Bible Studies: The Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 20:1–16: The Last Will be First

Matthew 20:1–16: The Last Will be First

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).

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Matthew 19:16–22: Treasure in Heaven

Matthew 19:16–22: Treasure in Heaven

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)

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Matthew 17:24–27: The Sons are Free

Matthew 17:24–27: The Sons are Free

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)

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Matthew 17:9–13: Elijah Must Come

Matthew 17:9–13: Elijah Must Come

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)

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Matthew 17:1–8: “Listen to Him!”

Matthew 17:1–8: “Listen to Him!”

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)

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Matthew 16:1–4: Seeking for a Sign

Matthew 16:1–4: Seeking for a Sign

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)

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Matthew 15:10–20: The Defilement of Sin

Matthew 15:10–20: The Defilement of Sin

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)

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Matthew 12:46–50: The Family of Jesus

Matthew 12:46–50: The Family of Jesus

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)

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Matthew 12:38–42: Seeking for a Sign

Matthew 12:38–42: Seeking for a Sign

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)

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Matthew 12:22–32: Binding the Strong Man

Matthew 12:22–32: Binding the Strong Man

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)

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Matthew 12:9–14: Doing Good on the Sabbath

Matthew 12:9–14: Doing Good on the Sabbath

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)

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Matthew 12:1–8: The Lord of the Sabbath

Matthew 12:1–8: The Lord of the Sabbath

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)

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Matthew 11:1–15: The One Who is to Come

Matthew 11:1–15: The One Who is to Come

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)

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Matthew 10:34–42: Jesus Divides the Earth

Matthew 10:34–42: Jesus Divides the Earth

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)

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Matthew 10:26–33: Therefore, Do Not Fear

Matthew 10:26–33: Therefore, Do Not Fear

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)

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Matthew 10:1–15: Sending Out the Twelve

Matthew 10:1–15: Sending Out the Twelve

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)

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Matthew 9:18–26: Salvation for Desperate People

Matthew 9:18–26: Salvation for Desperate People

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)

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Matthew 9:14–17: New Wine in Fresh Wineskins

Matthew 9:14–17: New Wine in Fresh Wineskins

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)

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Matthew 9:1–13: The Authority to Forgive Sinners

Matthew 9:1–13: The Authority to Forgive Sinners

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)

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