Gospel of Matthew: Commentary

The Book of Matthew

1:1-17 Genealogy of Jesus. Starting with Abraham, father of the Jews. 14 generations. A sign of completeness (7) doubled. Matthew starts out by highlighting the Abrahamic covenant, the Davidic covenant, and the new covenant through Jesus in v.1. 

1:18-19 Jesus was born of a virgin and she was pregnant before she knew Joseph. Joseph wanted to divorce quietly so he would not publicly shame her and put her to death. 

1:20-21 Joseph had a dream that told him to take Mary as his wife. The baby was from God and he was to name him Jesus because he will save his people. 

1:22-25 Matthew wants his readers to know that Jesus is going to be the one spoken of in the prophets. He fulfills those prophecies. Isaiah 7:14 is quoted. Joseph does what the angel tells him and he had no relations with her until Jesus was born. This was to make clear the fact that Mary was a virgin. 

Chapter 2

2:1-4 The Magi knew Jesus had been born because of the star and they wanted to worship him as king. This made Herod furious so he called the people together to see where he had been born. 

2:5-6 Jesus fulfills a prophecy from Micah 5:2 about Jesus being a ruler and a shepherd. 

2:7-8 Herod finds out the time he was born and deceitfully wants the Magi to report back not to worship him but to destroy him. 

2:9-12 They followed the star until they came to Jesus. They came to the house. This was not the same place Jesus was born in. They presented their gifts fit for a king and they were warned not to go back to Herod. 

2:13-15 Joseph was told in a dream to escape to Egypt and they stay there until Herod dies. This fulfills Hosea 11:1 about coming up out of Egypt. 

2:16-18 Herod kills all boys under two but Jesus escapes this because they are in Egypt. This fulfills another prophecy in Jeremiah 31:15. 

2:19-23 They go to return to Bethlehem but Herod’s son was reigning and he was warned in another dream to go to Nazareth. This doesn’t fulfill a direct prophecy but it does fulfill the fact that he would be despised since Nazarene means “despised”. 

Chapter 3

3:1-3 John the baptist was spoken of in Isaiah 40:3 as one who would lead the way for the Messiah.  

3:4-6 Describes John and how he was baptizing by confessing sins. 

3:7-10 John warned of the coming wrath that was coming on the religious leaders that Jesus would also talk about. Imagery of the ax and trees is a sign from Israel’s prophets of judgment. 

3:11-12 Jesus is going to baptize by the Spirit and judgment. 

3:13-15 Jesus came to the Jordan river and was baptized by John. He did this to fulfill what was right. 

3:16-17 When he was brought out of the water, the Spirit came down, verifying he was the Son of God. God’s voice also verified. 

Chapter 4

4:1-11 Jesus goes into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Fasted for 40 days, showing extreme hunger. The whole temptation is like a vision. Satan uses bread because Jesus is so hungry. Jesus quotes Deuteronomy. Satan then takes him to the temple and quotes from the Psalms. Then Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy.  Then Jesus was shown the kingdom and splendor all would be his if he would worship. Ironically, they were all His but Satan had power over them. Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy a third time and the angels attend to him. 

4:12-17 Jesus began his ministry in Capernaum. This fulfills Isaiah 9:1-2. 

4:18-22 Jesus calls his first disciples Andrew and Peter. James and John are also fishermen and Jesus calls them too. 

4:23-25 Jesus proclaims the good news and heals the sick. News about him spread as he’s spreading the good news. Decapolis was a league of free cities. 

Chapter 5 

Chapter 5:1-12 Beatitudes, Blessed- means more than “happy”, it refers to the well-being and spiritual joy of those who share the salvation of the kingdom of God.

Chapter 5:13-16 Salt & Light, If we turn from God how can we turn back- repentance 5:14. Let your light shine before others. Light- glory of God.

5:17-20 Fulfillment of the law, he did not come to abolish old law- entire old testament. Jesus had come to fulfill them. Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in heaven.

5:21-26 Murder, Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. “Raca” means empty, so “empty-head”. Dealing with anger by means of reconciliation.

5:27-30 Adultery, Anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery. We should take sins seriously.

5:31-32 Divorce, If anyone marries the divorced woman, they commit adultery.

