Bible Studies: The Gospel of Matthew

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)