The Gospel According to Matthew

Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and King of the Jews, demonstrating through genealogy, fulfilled prophecy, and authoritative teaching that Jesus is the promised descendant of David who establishes God's kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection.
Biographical Sketch of Matthew
Identity: Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector working in Capernaum when Jesus called him to be a disciple. As a publican collecting taxes for Rome, he would have been despised by his fellow Jews as a traitor and sinner.
Calling: Jesus called Matthew while he sat at the tax booth, and Matthew immediately left everything to follow Him. Matthew then hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house, inviting many tax collectors and sinners to meet the Master.
Background: As a tax collector, Matthew was literate, skilled with numbers and record-keeping, and familiar with both Jewish and Greco-Roman culture. His profession required meticulous attention to detail, qualities evident in his carefully structured Gospel.
Role Among the Apostles: Matthew was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. While not as prominent in the Gospel narratives as Peter, James, or John, he was a faithful witness to Jesus' ministry, teachings, death, and resurrection.
Writing Style: Matthew wrote with a Jewish audience primarily in mind, frequently citing Old Testament prophecies and emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. His Gospel is highly organized, grouping Jesus' teachings into five major discourses that parallel the five books of Moses.
Later Ministry: According to early church tradition, Matthew preached the Gospel in Judea for several years before traveling to other nations. Various traditions place his later ministry in Ethiopia, Persia, or other regions, where he was eventually martyred for his faith.
Historical Context
Author: Matthew (Levi), the tax collector called by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles. Early church fathers unanimously attributed this Gospel to Matthew, and internal evidence supports apostolic authorship.
Date of Writing: Approximately AD 50-60, making it one of the earliest written Gospels. Conservative scholars favor a date before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, as Jesus' prophecy about the temple's destruction (Matthew 24) reads as prediction rather than reflection on past events.
Recipients: Primarily Jewish Christians, though the Gospel was also intended for wider circulation. Matthew wrote to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah promised in the Hebrew Scriptures and the rightful King of Israel.
Reasons for Writing:
  • To prove that Jesus is the promised Messiah and rightful King of the Jews through detailed genealogy and fulfilled prophecy
  • To preserve an authoritative account of Jesus' teachings, particularly His five major discourses on kingdom life and discipleship
  • To demonstrate continuity between the Old Testament and Jesus' ministry, showing that Jesus fulfilled rather than abolished the Law
  • To provide instruction for the church on issues like leadership, discipline, forgiveness, and mission
  • To strengthen Jewish believers facing rejection from the synagogue and persecution
  • To record Jesus' Great Commission, sending disciples to make followers of all nations
Historical Setting: Written during a period when Jewish Christians were navigating their relationship to Judaism while facing increasing opposition from religious authorities. The early church was beginning to understand the universal scope of the Gospel while grappling with questions about law, tradition, and the inclusion of Gentiles.
Unique Features: Matthew contains more Old Testament quotations than any other Gospel, includes the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), and uniquely records several parables including the workers in the vineyard, the ten virgins, and the sheep and goats. Only Matthew records Peter walking on water and finding the coin in the fish's mouth.
The Birth and Infancy of the King (1:1-2:23)
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Matthew traces Jesus' lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph, establishing Jesus' legal right to David's throne and His identity as the promised Jewish Messiah.
Matthew 1:1-17
The Virgin Birth
An angel announces to Joseph that Mary will bear a son conceived by the Holy Spirit, who will save His people from their sins and be called Immanuel, "God with us."
Matthew 1:18-25
The Visit of the Magi
Wise men from the east follow a star to worship the newborn King of the Jews, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:1-12
The Flight to Egypt
Warned by an angel, Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod's murderous plot, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Matthew 2:13-15
The Massacre of the Innocents
Herod orders the murder of all male children in Bethlehem two years old and under, attempting to eliminate the prophesied King.