5:33-37 Oaths, There is no need for oaths because we should always tell the truth.

5:38-42 An eye for an eye, Do not resist an evil person, “strikes” meaning insults. It is better to be insulted twice than take the matter to court. Do not spark retaliation.  

5:43-48 Love for Enemies, Pray for those who insult you and that you may be known as a child of God. God shows love for people without distinction. Don’t just love the ones who love you back, love those who don’t love you also.

Chapter 6

6:1-4 Giving to the Needy, Do not give to the needy or do righteous acts to be seen by men. Self- glorification. The reward you get is the praise from men if you do this. “Don’t let your left hand know”- saying that means don’t gloat or brag about the good things you do. 

6:5-15 Prayer, Don’t pray in front of people just for them to see you pray. Do not pray without meaning.

6:16-18 Fasting, Again do not fast to be seen by others. When we do things for God, it should stay between us and God. 

6:19-24 Treasures in heaven, things in this life will not last, but heavenly things will last so store up those things. The eye is the lamp of the body. Serve God or serve other things. We cannot do both.  

6:25-34 Do not worry, Don’t worry about the things you need because God will provide. If you seek his kingdom and his righteousness all of the things you need will be given to you as well.

Chapter 7

7:1-6 Judging others, Do not judge because in the same way you will be judged.We should not judge so as to condemn someone as a sinner or someone going to hell. There is one judge and he makes those decisions. 

7:7-12 Ask, Seek, Knock, Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. We should ask for what we need. 

7:13-14 The Wide and Narrow gates, The narrow gate is the entrance to the kingdom of heaven and few will enter through it. The wide gate is the gate that leads to hell and many will enter through it.

7:15-23 A tree and its fruit, watch for false prophets. We will know those who are good by the fruit they produce (how they act). 

7:24-27, The wise and foolish builders, those who build on a rock are wise because it is sturdy ground. Those who build on sand are foolish. Building on teachings of Jesus is building on the rock. Building on anything else is like building on sand. It will not stand because it is not true.

Chapter 8

8:1-4 A man with leprosy asks Jesus to make him clean. He testifies that he can make him clean if he is willing. This shows the man believed Jesus had the healing power. Jesus makes him clean and he was healed of leprosy. Then Jesus commands him to show himself to the priest as was the custom and to offer the sacrifice since he could not before because he was unclean. The testimony was that he was offering the gift because he was clean. 

8:5-9 A centurion comes to Jesus (or his messengers do) and asks him to heal his servant. This shows the centurion had a heart unlike other centurions who wouldn’t have cared. He humbles himself and says that he does not deserve Jesus in his home but he believes Jesus can just say the words. This shows immense faith. 

8:10-13 Jesus reveals that this man (not an Israelite) has more faith than anyone in Israel. He then gives a tiny parable about those who feast in the kingdom. Israel was God’s chosen people, they are to be the subjects but many will be thrown out because of their unbelief. Jesus heals the servant with his words. It was done as the centurion believed it would.      

8:14-17 Jesus heals Peter’s mother in law. Jesus drives out the evil spirits fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:4. 

8:18-22 Jesus tells of the severity of following him. It was not going to be easy, giving up luxury. It was also going to take importance over traditional matters. Jesus wanted the man who wanted to bury his father to understand that following Jesus was about priority not about tradition (burying one’s parents). 

8:23-27 Jesus was sleeping during a storm showing his calmness. He calmed the winds with a word and they realize that they had such little faith in the power that Jesus had. They question who he is, which leaves room for doubt. 

8:28-34 Jesus comes across two possessed men. These demons know who Jesus is and they know about the appointed time when Jesus will abolish all evil. They went into the herd of pigs and the people were struck with fear so they asked Jesus to leave. 

Chapter 9

9:1-3 The faith of those who were bringing the paralyzed man were noticed by Jesus. They believed in his power. It may be that the man’s paralysis was the result of sin but that is not made clear. Jesus could have said that to get the attention of the leaders who responded with a blasphemous comment. 

9:4-8 Jesus wants the religious leaders to know that he has authority to forgive sins. This is verified by his words and actions of healing the man. The miracle is witness to the statement that he can forgive sins. The people were amazed and the “authority to man” comment gives truth to Jesus’ identity as fully God having authority and fully man. 

