Matthew
OVERVIEW
Of the four accounts of Jesus’ life, Matthew’s is the most Jewish. It displays Jesus as the “King of the Jews” at His birth and His death (2:2, 27:29). Throughout this gospel, Jesus frequents the phrase “kingdom of heaven” (32x), the only book of the bible that it is recorded in. This kingdom is the earthly kingdom that His followers (and the prophets) were expecting when the Messiah came. It was not fulfilled in His first coming, but will be at His second. It is used in parallel to the ”kingdom of God” in many of Christ’s teachings and parables, but if we study closely, we will recognize differences. The phrase “kingdom of God” is only used 5x in Matthew’s gospel, a very different focus and flavor than the other gospel writers.
Matthew was a “publican” (10:3), working at the “receipt of custom” (9:9) when Jesus called Him as a disciple. We have good reason to believe that He was meticulous with detail from his work in finance and information. He includes 60 references to the Old Testament, and is the only gospel writer to use the phrase “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken” (9x).
One should walk away from this gospel with clarity that Jesus filled the scriptures as Israel’s Messiah, which Israel as a nation and through their leadership rejected.
MATTHEW 1
This chapter lists the genealogy of Christ from Abraham (v1) to Joseph (v16). The lineage is powerful as it travels through Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, and David the king of Israel (v6). Chapter 1 also includes the narrative of the announcement of Christ’s birth to Joseph. Joseph first finds out of Mary’s pregnancy through natural and surprising means (v18), then through supernatural means via an angelic messenger (v20). Christ’s birth is prophetic (v23) and will be the culmination of God in the flesh, Immanuel (v23). Joseph was immediately obedient to the holy vision and, “being raised from sleep did as the angel of he Lord had bidden him” (v24). I’m praying to be “just” (v19) and faithful like Joseph – having faith in uncertain times.
MATTHEW 2
Chapter 2 includes the narrative of the wise men traveling to meet Jesus and their visit with Herod (v7). The chief priests incidentally aid the wise men on their journey, pointing them towards Bethlehem as they quote from Micah 5:2 (v6). Once finding Jesus as a “young child”, they worship him with “their treasures” (v11). Joseph is then instructed by an angel to “flee into Egypt” (v13), effectively fulfilling prophecy of Hosea 11:1 (v15). This protected the young Christ from infanticide in Bethlehem (v16). After Herod’s death, Joseph was once again instructed to “go into the land of Israel” (v20), which also turned into trouble and Joseph was redirected to Nazareth. Christ being brough up in Nazareth fulfilled more prophecy (v23), yet more discretely as the Pharisees would later struggle to grasp his background from Galilee (John 7:52). I have not found the location of v23’s quote, but indirectly it could be seen in Samson and Samuel (Judges 13:5, 1 Samuel 1:11). As for devotional takeaway: Joseph was sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. He was immediately obedient to what God was revealing to him and able to be redirected just when he thought he was settling down.
MATTHEW 3
John the Baptist comes onto the scene in chapter 3, quoting Isaiah 40:3, “prepare ye the way of the Lord” (v3). John introduced water baptism for repentance in preparation to receive the Messiah, many repented (v5), but the Pharisees did not accept (v7). Jesus approaches John to be baptized of him. Submitting to John’s baptism would fulfill “all righteousness” (v15). During Jesus’ baptism, the trinity is present: God the Father validates His Son (v17), and the Holy Spirit anoints Him “like a dove” (v16). Jesus’ baptism teaches us that nobody is ‘too good’ to submit to believer’s baptism – everyone should be immersed in water after conversion (Acts 8:12, 18:8). Though baptism is not necessary for salvation today, it is the pattern of believers.
Personally, these passages are important to me in that Jesus did not need the validation of men because He had the Father’s favor and that is all that was necessary.
MATTHEW 4
Jesus is lead of the Spirit to be tempted in the wilderness (v1), where He hungrily faces Satan’s 3 main attacks (lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life). Jesus responds each time with God’s word and fends off the devil (v4, 7, 10). After this Jesus travels through Galilee, Capernaum, etc. (v12-16) and preaches the “kingdom of heaven” (v17). Jesus then calls Simon and Andrew to follow Him (v18), as well as James and John (v21) – they “immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him” (v22). Jesus then went on a teaching tour, preaching in the synagogues (v23) and healed the sick. From this His fame grew and He acquired a following from all around Judea (v25). You cannot have a powerful ministry without first going through temptation and crucifying the flesh.
