Bible Studies: The Gospel of Matthew

After telling his disciples that they should prepare for his coming, Jesus then tells them how to do that: Prepare for Christ’s coming by fruitful labor and faithful love. (Exposition of Matthew 25:14–46)

Jesus warns his disciples that they will not know when he will return. Therefore, expectantly prepare for Christ’s unexpected return. (Exposition of Matthew 24:36–25:13)

The destruction of the temple in AD 70 was an earthly sign that Jesus Christ is reigning triumphant in heaven. (Exposition of Matthew 24:15–35)

As Jesus prepares to go to the cross, he prepares his disciples for the suffering they must face. Persevere by the power of Christ. (Exposition of Matthew 24:1–14)

In the second half of his woes, Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for formalism and hypocrisy. Seek refuge under the shadow of Christ’s wing. (Exposition of Matthew 23:25–39)

The Pharisees tried to teach a religion that would make keeping the law easier, but only the gospel can lift the weight of the law. (Exposition of Matthew 23:13–24)

As Jesus opens his denunciation against Israel’s spiritual leaders, he begins with a foundational principle: church leadership is spiritual leadership. (Exposition of Matthew 23:1–12)

After the religious leaders fail to embarrass Jesus with their questions, Jesus asks his own question to prove that he is David’s greater Son. (Exposition of Matthew 22:41–46)

As the Pharisees try to trap Jesus into ranking the various degrees of importance for commandments, Jesus reunifies the commandments under a single theme: love is the fulfilling of the law. (Exposition of Matthew 22:34–40)

When the Sadducees try to discredit the resurrection with a surface-level reading of Scripture, Jesus shows the deeper promises of the gospel: Christ is our resurrection hope in life and in death. (Exposition of Matthew 22:23–33)

By telling us to return to Caesar what is Caesar’s, Jesus instructs us to conduct ourselves honorably as God’s pilgrim people in a foreign land. (Exposition of Matthew 22:15–22)

In the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus shows us the lavish love of God and the foolish pride of unbelief. Come to the wedding feast! (Exposition of Matthew 22:1–14)

Jesus confronts religious leaders that they cannot successfully reject his authority: “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way.” (Exposition of Matthew 21:33–46)

God wants not only a “right away” agreement with him, but “all the way” obedience. True faith includes knowledge, assent, and trust. (Exposition of Matthew 21:28–32)

The only legitimate authority is the authority that is given from heaven. Even Jesus came to do the will of his Father in heaven. (Exposition of Matthew 21:23–27)

When Jesus withers the fig tree, he does so to teach an important lesson: spiritual fruitfulness comes by faith, not by formalism. (Exposition of Matthew 21:18–22)

When he enters into Jerusalem and cleanses the temple, we see decisive proof that Jesus is the Messianic Son of David. (Exposition of Matthew 21:10–17)

When Jesus enters triumphantly into Jerusalem, he defies all expectations. King Jesus came to save his people in unexpected ways. (Exposition of Matthew 21:1–9)

As Jesus heals two beggars, he reminds us of the call and promise from Psalm 131:3: “O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!” (Exposition of Matthew 20:29–34)

As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he prepares to come into his kingdom. Those around him must prepare also to share in Christ’s sufferings. (Exposition of Matthew 20:20–28)

As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he must address the ambitious, reward-seeking desires of his disciples. Seek Jesus’ resurrection reward. (Exposition of Matthew 20:17–19)

In the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, Jesus teaches further about how he reverses positions. Not only does Jesus make the first last, but Jesus makes the last first. (Exposition of Matthew 20:1–16).

How can we break free from the seemingly impossible temptation of measuring our security by our wealth? With God all things are possible. (Exposition of Matthew 19:23–30)

The Law demands more than external obedience, but it even regulates our internal desires. Therefore, lay up for yourself treasure in heaven. (Exposition of Matthew 19:16–22)

Jesus insists that the new covenant will be more inclusive of children than under the old covenant. Therefore, bring the little children to Jesus. (Exposition of Matthew 19:13–15)

While hard-hearted people have always looked for loopholes to escape the obligations of marriage, Jesus sanctifies us through faithfulness in marriage. (Exposition of Matthew 19:1–12)

Jesus reminds us of God’s lavish forgiveness for us and then issues a pointed command: forgive your brother from your heart. (Exposition of Matthew 18:21–35)

