ and His people.
It pictures the believer’s participation in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
The word “name” is singular, followed by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
This is an important foundation for the Christian understanding of the Trinity: one God eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Teaching Obedience
Jesus says:
“Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
The Greek verb translated “obey” or “observe” is tēreō.
It carries the idea of keeping, guarding, or carefully observing something.
Christian teaching is incomplete if it only produces knowledge.
Jesus commands the church to teach people how to obey Him.
This means disciple-making involves patience.
New believers need more than one sermon or meeting.
They need biblical teaching, examples of godly living, correction, encouragement, accountability, and Christian community.
“All nations”
The Greek expression is panta ta ethnē, meaning all nations, peoples, or ethnic groups.
Matthew begins with Jesus as the Son of Abraham, through whom all nations would be blessed.
He ends with Jesus sending His followers to all nations.
The mission to the nations is not an afterthought.
It was part of God’s plan from the beginning.
The Gospel is not limited by:
Nationality
Language
Social position
Economic condition
Former religion
Past sins
Ethnic background
Anyone who repents and believes in Jesus can become part of His people.
“I am with you always”
Jesus ends with a promise:
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The disciples were given an impossible mission if they had to accomplish it through their own strength.
But the King promised His presence.
Matthew’s message begins and ends with this truth:
Jesus is Immanuel—God with us.
HOW MATTHEW IS ORGANIZED
Matthew can be understood in five broad movements.
Matthew 1–4: The King Is Revealed
These chapters introduce Jesus’ genealogy, birth, baptism, temptation, and the beginning of His ministry.
The central question is: Who is this King?
Matthew 5–10: The King Teaches and Demonstrates His Authority
Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, performs miracles, calls disciples, and sends out the Twelve.
The central question is: What authority does the King possess?
Matthew 11–16: People Respond to the King
Some believe, some doubt, and others openly oppose Jesus.
This section reaches a high point when Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
The central question is: Will people recognize Jesus?
Matthew 17–25: The King Moves Toward Jerusalem
Jesus prepares His disciples for His death, enters Jerusalem, confronts religious leaders, and teaches about His return.
The central question is: What kind of Messiah is Jesus?
Matthew 26–28: The King Is Crucified and Raised
Jesus is betrayed, arrested, crucified, buried, and raised from the dead.
He then commissions His disciples.
The central declaration is: The rejected King has conquered death and possesses all authority.
IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES FOR STUDYING MATTHEW
Read Matthew in connection with the Old Testament
Matthew frequently quotes or echoes the Old Testament.
Understanding those connections will help us understand Jesus’ identity and mission.
Pay attention to titles for Jesus
Titles such as Messiah, Son of David, Son of Abraham, Son of Man, Son of God, Lord, and Immanuel reveal different aspects of who Jesus is.
Notice the different responses to Jesus
Some people worship Jesus.
Others follow Him temporarily.
Some oppose Him, while others remain undecided.
Matthew invites every reader to decide how he or she will respond to the King.
Distinguish outward religion from inward transformation
Religious activity does not automatically mean someone knows God.
Jesus repeatedly confronts hypocrisy and calls for faith, mercy, humility, and obedience from the heart.
Remember that discipleship is costly
Following Jesus includes forgiveness and eternal life, but it also includes surrender, sacrifice, obedience, and sometimes suffering.
Grace is free, but following Jesus will change everything.
THREE LIFE APPLICATIONS
1. Recognize Jesus for who He truly is
Jesus is not merely a good teacher, miracle worker, or religious founder.
He is the promised Messiah, the Son of God, Savior, and King.
Our response must go beyond admiration.
We must trust Him and surrender to His authority.
2. Become an obedient disciple, not merely an informed listener
Bible knowledge is valuable, but knowledge alone does not make someone mature.
A disciple receives Jesus’ teaching and puts it into practice.
As we study Matthew, we should allow Jesus to correct our attitudes, decisions, relationships, priorities, and behavior.
3. Participate in Christ’s mission
Every believer should grow toward helping someone else follow Jesus.
Not every Christian is called to be a pastor, but every Christian is called to participate in disciple-making through personal example, encouragement, sharing the gospel, teaching Scripture, and walking with other believers.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Why is it important to recognize Jesus as both Savior and King?
2. What is the difference between knowing information about Jesus and becoming a disciple of Jesus?
3. According to Matthew 28:18–20, what does Jesus expect His followers to do?
Why is it important to recognize Jesus as both Savior and King?
Discussion guide: Jesus saves us from sin, but He also has the right to rule our lives.
We cannot properly receive His salvation while continually rejecting His authority.
Genuine faith begins producing surrender and obedience.
What is the difference between knowing information about Jesus and becoming a disciple of Jesus?
Discussion guide: A person can know biblical facts without trusting or obeying Christ.
A disciple personally follows Jesus, learns from Him, submits to His teaching, and allows Him to transform every area of life.
According to Matthew 28:18–20, what does Jesus expect His followers to do?
Discussion guide: Jesus expects His followers to make disciples of all nations by going, baptizing, and teaching people to obey His commands. This mission is carried out under Christ’s authority and with the promise of His presence.
LESSON SUMMARY
Matthew was written to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises.
He is:
The Son of Abraham who brings blessing to the nations
The Son of David who possesses the eternal kingdom
The new and greater Moses who teaches with divine authority
The Savior who delivers His people from their sins
Immanuel, God with us
The crucified and risen King
The Lord who sends His church to make disciples
Matthew teaches us that Christianity is not merely about accepting certain facts or attending religious gatherings. Christianity is about entering God’s kingdom through faith in Jesus and living as His disciple.
The central message of Matthew can be summarized this way:
The promised King has come.
His name is Jesus.
He saves sinners, establishes God’s kingdom, teaches His people how to live, and sends them to make disciples of all nations.