Read more about the person and character of Satan on our blog.
MATTHEW 5
Jesus begins His famous discourse known as ‘The Sermon on the Mount’. It spans chapters 5-7 and goes into great detail about kingdom living and the extent of the law. In many ways Jesus simplifies how to obey God, i.e. the ‘Beatitudes’ (v3-11). In other ways Jesus makes it significantly more difficult to remain holy/blameless under the law, by amplifying the effects of sin, i.e. lusting after a woman in your heart is adultery (v27). Today I am struck by verse 6, which is the blessing to those that “hunger and thirst after righteousness”. It reminds me not to be full of this world’s good, but to always have an appetite for the things of God.
MATTHEW 6
Jesus continues His sermon with more truth. In chapter 6 we learn how NOT to pray (v1-2), how to give (v3-4), and HOW to pray properly (v5-15). Jesus lays out more information on fasting (v17-18) and dealing with money and possessions (19-32), which then culminates, in my opinion, on the lynchpin of this chapter in verse 33. The Christian is commanded to focus on God and His kingdom, instead of the things of this world. The pursuit of God’s kingdom over ours will ensure that we have the things that we need in this life, without those things being the focus. We should have a conviction to ‘set our affections on things above’ (Col 3:2) instead of our own little world.
Jesus’ clarification on fasting in verses 16-18 are a helpful reminder that we can live without many things in this life. If you are struggling with an insatiable appetite for the world and the flesh, consider a 24 hour fast to seek the Lord instead of your own needs. We will see more on fasting later (Mark 2:19-20).
MATTHEW 7
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with another string of excellent teaching. He mentions our relationship with each other (v1-5), more on prayer (v7-11), the difficulty of entering the kingdom (v13-14), a discourse on false prophets (15-23), and concludes with WHAT to do with His teachings: apply them (v24-27). This teaching had His audience awestruck, as it was both true and authoritative (v28-29). From this text I am reminded to pray. Verses 7-8 are convicting, as it is easy to operate within the realm of our own intellect and ability to provide for ourselves instead of seeking the Lord’s blessing. Knowing that God WANTS to give us good things should provoke me to seek Him for them instead of my own means.
MATTHEW 8
Jesus comes down from the Sermon on the Mount and heals a leper (v2-3), still validating the law of Moses (v4). Then the centurion approaches Him to heal his servant, which Jesus does in a word (v13). In this discourse, Jesus speaks prophetically of the millennial reign, when all nations will come to Israel to worship with the resurrected saints (v11). Jesus then heals more people afflicted with sicknesses and devils, fulfilling Isaiah 53:4 in verse 17. Then there is an interaction with a scribe over when and where to follow Jesus (v18-22), the calming of the waves in the sea (v23-27), and the casting out of demons into pigs in “the country of the Gergesenes “ (v28-34). Much is to be said about these events in Jesus’ life! Today I am reminded to “let the dead bury their dead” (v22), in that there may be family matters that are left unattended, because of the ministry.
MATTHEW 9
In chapter 9 Jesus continues to heal more people (v2-8), now claiming to be ‘forgiving sins’ (v2), which had a lasting effect on the Jews and declared that He was the God-man with power over sin. From there, Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him (v9) and dines with Matthew’s friends, spending time with sinners (v10-13). Jesus is confronted with fasting in verses 14-17 and states that the dispensation of grace the law cannot be combined – a new thing was coming, devoid of the law. From here, Jesus raises the dead (v18-26), heals the blind (v27-31), rebukes a ‘dumb’ devil (v32-34), and casts out sickness (v35-36). The chapter ends with the command to pray for “labourers” in the harvest (v37), and that “he will send” them (v38). Our church desires to be a sending church – this passage is a great reminder that we do not have the capacity to ‘call’ to labourers that work. God alone must call and send His servants, though He uses the church as the training ground for ministry and the sending agency for labourers.