9:9-13 Jesus calls Matthew to be his disciple. Tax collectors were not highly favored by Jews and Jesus called him strategically. Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6 because he wants them to realize that he would rather us show mercy to others than to live religiously. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. 

9:14-17 John the Baptist’s disciples ask why they fast but his disciples do not. They must have noticed this over time and ask the question. Jesus answers by telling them that there really is no need to fast while he is with his disciples. Jesus was bringing a new type of kingdom that didn’t conform to the traditional ways of doing things. This is what the patch and wineskin parables are all about. New vs old. Jesus fulfills the meaning of the old law while bringing in a new relationship. 

9:18-19 Jairus comes before Jesus and asks him to heal his daughter. He has the faith Jesus can heal her and so Jesus and his disciples go with him. Very similar to the roman centurion story. Matthew is trying to draw out the faith of Gentiles vs the faith of the Jewish people.  

9:20-22 A woman suffering from bleeding believes that touching Jesus will heal her. Again her faith is strong. She touches his cloak and Jesus says that her faith healed her. Not the cloak, not her touching healed her but her faith. 

9:23-26 Jesus makes it to Jairus’ house and there are flute players and crowds which assume the girl is dead. Jesus provokes them to go away but they laugh at him. Jesus takes her by the hand and heals her. Touching a dead body was an unclean move in the old law. But Jesus touching her brought her to life not death and defilement. 

9:27-31 Two blind men came to Jesus and he healed them just as Isaiah 35:5 prophesied. He asks them for their belief and they confess that they believe he can heal them. Just as the bleeding woman and the centurion’s servant, these men were healed because they had faith. Jesus said, “according to your faith it will be done” meaning that their faith would determine the outcome. They had faith and they were healed. Jesus told them not to speak of it but they spread the word throughout the region. 

9:32-34 After this a mute, demon possessed man was brought to Jesus. The demon was driven out and the man spoke which fulfilled Isaiah 35:6. The Pharisees, because of their unbelief, attributed this act to Jesus being the head of demons.

9:35-38 Jesus went around preaching and healing. He also had compassion on the people because they were sheep without a shepherd. The leaders had failed and the true Shepherd was among them. Then Jesus tells his disciples that the harvest is ready but there are few workers. He says this because he is about to send them into the harvest as workers. 

Chapter 10

10:1-4 Jesus calls the disciples together to give them authority to drive out demons and heal people. “Apostles” only mention of this in Matthew. 

10:5-10 Jesus gives very simple directions. He specifically wants them to go to Israelites, not Gentiles. They were to preach that the kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus wanted them to heal and cast out demons freely as they had been given the power to. They were to take nothing as payment and nothing with them. 

10:11-16 Jesus gives them instructions as they are to enter the towns. They are to look for peaceful people. If they are not welcoming, they were to shake the dust off their feet, which was a symbol of warning that God’s judgment is upon them. They have rejected the kingdom and they will be dealt with. They were going out into vile territory, so they were to be wise and not fall into their evil traps. 

10:17-20 The disciples will suffer on account of Jesus. The Spirit will be speaking through and give them the words to say. They were to be witnesses to royalty and to Gentiles as well. They were not to worry about defending themselves because the Spirit would tell them what to say and it could not be argued against.  

10:21-23 This is a reference to Micah 7:6 and the persecution they would go through. They would not finish going through the towns before the Son of Man comes is likely a reference to the judgment and fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. They would not be able to get to the towns because of persecution and the hatred among the people led to their downfall. Jesus encourages them to be strong to the end. 

10:24-25 Jesus is warning about those who act like the one they serve. Those who serve satan will act like satan. They are acting like their master. Beelzebub is greek for of Hebrew “Baal-Zebub”, which is the prince of demons or otherwise known as satan. 

10:26-33 Jesus did not want the disciples to be afraid of those who persecute them or who are against them. They should rather fear God than fear men. Jesus uses the parable of sparrows dying but not without the father wanting them to. We are much more valuable than birds and therefore God will provide for us and protect us. If we acknowledge Jesus before others, he will acknowledge us before God. 

