The Gospel of Matthew serves as the introduction to the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each gospel is unique and brings to bear a perspective of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords that the Holy Spirit believes is necessary for the world to know. Among the many early writings about Jesus (see Luke 1:1), the Lord saw fit to insure that this one was preserved and published. Our primary occupation in Heaven will be to grow in our depth of knowledge and relationship with our God. What a privilege and blessing it is that “until that day” (Matthew 26:29) we may participate in that heavenly calling by studying afresh the life of our Savior. It is my prayer that this study will produce a greater depth of spiritual knowledge and godliness, the true mark of a relationship with the Lord (2 Timothy 2:19).
About the Lessons: All lessons are in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format. There are two versions of each lesson. The “Teacher” (.teacher) version contains my responses to the questions. The “Student” version has blanks for response. Please feel free to download and use these lessons for personal or group study.
An Introduction to Matthew (Teacher, Student)
An overview of the gospel of Matthew, including information about the author, the theme of this gospel and where it fits among the collection of the gospels. Finally, an outline of Matthew is provided.
Geneology (1:1-17) (Teacher, Student)
Matthew’s gospel begins with a genealogy of Joseph, Jesus’ earthly step-father. There are significant people and stories in Jesus’ family tree. Read more to find out.
Joseph’s Comfort (1:18-25) (Teacher, Student)
Your fiancee is pregnant and the child is not yours. Your world is turned upside down. What would a godly man do? This was Joseph’s dilemma; but God did not leave him without comfort. Read more to learn about the hope and promise Joseph was given.
Birth and Early Years of Jesus (2:1-23) (Teacher, Student)
An unusual birth, followed by the arrival of king-makers from the East. It was followed by an unusual childhood as His parents fled from Judah to Egypt until instructed by God to return. Amazingly, Jesus’ childhood was prophesied hundreds of years before it happened.
The Ministry of John the Baptist (3:1-12) (Teacher, Student)
The ministry of Jesus was preceded by a man who Jesus Himself called the greatest man born of woman. John was the last of the Old Testament prophets, preaching a stout message that caused no little stir among the Jewish establishment.
The Baptism of Jesus (3:13-17) (Teacher, Student)
What was the significance of Jesus’ baptism? We are told that it was necessary to “fulfill all righteousness” but what does that mean? Why did the Holy Spirit descend in the form of a dove? This lesson investigates each of these issues in depth.
Tested in the Wilderness (4:1-11) (Teacher, Student)
After His baptism, Jesus was sent into the wilderness by the Spirit of God to be tested. After fasting for 40 days, Jesus was tempted by Satan. What is the significance of these temptations? How did Jesus overcome them? Did He literally go without eating for 40 days? Spend some time in this lesson to learn more.
His Ministry Begins (4:12-25) (Teacher, Student)
After concluding His temptation, Jesus begins His own ministry. There is about a one year gap between the conclusion of Jesus’ ministry and the events recorded in this passage. Learn about Jesus’ move to a new hometown, calling His disciples, and His ministry in Galilee.
Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes (5:1-12) (Teacher, Student)
Considered by many to be the greatest sermon every preached, the Sermon on the Mount is perhaps one of the only complete records of a sermon preached by Jesus. It spans three chapters in Matthew’s gospel. The sermon begins by describing the virtues that should characterize the new life of Jesus’ true disciples, virtues that yield TRUE happiness. This is an essential lesson for every true Christian.
Sermon on the Mount: Light & Law (5:13-48) (Teacher, Student)
Next, Jesus calls His fledgling church to take on the role of being salt and light across the entire world by allowing men to see their radical righteousness. Even though Jesus’ sermon appears to turn Judaism upside down, He is actually revealing the love behind the law and calling His church to live up the higher standard of love. What does it mean to be salt and light? How do I deal with anger and lust? What does Jesus teach about divorce, integrity, handling offences, and dealing with enemies? Check out this lesson.