MATTHEW 10
Jesus calls his disciples by name and gives them power over evil spirits (v1). These two chosen men are “apostles”, according to verse 2, that are sent into the harvest to preach to Israel the “kingdom of heaven” (v7). They are told not to provide for themselves (v10) and to enter into houses and stay with those that will accept them (v11). Then they are reminded to “beware of evil men” (v17), as they will suffer and endure persecution, just like their master (v22, 24-25). Jesus reminds the disciples that they are valuable to Him (v29-30), but they also have a divisive mission to accomplish, that will split families (v34-37). In this context is one of the famous verses about ‘carrying your cross’. The burden of following Jesus is at times that of rejection and denied relationships. These verses remind me of the rejection that we are likely to face in outreach and evangelism. If we happen to be brought in front of “councils” or “governors”, we need not prepare our answers in advance (v18-20).
MATTHEW 11
Jesus finishes teaching his disciples (v1) and is not confronted with the disciples of John, asking if Jesus is the real deal Messiah (v2-7). Jesus then turns to the apparently present audience and gives a discourse on John the Baptist, stating that he is the forerunner to come before the Messiah, if they would receive him (v14). This discourse lasts until verse 19, with a contrast of John and Jesus (monkery and supposed gluttony), both of which were rejected. Then Jesus condemns Chorazin and Bethsaida, cities in which some of his most notable miracles were performed, because of their unbelief (v20-21). They are said to be given swift and intense judgment along with the bible’s greatest sinners (22-24) for rejecting Christ in His presence and power. My favorite verses today are 28-30, “come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. I need this kind of encouragement, to seek Jesus with my burdens, as I have a multitude of things that need to be done.
MATTHEW 12
The first chunk of this chapter has to do with the Sabbath, Jesus’ supposed violation of it, and the response of the Pharisees at the time (v1-14). Jesus cites Old Testament sources to validate His actions (v3-5). Council begins to “destroy him” (v14). Jesus then pulls a few more quotes of the OT for his disciples, regarding the character of Christ (v15-21). Then more folks are healed of devils, which prompts another religious response, claiming that Jesus was using demonic power to have spiritual authority. This begins the infamous ‘blasphemy against the Holy Ghost’ discourse, where Jesus says the audience would be ‘judged by their words’ at the time (v36-37). Furthermore Jesus gives a “sign” to the “adulterous generation”, that of the prophet Jonas (v38-41), brings up the ‘Queen of the South’ (v41), provides more info on post-demonic exorcism (v43-45), and finally teaches that believers in the kingdom are more important than His own family (v46-50). Today I’m reminded of verses 36-37, which bring our words into account. It’s a slippery place! And I’m going to write this one down and carry it with me.
MATTHEW 13
In chapter 12, Jesus begins to speak in parables (v3): the sower (v3-23), the wheat and tares (v24-30), the mustard seed (v31-32), the leaven (v33), the hid treasure (v44-46), the net (v47-50), and the householder (v51-52). Jesus further explains 2 of these parables at the request of His disciples: the sower is explained in verses 18-23 and the wheat and tares is explained in verses 34-43. Jesus explains the reasoning for speaking in parables, “because it is given unto you to know… but to them it is not given” (v11). Because of the Jewish leaders rejection of Him in the previous chapter he decided to shroud His teaching, that it might require further and deeper spiritual explanation to intentionally confound “the wise” (1 Cor 1:27). It is a good reminder that people cannot receive God’s word until their heart is ready for it, so we ought not try to disciple lost people or ‘teach’ God’s word to those that aren’t interested.
MATTHEW 14
Chapter 14 includes the narrative of John’s beheading (v1-12), Jesus’s grief (v13), the feeding of the 5,000 (v14-21), and Peter walking on water (v24-33). There are so many great details in these stories! Today, Peter’s experience sticks out to me – he had faith, but his faith was easily usurped by “the wind boisterous”, which made him fear. Although I would not normally consider myself someone with ‘anxiety’, it is easy for anyone to be overtaken by the “cares of this world” (Matt 13:22). Jesus’ words to Peter in verse 31, “O thou of little faith”, guide me today. I’m reminded that when I focus on the task/duty, etc. it is easy to be overwhelmed. Peter’s failure wasn’t that waves existed in his life, it was his focus NOT being on Christ.
MATTHEW 15
In this chapter, Jesus is confronted with the Pharisees and their religious laws. They blame Him of ‘transgressing the traditions’ (v2), and He blames them for violating the “commandment of God (v3). It is quite the hot confrontation! But Jesus ultimately says to leave them alone (v12-14). Jesus then explains His teaching, referring back to that altercation (v15-20). After this, Jesus heads out of town, yet still ministering to Israel (v24), and heals the woman of Canaan’s daughter (v28). He then heads into a mountain in Galilee and heals many (v30) and feeds the 4,000 (v32-39). Jesus doesn’t want our religious duties; He wants our heart (v18)!