10:34-39 Jeuss says he comes to bring not peace but sword because he is fulfilling Micah 7:6 which talks about families turning on each other. This is because of the kingdom and message Jesus is bringing. He is the Prince of Peace between believers and God, but among men he brings a judgment. Jesus should be our priority and if we lose our life for Christ, we find it in eternity. 

10:40-42 If anyone received the disciples, they received Jesus. Those who would welcome the disciples and not persecute them will receive a reward because they initially are receiving Jesus. 

Chapter 11

11:1-6 Jesus continued his ministry in Galilee and John the Baptist sent some of his disciples to find out if Jesus was really the Messiah, the one the prophets spoke of. Jesus references Isaiah 35 which would signal to John that he is the one. Jesus is healing the sick and preaching the good news. 

11:7-10 Jesus verifies that John the Baptist was a prophet and the one spoken of in Malachi 3:1. They should not have expected an unstable man or a greatly dressed one. They saw a servant of God. 

11:11-15 Those who take part in the kingdom of heaven will be considered greater than John if he is to remain humble as part of God’s kingdom. John the Baptist started the movement of the kingdom but there is opposition which are the men who lay hold of it (namely the religious leaders). The prophets prophesied until John meaning that they spoke about the coming kingdom which was signaled by John’s ministry. Malachi 4:5 references Elijah coming back, Jesus says John was the new Elijah, even though he denied being him, he fulfilled his role.

11:16-19 Both John and Jesus’ ministry needed responses and the people of that generation Jesus says did not respond appropriately. The little poem Jesus gives is a way of saying they did not respond the way they should to John’s message or Jesus’ message. They refused to believe the truth but in time wisdom will prove that they were wrong in their response and should have believed.   

11:20-24 Jesus calls out three cities in which he did miracles, Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. These cities witnessed the miracles of healing and the miracles were witnesses against them. They refused to repent and so they will be brought down in judgment that is soon coming upon them. 

11:25-30 Jesus tells us that these things were hidden from those who think they know and they have been revealed to little children, or followers of Jesus. The relationship between the Father and Son is discussed in a way here that is so connected they both can only know each other. The only other ones who can come to know God are the ones whom Jesus reveals him to. Jesus’ call for rest and to take upon his yoke which we share with other believers is truly a gift from heaven. 

Chapter 12

12:1-8 Jesus and his disciples pick grain on the Sabbath. This was forbidden under Jewish law because there was to be no work done on the Sabbath. Jesus gives two examples of this not happening: David eating the consecrated bread illegally, and priests working in the temple on the Sabbath though they are innocent. Jesus quotes from Hosea 6:6 to remind them that it is not always about law and tradition but grace and mercy. They are innocent because Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, meaning he rules over it and is not bound by law. 

12:9-14 The Pharisees challenge Jesus by asking if it is legal to heal on the Sabbath. Jesus gives them an example of an animal falling and helping it out. If they were to do that then healing this man was certainly legal and right. The Pharisees did not heed his words and this is the first time in Matthew’s gospel we see a plan to kill Jesus. 

12:15-21 Because of their plotting he goes away from there and heals people telling them not to spread the news about who he was. This fulfilled Isaiah 42:1-4 a passage about being the servant who leads nations to victory.  

12:22-24 A demon possessed man was brought to Jesus who was blind and mute and Jesus restored him. The Pharisees accused him of being the leader of demons, which is where his power comes from. 

12:25-29 Jesus defends his case by telling them that if he was indeed Satan or a leader of demons, he would not be driving out his own kind because that would defeat the purpose of possessing people. He would be divided against himself and that would make no sense. Jesus claims that the kingdom of God has come because it is by the power of God he drives them out. Strong man =devil, tie him up meaning Jesus has victory over Satan. 

12:30-32 Here Jesus speaks of an unforgivable sin. If someone blasphemes Jesus, that is forgivable, but blasphemy against the Spirit is not. Here’s why: Attributing the work of the Spirit to Satan continually will warp our minds into believing everything is Satan trying to get us and therefore we will never be convicted of our own sin to repent. It’s a state of mind that will last forever because we can’t see the truth just like the Pharisees. It’s a sin that leads to never asking for forgiveness thus being unforgivable. 

