Matthew

Introduction

Matthew opens with a genealogy linking Jesus to Abraham and David, immediately framing him as the rightful heir of Israel's covenants. The Gospel is structured around five great teaching blocks (chapters 5–7, 10, 13, 18, 24–25), each ending with the formula 'when Jesus had finished these sayings.' Matthew quotes the Old Testament more than any other Gospel writer, repeatedly showing how Jesus fulfills its promises.

Outline

1. Birth and preparation of the KingMatthew 1–4
2. Sermon on the MountMatthew 5–7
3. Galilean ministry and discipleshipMatthew 8–18
4. Journey to JerusalemMatthew 19–23
5. Olivet DiscourseMatthew 24–25
6. Passion and resurrectionMatthew 26–28

Key verses

• Matthew 1:23
• Matthew 5:17
• Matthew 16:18
• Matthew 22:37-39
• Matthew 28:19-20

Chapter notes

Detailed reflections on key chapters in Matthew.

• Matthew 5 — The Beatitudes

  Jesus opens his Sermon on the Mount with eight pronouncements that turn the world's value system upside down. Blessing belongs not to the proud and self-sufficient but to the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the hungry for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. In a few sentences he sketches the character of the citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and then calls them salt of the earth and light of the world.

  Kingdom ethicsInner righteousnessTrue blessednessLight and salt