Matthew 2:16-18
The Return to Nazareth
After Herod's death, the family returns to Israel and settles in Nazareth of Galilee, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be called a Nazarene.
Matthew 2:19-23
Preparation for the King's Ministry (3:1-4:11)
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness preaching repentance and baptizing, preparing the way for the Lord as prophesied by Isaiah.
Matthew 3:1-12
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River. The heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father declares, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Matthew 3:13-17
The Temptation of Jesus
Led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Jesus fasts forty days and nights, then defeats Satan's threefold temptation by wielding Scripture.
Matthew 4:1-11
The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry (4:12-25)
Jesus Begins His Ministry
After John's imprisonment, Jesus begins preaching in Galilee: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy about light dawning in Galilee.
Matthew 4:12-17
The Call of the First Disciples
Jesus calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John from their fishing boats to become fishers of men. They immediately leave everything to follow Him.
Matthew 4:18-22
Jesus Ministers Throughout Galilee
Jesus teaches in synagogues, proclaims the gospel of the kingdom, and heals every disease and affliction. Great crowds from all regions follow Him.
Matthew 4:23-25
First Discourse: The Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:29)
The Beatitudes
Jesus teaches the character and blessings of kingdom citizens: the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the persecuted.
Matthew 5:1-12
Salt and Light
Disciples are called to be salt of the earth and light of the world, letting their good works shine so others may glorify the Father.
Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus and the Law
Jesus declares He came not to abolish the Law or Prophets but to fulfill them. He calls for a righteousness exceeding that of the scribes and Pharisees.
Matthew 5:17-20
Six Antitheses
Jesus contrasts superficial law-keeping with kingdom righteousness regarding murder/anger, adultery/lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies.
Matthew 5:21-48
True Righteousness in Practice
Jesus teaches genuine piety in giving, prayer (including the Lord's Prayer), and fasting—practiced before God, not for human recognition.
Matthew 6:1-18
Treasures and Priorities
Store treasures in heaven, not on earth. No one can serve both God and money. Seek first God's kingdom and righteousness rather than worrying about material needs.
Matthew 6:19-34
Judging Others and Prayer
Do not judge others while ignoring your own faults. Ask, seek, and knock in prayer. Treat others as you would want to be treated—this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:1-12
Two Ways, Two Trees, Two Builders
Enter through the narrow gate. Beware false prophets—true disciples are known by their fruit. Build life's foundation on Jesus' words, not mere profession.
Matthew 7:13-29
The King's Authority Demonstrated (8:1-9:38)
Healing a Leper
Jesus cleanses a leper who worships Him, demonstrating His willingness and authority to heal the unclean.
Matthew 8:1-4
The Centurion's Faith
A Roman centurion demonstrates extraordinary faith, understanding Jesus' authority to heal with a word. Jesus marvels at his faith and heals his servant.
Matthew 8:5-13
Healing Many
Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and many demon-possessed and sick people, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases."
Matthew 8:14-17
The Cost of Discipleship
Jesus warns would-be followers that following Him requires complete commitment, with no place to lay one's head and no delay for earthly obligations.
Matthew 8:18-22
Jesus Calms the Storm
Jesus rebukes the disciples' fear and commands the wind and sea to be still, demonstrating His divine authority over creation.
Matthew 8:23-27
Healing Two Demon-Possessed Men
Jesus casts demons out of two violent men into a herd of pigs, displaying His authority over the spiritual realm and causing the whole city to beg Him to leave.
Matthew 8:28-34
Healing a Paralytic
Jesus forgives and heals a paralytic, proving His authority to forgive sins when religious leaders accuse Him of blasphemy.
Matthew 9:1-8
The Call of Matthew
Jesus calls Matthew the tax collector to follow Him. When criticized for eating with sinners, Jesus declares He came to call sinners, not the righteous.
Matthew 9:9-13
Questions About Fasting
Jesus explains why His disciples don't fast while He is with them, using parables of the bridegroom, new cloth, and new wineskins to illustrate the new covenant.