Sermon on the Mount: Real or Not? (6:1-6, 16-18) (Teacher, Student)
God is a spirit and must be worshpped in spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ day there were a class of Jews who did a lot of good things (praying, fasting, and giving) for the wrong reasons. The answer isn’t to avoid these practices, but to do them for the right reasons. Jesus teaches us how in this passage.
Sermon on the Mount: Prayer (6:7-15) (Teacher, Student)
Good prayer is built on good theology (the knowledge of God). The gospel of Luke records Jesus’ disciples asking Him to teach them to pray. He then provided them with the Lord’s prayer as a model. Jesus also teaches His disciples the Lord’s prayer in this passage. I exhort all believers who desire to have a vibrant prayer life to take the time to study the model prayer. It isn’t meant for repetition but as a pattern that will enliven your prayer life and fellowship with God.
Sermon on the Mount: Where is Your Heart? (6:19-34) (Teacher, Student)
One of the greatest dangers for a believer is spiritual idolatry. By viewing this passage as a whole, we have the opportunity to marvel at Christ’s wisdom and receive vital, heart-rending instruction. Where is your heart? Does Christ possess it or is it given to idols? I encourage you to prayerfully study these passages.
Sermon on the Mount: Judging (7:1-6) (Teacher, Student)
If you were standing before a court with your fate resting in the hands of a judge, how would you like to be judged? Would you value the qualities of equity, impartiality, and mercy? The concepts of this passage need to be understood because they are often abused by those who are seeking to escape God’s standard of truth. Amazingly, the type of judgment God wants us to practice is often avoided today and the judgment He condemns is practices frequently.
Sermon on the Mount: Ask, Seek, Knock (7:7-12) (Teacher, Student)
One of the great blessings of a godly home is the unconditional love of a parent. A stable and loving home is a breeding ground for competence, compassion, and confidence in a child. As we consider the Christian calling to holiness and love and our natural bent toward sin, how can God expect so much from every Christian? Well, we come from a good home… the best there is. Read and learn of the benefits of being part of God’s family, the privileges of being able to call Him Father.
Sermon on the Mount: Two Ways (7:13-29) (Teacher, Student)
As Jesus concludes this sermon, He presents two ways for His audience to digest what they just heard. Both choices carry their requisite blessings and consequences. How will you treat the truth God gives to you? This is a sober but necessary lesson.
Healing in Galilee (8:1-17) (Teacher, Student)
Like a bookend to the amazing truths preached by Jesus, He now proceeds to travel throughout the area and perform miracles. Not only are the miracles themselves amazing, but the manner in which He performs them commands our attention. John tells us at the conclusion of His gospel that the entire world could not contain the record of all that Jesus accomplished during His ministry. Why are these specific miracles recorded? What is God trying to tell us? Read more and find out.
Over and Back Again (8:18-34) (Teacher, Student)
A brief trip across the Sea of Galillee was a common occurence for Jesus’ disciples, but not when they travel with Him. Even after their adventures at sea, upon landing in Gadara they witnessed one of the most amazing miracles of Jesus and one of the saddest reactions to Christ contained in all of Scripture. As they returned to Galilee, their short trip was one they would remember for the rest of their lives.
The Grumblings Begin (9:1-34) (Teacher, Student)
When Jesus returned to Galilee, He began to minister just as before. Yet, we start to see the attitudes Christ beginning to change. The teachings and practices of Jesus come under more scrutiny from observers and the opposition of the Pharisees begins to appear. Yet, Christ becomes continually more bold in performing greater and greater miracles and making statements of truth that challenge the hardest of hearts.
Set Apart and Sent (9:34-10:23) (Teacher, Student)
Upon seeing the deep spiritual needs of the nation of Israel, Jesus instructed his disciples to pray for laborers to enter the fields. From these praying disciples, Jesus chose 12 to be his messengers (apostles) and gave them a limited commission to the nation of Israel. He instructs them on the nature of their ministry and gives them words of warning and encouragement that extend beyond their limited to commission to the Great Commission coming after His resurrection, words that still have meaning for us today.
Set Apart and Sent – Part 2 (10:24-46)
We are currently taking a break from Matthew. Lord willing, we will resume this series sometime in the future.