In Matthew 18, Jesus teaches us how to love back our brothers, since Jesus administers his kingdom through the ministry of the church. (Exposition of Matthew 18:15–20)

Jesus explains the very reason why he himself came from the Father into the world: Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. (Exposition of Matthew 18:10–14)

Jesus redefines greatness in the kingdom of heaven as humility, for our great King humbled himself even by death on a cross. (Exposition of Matthew 18:1–9)

Whether Jesus pays the temple tax is a question of freedom vs. obligation. Jesus avoids every stumbling block to our salvation except the cross. (Exposition of Matthew 17:24–27)

Jesus commends faith that can move mountains—especially the mountain of enduring suffering. Faith empowers believers to endure suffering. (Exposition of Matthew 17:14–23)

Elijah did come through the person of John the Baptist—and he suffered. We cannot see the glory of Jesus except through suffering. (Exposition of Matthew 17:9–13)

The transfiguration of Jesus counter-intuitively emphasizes listening, rather than looking, at Jesus: Listen to Jesus as we await his appearing. (Exposition of Matthew 17:1–8)

Not only must Jesus suffer, but his disciples must take up crosses to follow him. We enter Jesus’ kingdom through Jesus’ cross. (Exposition of Matthew 16:24–28)

While Peter rightly confessed Jesus’ identity, he fully misunderstand’s Jesus’ mission. Christ crucified is the wisdom of God. (Exposition of Matthew 16:21–23)

Our relationship with God requires more than words, but not less than words. Confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. (Exposition of Matthew 16:13–20)

As Jesus warns his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, they begin arguing about bread. Don’t miss the signs about Jesus! (Exposition of Matthew 16:5–12)

When the Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign from heaven, Jesus tells them to seek Christ in the signs that he has provided. (Exposition of Matthew 16:1–4)

In the feeding of the four thousand, Jesus extends covenant blessings to Gentiles because the Son of David will fully bless the nations. (Exposition of Matthew 15:29–39)

When a Canaanite woman confronts Jesus in the region of Tyre and Sidon, it signals the beginning of a new era, where the Son of David will reign over the nations. (Exposition of Matthew 15:21–28)

Jesus teaches that we do not enter his kingdom through mechanical ceremonies, but by repentance and faith. Sin defiles the soul, not ceremony. (Exposition of Matthew 15:10–20)

Jesus gives a devastating critique of legalism, showing that legalism looks for loopholes and creates counterfeit commandments. (Exposition of Matthew 15:1–9)

While we may sometimes feel that Jesus has left us alone, he is praying for us. Even more, Jesus saves us from storms. (Exposition of Matthew 14:22–36)

While Jesus cares for his own needs to grieve the death of John the Baptist, Jesus has compassion for our needs. (Exposition of Matthew 14:13–21)

In the contrast between Herod’s evil and John the Baptist’s faithfulness, we see an important principle: get and keep a good conscience. (Exposition of Matthew 14:1–12)

As Jesus closes his parables of the kingdom, he draws a clear line: there is no neutrality between kingdom disciples and kingdom despisers. (Exposition of Matthew 13:51–58)

As Jesus concludes his kingdom parables in Matthew 13, he gives promises and warnings. The kingdom of heaven is a two-edged sword. (Exposition of Matthew 13:44–50)

From small and obscure beginnings, and through secret and hidden development, the kingdom of heaven will come by surprise. (Exposition of Matthew 13:31–35)

In the parable of the weeds, Jesus explains why the Son of Man is delaying final justice in the world. Wait patiently for the kingdom. (Exposition of Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43)

The parables are polarizing. Those who have faith profit from them; those without faith cannot understand them. Thus, faith reveals what God conceals. (Exposition of Matthew 13:10–17)

As Jesus begins his kingdom parables in Matthew 13, he opens with an exhortation: hear and understand the word of the kingdom. (Exposition of Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23)

In the midst of intense spiritual warfare, Jesus will continue to gather his “forever family” to himself. Seek first the family of God. (Exposition of Matthew 12:46–50)

In Jesus’ story about the restless demon, he insists that there is no real spiritual neutrality. Whoever is not with Jesus is against him. (Exposition of Matthew 12:43–45)

The scribes and Pharisees demand from Jesus “a sign to see.” Jesus will not give what they demand; however, Jesus was vindicated by his resurrection. (Exposition of Matthew 12:38–42)