Matthew 9:14-17
A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman
Jesus raises a synagogue ruler's daughter from the dead and heals a woman with a twelve-year hemorrhage who touches His garment in faith.
Matthew 9:18-26
Healing the Blind and Mute
Jesus heals two blind men according to their faith and casts out a demon from a mute man. The Pharisees accuse Him of working by demonic power.
Matthew 9:27-34
The Harvest is Plentiful
Seeing the crowds like sheep without a shepherd, Jesus compassionately calls His disciples to pray for workers, as the harvest is plentiful but laborers are few.
Matthew 9:35-38
Second Discourse: The Missionary Sermon (10:1-42)
The Twelve Apostles Commissioned
Jesus gives the twelve apostles authority over unclean spirits and all diseases, sending them specifically to the lost sheep of Israel.
Matthew 10:1-15
Persecution Predicted
Jesus warns disciples they will face persecution, being delivered to councils and dragged before governors. The Spirit will speak through them when needed.
Matthew 10:16-25
Fear God Alone
Jesus encourages fearless witness—fearing God rather than those who can only kill the body, trusting in God's care even for sparrows.
Matthew 10:26-33
Not Peace but a Sword
Following Jesus brings division, even within families. Disciples must love Christ above all earthly relationships, taking up their cross and losing their life to find it.
Matthew 10:34-42
Opposition and Unbelief (11:1-12:50)
John the Baptist's Question
From prison, John sends disciples to ask if Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus points to His miracles as evidence and commends John as the greatest prophet.
Matthew 11:1-15
Woe to Unrepentant Cities
Jesus denounces Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their unbelief despite witnessing His mighty works, declaring it will be more tolerable for Sodom in judgment.
Matthew 11:16-24
Jesus Thanks the Father
Jesus praises the Father for revealing truth to little children while hiding it from the wise. He invites the weary to come to Him for rest, taking His yoke which is easy and light.
Matthew 11:25-30
Lord of the Sabbath
When Pharisees criticize disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath, Jesus declares Himself Lord of the Sabbath, greater than the temple, citing David and the priests as precedents.
Matthew 12:1-8
Healing on the Sabbath
Jesus heals a man's withered hand on the Sabbath, arguing it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, which enrages the Pharisees who plot to destroy Him.
Matthew 12:9-14
God's Chosen Servant
Jesus withdraws and continues healing many, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of God's servant in whom He delights, who will proclaim justice to the nations.
Matthew 12:15-21
The Unforgivable Sin
When Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul, He warns that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven—attributing God's work to Satan.
Matthew 12:22-37
The Sign of Jonah
Jesus rebukes those seeking signs, declaring that only the sign of Jonah (three days in the fish) will be given—prophesying His death and resurrection.
Matthew 12:38-45
Jesus' True Family
When told His mother and brothers seek Him, Jesus declares that whoever does the will of His Father in heaven is His true family.
Matthew 12:46-50
Third Discourse: Parables of the Kingdom (13:1-52)
The Parable of the Sower
Jesus teaches about different responses to God's word through the parable of seed falling on different soils, explaining why He speaks in parables.
Matthew 13:1-23
The Parable of the Weeds
The kingdom is like a field where wheat and weeds grow together until harvest, when the weeds will be gathered and burned while wheat is stored in the barn.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Parables of Mustard Seed and Leaven
The kingdom starts small like a mustard seed but grows large, and like leaven it permeates and transforms everything it touches.
Matthew 13:31-35
Parables of Hidden Treasure and Pearl
The kingdom is like treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of great value—worth selling everything to possess.
Matthew 13:44-46
The Parable of the Net
The kingdom is like a net gathering fish of every kind; at the end, angels will separate the evil from the righteous.
Matthew 13:47-52
Rejection at Nazareth and Death of John (13:53-14:12)
Rejected at Nazareth
Teaching in His hometown, Jesus is rejected by those who knew Him as a carpenter's son. He does few miracles there because of their unbelief.