12:33-37 Jesus then goes on to warn that they will be condemned by their words they have spoken. They have attributed good to evil and their careless words will bring ruin to them eternally. They produce bad fruit and we can recognize people by the fruit they produce (words and actions). They have spoken evil and so they are evil. It is not just our actions we are judged by but our words. 

12:38-42 They ask for a miraculous sign to trap him but Jesus says they will be given the sign of Jonah. Later Jesus was going to be crucified and risen in three days, and that would be the witness against them. Nineveh repented but they have not. Jesus is greater than both Jonah and Solmon but they refuse to listen. 

12:43-45 Jesus is going through Israel to drive out the demons and evil but yet evil will return because they have not fully accepted Jesus. Because they are empty, evil will come back and take residence and cause them to fall, thus fulfilled in the fall of Jerusalem. 

12:46-50 Jesus makes a reference that a new family is beginning with those who follow him. Whoever follows God’s commands is a new family through Jesus. 

Chapter 13 

13:1-9 Parable of the sower that Jesus interprets for his disciples later. 

13:10-17 The disciples want to know why Jesus speaks in parables. Jesus quotes from Isaiah 6:9-10 to explain. The knowledge has been given to those whose hearts are open. These people’s hearts were hardened and so they heard but did not understand. Jesus is still fulfilling prophecy through story-telling. The prophets longed to see and hear the Messiah but did not. 

13:18-23 Jesus explains the parable of the sower. He explains that every man receives Jesus’ words differently. But with an open heart and mind, we can receive his words and understand it. We produce fruit and a harvest when we do. Meaning that we are living out the words of Jesus and it shows. 

13:24-30 Parable of the weeds. Describes the kingdom of heaven and how both good and bad people dwell together here on earth. The end will soon come and those who do evil will not last, but the ones who do good will shine. 

13:31-35 Parables of year and mustard seed to describe the kingdom of heaven and its influence on people. Jesus fulfills Psalm 78:2 because he speaks in parables. 

13:36-42 Explanation of the parable of weeds. 

13:44-46 Parables of treasure and pearls because the kingdom is of such great value to us that we should be willing to give up all we have to gain it. 

13:47-52 The parable of the net. The kingdom of heaven is like a net with good and bad fish and the end of the age is like separating those fish. Those who have understood the old law but have gained this new teaching should reflect respect for the law but joy for the new teachings. 

13:53-58 Jesus went back home to teach the people there but they doubted him and lacked faith. So Jesus did not do miracles there.  

Chapter 14

14:1-5 Herod the tetrarch’- ruler of fourth part of a region. “Herodias granddaughter of Herod the Great.

14:6-12 Herod was pleased with his daughter and told her she could have anything she wanted. She wanted John the Baptist beheaded. So the king did so, and John was dead .

14:13-14 Jesus heard of John’s death and withdrew to a place of solitude. A crowd followed him and he healed their sick .

14:15-20 Jesus feeds 5,000 with five leaves of bread and 2 fish. Picked up 12 basket fulls of broken pieces.

14:21. Matthew noted the women and children, because the Jews did not allow women and children to eat with men in public.

14:22- 24 Jesus made the disciples get into the boat While he dismissed the crowd and prayed.

14:25- 33 The disciples saw Jesus walking on water, thought he was a ghost. Peter came to Jesus but began to sink because he was afraid. Faith can do great things. “fourth watch”- Romans had 4 night watches: 6-9 pm, 9-12, 12-3, 3- 6 a.m.

14:34-36 Landed either in a plain, con a town in the Plain They accepted Jesus.

Chapter 15

15:1-11 Jesus makes clear that cleanliness of hands doesn’t make us unclean, words do.

15:12-20 The plants in v.13 are the Pharisees. Jesus tries to get them to understand that eating with unwashed hands doesn’t make anyone unclean. It is not tradition that makes one unclean but what one thinks, says, and does. 

15:21- 28 “Children” lost sheep of Israel, “dogs”- Gentiles. The gospel was to be given first to the Jews. She was willing to settle for “crumbs”

15:29-31 He left and went to the Sea of Galilee and healed the sick that came to him.