MATTHEW 16
This chapter begins with another confrontation with the Pharisees (v1-4), which leads Jesus into an explanation to His disciples, to avoid the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees (v6, 12). Jesus explains that some doctrine is dangerous! He also has a famous discourse with Peter about savouring the things of God (v15-23). After which he explains to His disciples that following Him now has a more significant consequence than perhaps when they signed up – they are now called to take a cross and lose their own lives (v24-25). Perhaps they were not originally presented with this offer in following Him because it would have been too costly to get started? Jesus graciously leads them (and us), further into a deeper walk with Him and death to ourselves.
MATTHEW 17
This chapter breaks down these events in the life of Jesus: the mount of transfiguration (v1-9), Jesus teaching that John the Baptist was Elijah (v10-13), Jesus healing the lunatic (v14-21), the declaration of his death (v22-23), and the challenge of the tribute (v24-27). The most meaningful thing in this chapter to me today is the inability of the disciples to cast out the devil due to their faithlessness. Jesus rebukes them and says in verse 20 that even a small amount of genuine faith will enable miracles – along with prayer and fasting (v21). I am reminded of the great need that I have to place my faith in God and what He says and not to just ‘know’ His word.
MATTHEW 18
This chapter is rife with interesting stuff! Jesus’ disciples ask Him “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (v1) and Jesus quickly puts them in their places with teaching on children (v3-10). This leads into further discourse in his teaching, that humbles them on topics like wanting the lost to be found (v11-14), handling conflict with the brethren (v15-17), and the lengths of forgiveness (v21-25). Greatness in God’s eyes isn’t about a position or the pride of being better than others, it is about humbling ourselves, seeking the lost, and staying in good fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Much is said in this chapter about forgiveness and reconciliation. The verse on agreeing together (19-20) are enlightening today and I need to be more intentional to pray together with other believers.
MATTHEW 19
Jesus is now in Judaea and is approached by the Pharisees, attempting to trip Him up in the law on marriage and divorce (v1-12). The disciples struggle to understand and apply, and Jesus mentions the “kingdom of heaven”. In this chapter we also see children brought to Jesus (v13-15), the rich man approaches Jesus (v16-26), and an explanation of eternal rewards (v27-30). I have literally experienced verse 29. It is a good reminder for me that if we will just trust the Lord in faith and surrender to Him that He will not only provide us with eternal reward, but also with blessing in this life. When we moved from Ohio to Georgia for the ministry, we literally started over and had nothing, but God has blessed us tenfold for sure!
MATTHEW 20
Two things to focus on for this chapter today – the parable of the labourers (v1-16) and the healing of the blind men (v29-34). First the labourers. Each of the labourers is agreed to their wage, yet they are apparently equally reward for differing amounts of labour. Of course we are talking about eternal rewards for serving in the “kingdom of heaven”. I am reminded inspirationally that it is possible for some to be saved and ‘grow up’ around us and eventually be colabourers with us when they didn’t have to put in the hard work of the “heat of the day” (v12). Yet still, God is glorified and each man gets his own reward. Secondly of the blind men: there is more than one person present at this event although Mark and Luke account for 1 man, Bartimaeus (Mark 10:48, Luke 18:39).
MATTHEW 21
What a chapter. So many good things. Jesus asks the disciples to get him a colt (v1-8), that He would ride thereon. Perhaps they were totally unaware of what would happen next, prophecy fulfilled, triumphal entry, etc., but they were faithful to the task. The saddest part of this chapter to me is the rejection of John the Baptist. In verse 27 Israel’s leaders were too afraid to make a judgment call on JTB. It is so sad! Yet it is the end of scholarship. Jesus then goes on to berate them with subsequent parables and doesn’t answer the question they were originally brought to Him (v27).
MATTHEW 22
In this chapter Jesus teaches a parable (v1-14), then faces a series of entangling questions by the religious leaders, which Jesus handles masterfully and ends in nobody asking Him any more (v46). There are a myriad of things to ‘take away’ from this chapter, but today I’m focusing on the great commandment. So many things in life and ministry can get us busy and occupied and leave us neglecting what Jesus calls, “the first and great commandment” (v38). Loving God with heart, mind, and soul is our first priority! OF course the subsequent commandment follows up with loving out neighbour (v39). These two are the culmination of the law and are repeated in Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27.