Matthew 13:53-58
John the Baptist Beheaded
Herod arrests John the Baptist for condemning his marriage to Herodias. At his birthday party, he reluctantly orders John's beheading to honor his oath to Herodias' daughter.
Matthew 14:1-12
The King's Miraculous Power (14:13-16:12)
Feeding the Five Thousand
Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand men plus women and children, with twelve baskets of leftovers remaining.
Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus Walks on Water
Jesus walks on the sea to His disciples' boat. Peter walks on water briefly before doubting and sinking. Jesus saves him and calms the storm.
Matthew 14:22-33
Healings at Gennesaret
In Gennesaret, all who touched the fringe of Jesus' garment were healed, demonstrating His power and compassion throughout the region.
Matthew 14:34-36
Tradition and Defilement
Jesus confronts Pharisees who elevate human tradition over God's commandments, teaching that defilement comes from the heart, not from unwashed hands or external things.
Matthew 15:1-20
The Canaanite Woman's Faith
A Canaanite woman persists in asking Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus commends her great faith and grants her request, healing the daughter instantly.
Matthew 15:21-28
Healing Many and Feeding Four Thousand
Jesus heals great crowds for three days, then multiplies seven loaves and a few fish to feed four thousand, with seven baskets of leftovers.
Matthew 15:29-39
The Leaven of the Pharisees
After Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign, Jesus warns disciples to beware of their leaven—their teaching and hypocrisy.
Matthew 16:1-12
Peter's Confession and First Passion Prediction (16:13-17:27)
Peter's Confession
Peter confesses Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus blesses him and promises to build His church on this confession, giving him the keys of the kingdom.
Matthew 16:13-20
Jesus Predicts His Death
Jesus begins teaching that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and rise on the third day. Peter rebukes Him and receives Jesus' strongest rebuke: "Get behind me, Satan!"
Matthew 16:21-23
The Cost of Discipleship
Jesus teaches that following Him requires self-denial, taking up one's cross, and losing one's life to save it. What does it profit to gain the world but lose your soul?
Matthew 16:24-28
The Transfiguration
Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, His face shining like the sun. Moses and Elijah appear, and the Father declares from a cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to Him."
Matthew 17:1-13
Healing a Boy with a Demon
Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy after the disciples fail to cast out the demon. He teaches that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.
Matthew 17:14-21
Second Passion Prediction
Jesus again predicts that He will be delivered into human hands, killed, and raised on the third day. The disciples are greatly distressed.
Matthew 17:22-23
The Temple Tax
To avoid offense, Jesus miraculously provides temple tax money from a fish's mouth, demonstrating both His divine knowledge and submission to proper authority.
Matthew 17:24-27
Fourth Discourse: Life in the Kingdom Community (18:1-35)
The Greatest in the Kingdom
Jesus teaches humility by setting a child among the disciples, declaring that whoever humbles himself like a child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:1-5
Temptations to Sin
Woe to those who cause little ones to stumble. It's better to enter life maimed than to sin with all your members and be thrown into hell.
Matthew 18:6-9
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Like a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost, it is not God's will that any little one should perish.
Matthew 18:10-14
Church Discipline
Jesus outlines steps for addressing sin in the church: private confrontation, witnesses, telling the church, and finally treating the unrepentant as an outsider. Whatever is bound or loosed on earth is bound or loosed in heaven.
Matthew 18:15-20
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
In response to Peter asking how often to forgive, Jesus tells of a servant forgiven a massive debt who refuses to forgive a small debt. We must forgive from the heart as God has forgiven us.
Matthew 18:21-35
Journey to Jerusalem (19:1-20:34)
Teaching on Marriage and Divorce
Jesus affirms God's design for marriage as permanent union. Divorce was permitted by Moses because of hard hearts, but from the beginning it was not so. Marriage is for life except in cases of sexual immorality.
