Introduction
Matthew, a former tax collector, was an unlikely choice for God’s work. He wrote this Gospel to show his fellow Jews that Jesus was not just a teacher or prophet but the long-awaited Messiah and true King of Israel.
What Makes Matthew’s Gospel Unique?
– Audience: Primarily Jewish believers who needed reassurance that faith in Jesus fulfilled their heritage, not abandoned it.
– Emphasis: The Kingdom of Heaven (used instead of “Kingdom of God”) out of reverence for God’s name.
– Historical Moment:** Believers faced Roman oppression and longed for deliverance—Matthew shows Jesus bringing a deeper freedom: deliverance from sin.
The Big Idea
Subtitle: “Matthew: The King and His Kingdom.”
Central Claim: The King has come, and He is establishing His Kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Six Central Themes in Matthew
1. The Promised King Has Come (Chapters 1–4)
2. The Manifesto of the Kingdom (Chapters 5–7)
3. The Mission of the Kingdom (Chapters 9–10 and 28)
4. The Growth of the Kingdom (Chapter 13)
5. Life in the Kingdom Community (Chapters 18–20)
6. The Future of the Kingdom (Chapters 24–25)
1. The Promised King Has Come (Matt. 1–4)
Big Idea: Jesus is the long-awaited King—the fulfillment of Israel’s deepest hopes.
Key Teachings:
Genealogy shows His roots:
– Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of David and Abraham. – Matthew 1:1
Birth recognized by wise men:
– Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? – Matthew 2:2
Prophecy fulfilled:
– Matthew cites around 15 major prophecies showing Jesus completes God’s promises.
Jesus announces His Kingdom:
– Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. Matthew 4:17
Application:
– All of history points to Jesus.
– The question isn’t if He is King—but is He your King?
– Is Jesus on the throne of your life, or are you still in charge?
2. The Manifesto of the Kingdom (Matt. 5–7)
Big Idea: Jesus lays out His Kingdom’s values—an upside-down way of life.
What is a Manifesto?
A public declaration of priorities and aims—Jesus shows how life under His reign looks.
Key Teachings:
The Beatitudes (“Blessed are…”):
– Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, etc. – Matthew 5:3–10
You have heard it said…but I tell you…”
– Radical reinterpretation of the Law: – Matthew 5:21–48
– Anger = murder in the heart
– Lust = adultery in the heart
– Divorce = breaking God’s design
Paradoxical Values (seen elsewhere):
– The greatest is the servant (Matt. 20:26–27)
– The humble are the greatest (Matt. 18:4)
Application:
– Kingdom life is countercultural.
– It requires heart transformation, not just rule-following.
– Are you living by God’s values or the world’s?
3. The Mission of the Kingdom (Matt. 9–10; 28)
Big Idea: Jesus sends His followers to share and demonstrate His Kingdom.
Key Teachings:
Calling of Matthew:
– Even tax collectors are invited: “Follow me.” – Matt. 9:9
Miracles:
– Signs of the Kingdom bringing wholeness and hope.
The Harvest is Plentiful:
– The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. – Matt. 9:37–38
– Jesus gives His disciples authority. Matt. 10:1
The Great Commission:
– Go and make disciples of all nations. – Matt. 28:19
Application:
– Are you a consumer of the Kingdom or a participant?
– Where is God calling you to extend His reign—your workplace, neighborhood, family?
4. The Growth of the Kingdom (Matt. 13)
Big Idea: The Kingdom starts small but grows with unstoppable power.
Key Teachings:
Parable of the Sower:
– Different soils, different responses, abundant harvest. – Matt. 13:3–9
Parable of the Weeds:
– Good and evil grow together until judgment.
Mustard Seed & Yeast:
– Small beginnings lead to great influence.
Application:
– Are you sowing seeds of the Kingdom?
– Trust the power of what God plants—big change often starts small.
– What seeds are you producing and sharing?
5. Life in the Kingdom Community (Matt. 18–20)
Big Idea: Kingdom relationships are marked by humility, forgiveness, and serving.
Key Teachings:
True Greatness:
– Be humble like little children. – Matt. 18:1–4
Restoring the Fallen:
– Gently restore those who sin. – Matt. 18:15–17
Unlimited Forgiveness:
– Forgive seventy-seven times. – Matt. 18:21–22
The Unmerciful Servant:
– Those forgiven much must forgive. – Matt. 18:23–35
Servant Leadership:
– Whoever wants to become great must be your servant. – Matt. 20:26–28
Application:
– Are you harboring unforgiveness?
– Do you serve or expect to be served?
– Community flourishes through humility and grace.
6. The Future of the Kingdom (Matt. 24–25)
Big Idea: Jesus prepares His disciples for His return and final judgment.
Key Teachings:
Signs of the End:
– Wars, famines, persecution, gospel to all nations. – Matt. 24:3–14
Be Ready:
– Keep watch…the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. – Matt. 24:42–44
Parable of the Ten Virgins:
– Stay spiritually prepared. – Matt. 25:1–13
Parable of the Talents:
– Use what God has entrusted to you. – Matt. 25:14–30
The Sheep and the Goats:
– Judgment based on love and compassion. – Matt. 25:31–46
Application:
– Are you living as if Jesus could return today?
– Invest your time, gifts, and resources for God’s Kingdom.
– Let eternity shape your priorities.
Reflection & Next Steps
– ✅ Is Jesus truly King over every area of your life?
– ✅ Where is He calling you to live differently?
– ✅ Who is He calling you to serve, forgive, or reach out to?
– ✅ Are you ready for His return?