MATTHEW 23
Although Jesus gives the Pharisees a beatdown in this chapter, He first validates their position of authority in God’s eyes (v2-3). Jesus says do obey the law they teach but not to emulate their works. A few verses that stick out to me today are verse 8 and verse 12. The first, along with verse 10, is a good reminded to not try to gain titles and a reputation. Definitely a good thought for my day as I have a lot of honor in my life to lead the upcoming Disciple Conf and get to teach an LFBI session soon. It is not about me and any position that I can acquire. Verse 12 is a reminder that we only need humble ourselves under the Lord’s hand and He will “life you up” (James 4:10).
MATTHEW 24
What an incredible chapter. Loads could be said about the content of it. Jesus is asked by His disciples about “the end of the world” (v3), which leads to a discourse on the worst condition the world will be in since creation (v21). With our dispensational hermeneutic, we can unpack this horrendous scene of the coming “tribulation” (v29) and “great tribulation” (v21). Salvation during this time is endurance “to the end” (v13), which will be a mix of grace and works. While Christians will not experience the tribulation period, we have solemn devotional reminder from verse 46 that we should be ready for His coming in the clouds to take us away (1 Thess 4:16). The ‘rapture’ in this chapter is a post tribulation one (v30-31) - we simply mean that with an inspirational approach to Christ return for His church at the end of our current age.
MATTHEW 25
Matthew 25 consists of two parables and the coming ‘sheep and goats’ judgment. The parables are of the Jews stewardship of the “kingdom of heaven” during the tribulation period and the Gentile nations during that time. Both parables have to do with stewardship, and how the Jewish church at the time will steward the Spirit of God/word of God (v1-13), and the opportunities they have for service (v14-30). There are obvious and easy correlations to an inspirational church-age application for believers. The rest of this chapter (v31-46) is Jesus explaining the judgment to come upon the Gentile nations upon his second advent. Note that they are ‘saved’ in the tribulation, not by grace through faith, but (and of course through the gospel), but also through their works in attending unto the Jews during their intense persecution in the tribulation (v40-45). The “least of these my brethren” (v40) being saved Jews.
MATTHEW 26
There is a lot going on in this chapter! 75 verses worth. Jesus prepares for (v1-16) and has his final meal with His disciples (v17-30). He prays in the garden and is betrayed (v31- 56), and then is questioned and deemed to be worthy of death (v57-68). Lastly, Peter denies Jesus (v69-75). This is a good reminder of Jesus’ death and His willingness to take the “cup” for us and our. We ought to be inspired to be thankful and take up our cross daily to follow Him into suffering.
MATTHEW 27
Another loaded chapter! So much happens in the last days of Jesus’ life. It begins with Jesus standing before the Sanhedrin (v1-10), then Jesus is presented to Pilate (v11-26). Next is the crucifixion (v27-56), and finally the burial (v57-66). Something that sticks out is the timing of Jesus’ death. Paying close attention to the language of scripture enables us to see that Jesus wasn’t crucified on ‘Good Friday’. Verse 62 tells us that Jesus was buried on the “day of the preparation”, which John calls the “first day of unleavened bread” (John 19:31). This clearly puts Jesus’ burial on at least Wednesday, not Friday:
Wednesday - preparation for high Sabbath, Christ’s burial (Mark 15:42, John 19:31)
Thursday - Passover high Sabbath (Mark 16:1)
Friday - spices prepared (Luke 23:56)
Saturday - weekly sabbath (Luke 23:56)
Sunday - resurrection on the “first day of the week” (Mark 16:2)
MATTHEW 28
Ah! The wonderful conclusion of the gospels – the resurrected Christ! Praise the Lord! This chapter shows the conquest of Christ over the grave (v1-10), the conspiracy by the Jews to contain the truth (v11-15), and the meeting of Christ’s disciples with the resurrected Jesus (v16-20). Upon resurrection and meeting up, the disciples (apostles) as charged with taking the gospel to “all nations” once they are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Such charge remains committed to the church today, using the “word of reconciliation” and the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18-19). We ought to be excited to think about the opportunities that await us in witnessing to the world.