Matthew 19:1-12
Jesus Blesses the Children
When disciples rebuke those bringing children to Jesus, He welcomes them, declaring that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
Matthew 19:13-15
The Rich Young Ruler
A rich young man asks about eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments and sell all he has for treasure in heaven. The man leaves sorrowful, unable to part with his wealth.
Matthew 19:16-22
Teaching on Wealth
Jesus declares it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom. With God all things are possible. Those who sacrifice for Christ will receive a hundredfold and eternal life.
Matthew 19:23-30
The Parable of the Workers
The kingdom is like a landowner who pays workers hired at different hours the same wage, teaching that the last will be first and the first last—salvation is by grace, not merit.
Matthew 20:1-16
Third Passion Prediction
Jesus predicts in detail that He will be delivered to chief priests and scribes, condemned to death, mocked, flogged, crucified, and raised on the third day.
Matthew 20:17-19
Request of James and John's Mother
The mother of James and John asks for her sons to sit at Jesus' right and left in His kingdom. Jesus teaches that greatness comes through servant leadership, as He came to serve and give His life as a ransom.
Matthew 20:20-28
Two Blind Men Healed
Two blind men cry out for mercy. Despite the crowd's rebuke, they persist. Jesus, moved with compassion, touches their eyes and restores their sight.
Matthew 20:29-34
The King Enters Jerusalem (21:1-22)
The Triumphal Entry
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy. Crowds spread cloaks and palm branches, shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
Matthew 21:1-11
Cleansing the Temple
Jesus drives out money changers and merchants from the temple, declaring, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers."
Matthew 21:12-17
The Fig Tree Cursed
Jesus curses a barren fig tree, which withers immediately, teaching about the power of faith and the judgment on fruitless Israel.
Matthew 21:18-22
Controversy in Jerusalem (21:23-23:39)
Jesus' Authority Challenged
Chief priests and elders question Jesus' authority. He responds by asking about John's baptism. Their refusal to answer leads Him to withhold His answer.
Matthew 21:23-27
Parable of the Two Sons
A man asks two sons to work in the vineyard; one refuses but goes, the other agrees but doesn't go. Tax collectors and prostitutes enter the kingdom before religious leaders because they repented at John's preaching.
Matthew 21:28-32
Parable of the Tenants
Wicked tenants kill the vineyard owner's servants and son. Jesus warns that the kingdom will be taken from Israel's leaders and given to a people producing its fruits.
Matthew 21:33-46
Parable of the Wedding Feast
A king's wedding feast is rejected by invited guests, so the invitation goes to all. One guest without wedding clothes is cast out—many are called, few are chosen.
Matthew 22:1-14
Paying Taxes to Caesar
Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a question about taxes. He asks whose image is on the coin and answers, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
Matthew 22:15-22
Question About the Resurrection
Sadducees pose a question about marriage in the resurrection. Jesus teaches that in the resurrection, people neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels. God is the God of the living.
Matthew 22:23-33
The Greatest Commandment
A lawyer tests Jesus by asking about the greatest commandment. Jesus responds: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these.
Matthew 22:34-40
Whose Son is the Christ?
Jesus asks the Pharisees how the Christ can be David's son when David calls Him "Lord" in Psalm 110. No one can answer, and no one dares question Him further.
Matthew 22:41-46
Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees
Jesus pronounces seven woes on the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy: they shut the kingdom, make converts worse than themselves, are blind guides, neglect justice and mercy, are whitewashed tombs, and kill the prophets.
Matthew 23:1-36
Lament Over Jerusalem
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, longing to gather her children as a hen gathers her chicks, but they were unwilling. Their house is left desolate until they say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
Matthew 23:37-39
Fifth Discourse: The Olivet Discourse (24:1-25:46)
Destruction of the Temple Predicted
Jesus predicts that the magnificent temple will be completely destroyed, with not one stone left upon another.
