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Matthew

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Jesus the Messiah and King

A Study Guide for Recognizing the Fulfillment, Authority, and Call of Christ

1. Introduction: Why Matthew Starts the New Testament

  • Written by Matthew the tax collector, one of Jesus’ disciples.

  • Aimed primarily at a Jewish audience, showing how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy.

  • Emphasizes Jesus as King, the Son of David, and teacher of righteousness.

  • Contains more references to Old Testament scripture than any other Gospel.

Reflection: Matthew bridges the Old and New—showing that Jesus didn’t come to start something new, but to fulfill what was promised.

2. The Arrival of the King (Chapters 1–4)

  • Genealogy connects Jesus to David and Abraham (Matthew 1).

  • Virgin birth, visit of the Magi, flight to Egypt—each fulfill prophecy.

  • John the Baptist prepares the way.

  • Jesus is baptized and tempted in the wilderness, yet remains faithful.

Takeaway: Jesus is not just a good man or teacher—He’s the promised Savior, born to reign and redeem.

3. The Kingdom Manifesto – The Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5–7)

  • Jesus teaches about blessedness, righteousness, forgiveness, prayer, purity, and wise living.

  • “You’ve heard it said… but I say to you…” reveals His authority.

  • Ends with a warning: build your life on His words or face collapse.

Lesson: The Kingdom of God is not about religious performance—it’s about a transformed heart.

4. Miracles, Discipleship, and Opposition (Chapters 8–12)

  • Jesus heals lepers, calms storms, casts out demons, and raises the dead.

  • He calls unlikely followers—a tax collector, fishermen, and outcasts.

  • Religious leaders begin to oppose Him, accusing Him of being empowered by Satan.

Truth: Jesus’ power proves His authority—but many will reject Him because of pride or fear of change.

5. Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 13)

  • Jesus teaches in parables to reveal truth to the humble and conceal it from the hard-hearted.

  • Stories include the sower, weeds, mustard seed, and hidden treasure.

  • The Kingdom starts small, grows quietly, and has eternal value.

Reminder: The Kingdom is not always visible—but it’s real, active, and worth everything.

6. Growing Tension and Deeper Teaching (Chapters 14–20)

  • Miracles continue—feeding thousands, walking on water, healing Gentiles.

  • Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16).

  • Jesus predicts His death and resurrection three times.

  • Teaches about forgiveness, humility, marriage, and servanthood.

Challenge: Following Jesus means denying yourself, taking up your cross, and trusting His timing.

7. The King Confronts and Weeps (Chapters 21–25)

  • Triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey—fulfilling prophecy.

  • Cleanses the temple and confronts hypocrisy with bold parables and rebukes.

  • Pronounces woes on the Pharisees.

  • Gives the Olivet Discourse, warning of the last days, judgment, and readiness.

Warning: Religion without relationship leads to judgment. The King will return—be ready.

8. Death and Resurrection of the King (Chapters 26–28)

  • Jesus is anointed, betrayed, arrested, denied, mocked, and crucified.

  • On the cross, He cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

  • He dies and is buried—but on the third day, He rises from the dead.

  • Ends with the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations…”

Victory: Jesus is not just the King of Israel—He is Lord of all, risen and reigning.

9. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On

  • Matthew 1:23 – “They shall call His name Immanuel, which means, God with us.”

  • Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine… so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father.”

  • Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…”

  • Matthew 16:24 – “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

  • Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”

10. Questions for Discussion or Journaling

  1. Why do you think Matthew focused so heavily on prophecy fulfillment?

  2. How does the Sermon on the Mount challenge your view of righteousness and obedience?

  3. What do Jesus’ parables teach about the nature of God’s Kingdom?

  4. How does Matthew contrast true faith with religious hypocrisy?

  5. What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus today?

  6. How are you responding to the Great Commission in your own life?