While we so often make excuses for the words that come out of our mouths, Jesus insists upon a hard truth: you are what you say. (Exposition of Matthew 12:33–37)

Jesus does not depend on Satan for power; rather, he is the Son of God through whom the Holy Spirit of God advances the Kingdom of God. Jesus is plundering Satan’s house. (Exposition of Matthew 12:22–32)

Although Jesus must withdraw from the Pharisees, Matthew quotes Isaiah 42 to show how this all fits in with Jesus’ mission. Jesus is still bringing his justice to victory. (Exposition of Matthew 12:15–21)

Jesus shifts the conversation about the Sabbath away from a list of do’s and don’t’s in order to command something simpler: do good on the Sabbath. (Exposition of Matthew 12:9–14)

While the Pharisees obsessed over the prohibitions of the Sabbath, Jesus gives rest to his people by restoring the purposes of the Sabbath. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (Exposition of Matthew 12:1–8)

To a world weighed down by sin, guilt, and shame, Jesus’ promises in the gospel offer great hope. Find rest in the revealed Son of God. (Exposition of Matthew 11:16–30)

John the Baptist is perplexed that Jesus would continue preaching and teaching, but Jesus forcefully advances the kingdom of heaven by preaching and teaching. (Exposition of Matthew 11:1–15)

As Jesus tells his disciples more about their mission, he shocks them once again by declaring that he came to bring a sword, not peace. Jesus defines the right side of history. (Exposition of Matthew 10:34–42)

Jesus’ disciples will face many dangers from the world. Nevertheless, Jesus draws a surprising conclusion from this: we should not fear, since Jesus reveals himself through our preaching. (Exposition of Matthew 10:26–33)

While Jesus confronts his disciples about the necessity of their suffering, he also provides them hope. Jesus conforms us to his image in our suffering. (Exposition of Matthew 10:16–25)

In order to reach the lost sheep of the house of Israel, Jesus sends out his disciples to minister in his name. Jesus sends ministers to administer the authority of his kingdom (Exposition of Matthew 10:1–15)

In the second major section of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls his disciples to join him in his work. Jesus shepherds his sheep through undershepherds. (Exposition of Matthew 9:35–38)

As concludes a cycle of healing miracles, will people respond to Jesus’ authority and compassion with trust? Jesus is the merciful Son of David. (Exposition of Matthew 9:27–34)

In many ways, Jesus has demonstrated his authority over uncleanness, sickness, storms, and even sin. Now, Jesus demonstrates his compassion: Jesus came to save desperate people. (Exposition of Matthew 9:18–26)

When Jesus tells us that we cannot put new wine in old wineskins, he sweeps away the old religious formalism. Jesus has authority to command worship in spirit and truth. (Exposition of Matthew 9:14–17)

So far, Matthew has portrayed the authority of Jesus in human matters. In Matthew 9, we see that Jesus possesses authority even over matters that belong to God. Namely, Jesus has the authority to forgive sinners. (Exposition of Matthew 9:1–13)

Jesus’ cost is high, his call is dangerous, and his command is powerful. Nevertheless, the authority of Jesus withstands all objections. (Exposition of Matthew 8:18–34)

After the crowds began to recognize Jesus’ authority as a teacher (Matt. 7:29), Jesus demonstrated his authority as a healer. Ultimately, Jesus has authority to cleanse us from sin. (Exposition of Matthew 8:1–17)

As Jesus concludes his Sermon on the Mount, his absolute faithfulness and authority comes to the forefront. Jesus is faithful under and over God’s house. (Exposition of Matthew 7:24–29)

Jesus, the Lord and Judge of all the earth, imparts to us a solemn warning: neither words nor works can atone for your lawlessness. (Exposition of Matthew 7:21–23)

Jesus warns us to beware of false prophets who would lead us through the wide gate and down the easy way. Your leaders’ roots will determine your fruits. (Exposition of Matthew 7:15–20)

As Jesus closes out the ethical section of the Sermon the Mount and transitions into application and exhortation, he lays down a narrow and hard teaching: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (Exposition of Matthew 7:12–14)

Despite God’s endless faithfulness to us, we still struggle to pray because we ultimately struggle to trust God. Jesus seeks to correct this by insisting that, when we pray, God only gives us good gifts. (Exposition of Matthew 7:7–11)