Matthew 24:1-2
Signs of the End
Jesus warns of false messiahs, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, apostasy, and the gospel preached to all nations before the end comes.
Matthew 24:3-14
The Great Tribulation
Jesus describes unprecedented tribulation when the abomination of desolation stands in the holy place. Believers must flee immediately, and days will be shortened for the elect's sake.
Matthew 24:15-28
The Coming of the Son of Man
Immediately after the tribulation, cosmic signs will appear, and the Son of Man will come on clouds with power and glory, gathering His elect from the four winds.
Matthew 24:29-31
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
As the fig tree's leaves signal summer's approach, these signs indicate His coming is near. This generation will not pass away until all is fulfilled, though no one knows the day or hour.
Matthew 24:32-44
Parable of the Faithful Servant
Blessed is the servant whom the master finds faithfully doing his work when he returns. The unfaithful servant will be cut in pieces and assigned a place with the hypocrites.
Matthew 24:45-51
Parable of the Ten Virgins
Ten virgins await the bridegroom. Five wise virgins bring extra oil for their lamps, while five foolish ones do not. When the bridegroom arrives, the unprepared are shut out. Watch, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Matthew 25:1-13
Parable of the Talents
A master entrusts servants with talents. Two invest and double their money; one buries his talent in fear. The faithful servants are rewarded and given more; the fearful servant loses everything and is cast into outer darkness.
Matthew 25:14-30
The Judgment of the Nations
When the Son of Man comes in glory, He will separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The righteous who served "the least of these" inherit the kingdom; the unrighteous who ignored them are sent to eternal punishment.
Matthew 25:31-46
The Passion Narrative (26:1-27:66)
Plot to Kill Jesus
After finishing all His teachings, Jesus announces He will be crucified in two days. Chief priests and elders plot to arrest and kill Him by stealth, fearing a riot during the feast.
Matthew 26:1-5
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
A woman anoints Jesus' head with expensive ointment. When disciples protest the waste, Jesus defends her, saying she has prepared His body for burial and will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
Matthew 26:6-13
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Judas Iscariot goes to the chief priests and agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, seeking an opportunity to hand Him over.
Matthew 26:14-16
The Last Supper
Jesus celebrates Passover with the twelve. He announces one of them will betray Him. He institutes the Lord's Supper, giving bread as His body and wine as His blood of the covenant poured out for forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:17-30
Peter's Denial Predicted
Jesus predicts all disciples will fall away and that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. Peter insists he would die rather than deny Jesus.
Matthew 26:31-35
Gethsemane
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays in agony, asking the Father to remove the cup of suffering if possible, but submitting to the Father's will. The disciples repeatedly fall asleep despite His request to watch with Him.
Matthew 26:36-46
Jesus Arrested
Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss. When disciples draw a sword, Jesus forbids resistance, declaring He could call twelve legions of angels but must fulfill Scripture. All the disciples flee.
Matthew 26:47-56
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
Jesus is tried before Caiaphas and the council. When asked if He is the Christ, He affirms it, declaring they will see the Son of Man seated at God's right hand coming on clouds. They condemn Him for blasphemy.
Matthew 26:57-68
Peter's Denial
As Jesus predicted, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Remembering Jesus' words, Peter goes out and weeps bitterly.
Matthew 26:69-75
Judas Hangs Himself
Seized with remorse, Judas returns the thirty pieces of silver and hangs himself. The chief priests use the blood money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for strangers.
Matthew 27:1-10
Jesus Before Pilate
Jesus is brought before Pilate. When asked if He is the King of the Jews, Jesus replies, "You have said so," but answers no other charges, amazing Pilate.
Matthew 27:11-14
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
Pilate offers to release Jesus or Barabbas. The crowd, stirred by chief priests, chooses Barabbas. Pilate washes his hands of innocent blood, but the crowd accepts responsibility. Jesus is flogged and handed over for crucifixion.
Matthew 27:15-26
Jesus Mocked by Soldiers
Roman soldiers mock Jesus as King, stripping Him, placing a scarlet robe and crown of thorns on Him, giving Him a reed as a scepter, kneeling in mockery, and spitting on Him.
Matthew 27:27-31
The Crucifixion
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha between two robbers. A sign above His head reads "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." Passersby, chief priests, and the robbers mock Him as He hangs on the cross.
Matthew 27:32-44
The Death of Jesus
From the sixth to the ninth hour, darkness covers the land. Jesus cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" and yields up His spirit. The temple curtain tears in two, the earth quakes, rocks split, and tombs open.
Matthew 27:45-56
Jesus Buried
Joseph of Arimathea, a rich disciple, takes Jesus' body, wraps it in clean linen, and places it in his own new tomb cut from rock. A large stone is rolled across the entrance.
Matthew 27:57-61
The Guard at the Tomb
Chief priests and Pharisees ask Pilate to secure the tomb, fearing the disciples might steal the body and claim resurrection. Pilate provides a guard, and they seal the stone.
Matthew 27:62-66
The Resurrection and Commission (28:1-20)
The Empty Tomb
At dawn on the first day of the week, an angel rolls back the stone. The guards shake with fear and become like dead men. The angel tells the women that Jesus has risen and to go tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee.
Matthew 28:1-8
Jesus Appears to the Women
Jesus meets the women, who grasp His feet and worship Him. He tells them not to be afraid and to tell His brothers to go to Galilee where they will see Him.
Matthew 28:9-10
The Guards' Report
Some guards report to the chief priests what happened. The religious leaders bribe them to say the disciples stole the body while they slept, promising to protect them from Pilate.
Matthew 28:11-15
The Great Commission
The eleven disciples meet Jesus on a mountain in Galilee. He declares all authority in heaven and earth is His and commands them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching. He promises to be with them always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:16-20
Major Themes
Jesus as the Promised Messiah: Matthew systematically proves Jesus is the Christ through genealogy, fulfilled prophecy, and His teachings and works. Over sixty Old Testament quotations and allusions demonstrate Jesus as the culmination of God's promises to Israel.
The Kingdom of Heaven: The kingdom is Matthew's central theme, mentioned over fifty times. Jesus announces the kingdom's arrival, describes its character through parables, demonstrates its power through miracles, and teaches its ethics through the Sermon on the Mount.
Fulfillment of Scripture: Matthew repeatedly uses the phrase "to fulfill what was spoken" to show Jesus accomplishing God's redemptive plan revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law and Prophets.
Jesus as Teacher: Matthew organizes Jesus' teachings into five major discourses, presenting Him as the new Moses who authoritatively interprets God's law and teaches the way of righteousness that surpasses mere external compliance.
Discipleship: Following Jesus requires total commitment—denying self, taking up one's cross, and losing one's life to find it. True disciples bear fruit, obey Jesus' teachings, and make other disciples of all nations.
Judgment: Matthew emphasizes accountability and judgment more than other Gospels. The King will separate sheep from goats, wheat from weeds, wise from foolish. Those who hear Jesus' words but don't obey build on sand.
The Church: Matthew is the only Gospel to use the word "church." Jesus promises to build His church on the confession of His identity, gives it authority to bind and loose, and teaches principles for community life including discipline and forgiveness.
Universal Mission: Though Jesus' earthly ministry focused on Israel, the Gospel concludes with the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, revealing God's plan to bring salvation to the entire world through the Jewish Messiah.
Emmanuel - God With Us: From Jesus' name meaning "God with us" at His birth to His promise "I am with you always" after the resurrection, Matthew emphasizes God's presence with His people through Jesus.
Opposition and Rejection: Despite Jesus' credentials as Messiah, religious leaders increasingly oppose Him, culminating in His crucifixion. This rejection opens the door for the gospel to go to all nations, while judgment awaits those who rejected their King.
Key Verse
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20)
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