While the Church must be faithful to declare the judgment of God’s word clearly, we must avoid pronouncing final judgment upon people. Judge your sin, lest you be judged by God. (Exposition of Matthew 7:1–6)

In a world where everyone must ultimately die, how should we deal with the daily anxieties of living? To pacify earthly anxieties, pursue heavenly treasures. (Exposition of Matthew 6:25–34)

While we feel that we are in control of our sideways glances, Jesus teaches that what we gaze upon controls us. Our eyes shape our hearts to serve a master. (Exposition of Matthew 6:19–24)

The Lord’s Prayer is a paradox. Jesus teaches to pray with boldness to “Our Father,” and with fear of the One who is “in heaven.” So, we pray to Almighty God as children speaking with our Father. (Exposition of Matthew 6:7–15)

While we do not live in a world that values outward Christian practices, the world still adores public piety. By contrast, God’s economy rewards secret obedience. (Exposition of Matthew 6:1–18)

As Jesus concludes his teaching on the law in the Sermon on the Mount, he issues the most difficult challenge yet: be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Exposition of Matthew 5:43–48)

Understanding Jesus’ teaching about the Old Testament “eye for an eye” laws requires us to reclaim the forgotten doctrine of the passions of the soul. Jesus came to suffer for sinners. (Exposition of Matthew 5:38–42)

In Matthew 5:33–37, Jesus brings to our attention an often overlooked concern of God’s moral law: our honesty and truthfulness. Jesus came to fulfill God’s promises. (Exposition of Matthew 5:33–37)

In the previous section, Jesus taught about the adulterous sin of internal lust. Now, Jesus teaches about the adulterous sin of (external) unlawful divorce. Jesus came to sanctify marriages. (Exposition of Matthew 5:31–32)

In our Savior’s teaching on the Seventh Commandment against adultery, he exposes the root of physical adultery in the heart adultery of lust. Jesus came to purify our desires. (Exposition of Matthew 5:27–30)

In Jesus’ first “antithesis,” where he teaches against the traditional understanding of the law, Jesus teaches us the full implications of the Sixth Commandment: love your neighbor as yourself. (Exposition of Matthew 5:21–26)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus insists upon a towering view of the law with ongoing significance. Far from abolishing the Law and the Prophets, Jesus came to fulfill the law. (Exposition of Matthew 5:17–20)

After offering general, timeless principles about the kingdom of heaven, Jesus begins to apply this teaching directly to the lives of his disciples. Discipleship bear witness to Jesus in the world. (Exposition of Matthew 5:11–16)

In the beatitudes, Jesus teaches us the wise law of living in the kingdom of heaven. Here, Jesus teaches us that blessed are the repentant who resemble God. (Exposition of Matthew 5:1–10)

Now that Jesus has been qualified and hailed as king, baptized and anointed as Christ, and established victorious as a conqueror, he begins the public phase of his rescue mission. Jesus came to make disciples of all nations. (Exposition of Matthew 4:12–25)

The temptation of Jesus is more significant than we might realize. Jesus accomplished something significant, and he teaches us to resist temptation after his pattern. King Jesus came to fulfill all righteousness. (Exposition of Matthew 4:1–11)

At the baptism of Jesus, our Lord associates with and identifies with his sinful people, to reveal the Triune love of God. King Jesus came to cleanse sinners. (Exposition of Matthew 3:13–17)

John the Baptist has a stern demeanor, but a gracious message of purification from sins through Jesus. As the kingdom of heaven draws near, King Jesus calls us to prepare for his coming kingdom. (Exposition of Matthew 3:1–12)

The murderous response of Herod to Jesus’ birth teaches us an ugly truth: all those who are associated with Jesus will suffer. The promise, though, is that Jesus claims his kingdom through suffering. (Exposition of Matthew 2:13–23)

The kingship of Jesus is a blessing to those who seek him by faith, but a threat to those who cling to their own power. One way or another, Jesus dethrones illegitimate kings. (Exposition of Matthew 2:1–12)

From the beginning, Jesus is a stumbling block. By all outward appearances, he is a scandal, but God reveals that Jesus is Immanuel, the Savior of sinners. Jesus is God with us. (Exposition of Matthew 1:18–25)

As Matthew opens his Gospel, he sets up the themes for his presentation of Jesus as the Christ, the son of David, and the son of Abraham. In the fullness of time, God sent forth his Son. (Exposition of Matthew 1:1–17)