15:32- 39 Jesus feeds the 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few small fish.

Chapter 16

16:1- We see another test for Jesus showing a sign.

16:2-4 Jesus did not do it because he knew the Pharisees and Sadducees’ intent. He knew they would not understand the sign anyways .

16:5-12 The disciples were still taking the words of Jesus literally. Instead Jesus’ was warning them about the teachings of the Pharisees and sadducees.

16:13- 20 Jesus changes Simon Peter’s name to just Peter. Christ is the foundation for the church, not Peter . ” Hades” sheol- grave

16:21-23 Jesus told the disciples what was going to happen. “Satan”- loanword from Hebrew meaning, “adversary”, or “accuser”

16:24- Jesus is saying we must sacrifice our life to him daily.

16:25-27 We should give our life to God for a little while, and receive our reward for eternity.

16:28 This verse might be a prediction of the transfiguration that happened a week later.

Chapter 17

17:1- 13 A”transfiguration” Purely means a change in appearance or figure. Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they saw, Until Jesus rose from the dead.

17:14-21 The disciples could not heal a demon-possessed boy because of their faith

17:22-23 Jesus’ second Prediction of his death.

17:24-27 “Sons”- disciples, “others” Jews, two- drachma tax -worth half a shekel. ( two days’ wayes)

Chapter 18

18:1-4 Become like little children, trusting, humble and

Innocent

18:5-6″large millstone” Millstone turned by a donkey for to heavy for

a human-

18:7-9 Hyperbole: Drastic measures may need to be taken, to remove sin from our life.

18:10-11 These angels are Probably not guarding just children, but God’s people in general.

18:12-14 This account is also found in Luke 15:3-7, here it applies to believers, but in Luke it applies to unbelievers repenting.

18:15-20 First talk to your brother, or fellow believer, between the two of you. If he refuses to listen, bring witnesses, if not tell it to the church, Christ tells us where we congregate in his name, he is with us.

18:21-22 Peter is wondering what the limit is to forgive someone, Jesus says there is no limit, showing the relationship between us and God. God infinitely forgives us, so we should definitely do the same

18:23-35 The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. A King canceled a servant’s debt, but that same servant did not do the same to another servant who owed him. When the king received word of what had happened, he turned the servant over to the sailors to be tortured, until he payed back his debt. God forgives, but judges those who do not.

Chapter 19

19:1-2 “other side” east side of Jordan. Large crowds followed him as he left Galilee.

19:3-6 The Pharisees again try to test Jesus, but fail. Man should not separate what God joined together.

19: 7-12 Jesus gives 3 examples in which ” it is better not to marry.” applies to.

19:13- The disciples thought that Jesus’ time was not to be wasted on children. Or that he would

be bothered by them.

19:14-15 Jesus was trying to teach the disciples that the children were to be examples of how a

Christian should live. Pure and honest we are to be.

19:16- The man was thinking in terms of righteous by works.

19:17- Jesus was making the point that only God is good, and all other good things flow from him.

19:18-22 When listing the commandments to the man, Jesus left out “do not cover.” He then told him this, in V.21 as this was the man’s main problem, and obstacle to getting to eternal life.

19:23- 24 It is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom because he loves his possessions more than God.

19:25- 30 only with God can we be saved. Those who have given up everything for Christ will be first.

Chapter 20

20:1-16 Parable of the workers in the Vineyard. This parable describes God’s grace given to all people, latecomers or not, they all receive the same reward.

20:17-19 Jesus Predicts his death yet a third time. 3 predictions may be symbolic for 3 days he will be crucified, buried, and resurrected.

20: 20-23 “drink the cup” figure of speech meaning to “experience” the suffering Jesus will go through. James was martyred- (Acts 12:2), John was exiled – (Rev 1:9).

20:24-28 We must live to serve and sacrifice not to have others serve and sacrifice for us.

20:29-34 1wo blind men receive sight. Jesus had compassion for everyone.

Chapter 21

21:1-3 “Bethpage”- house of figs. Ironic because later they put branches and put them before Jesus as he came on the road. Donkey symbolizes humility.

21:4-5 He did this to fulfill a Prophecy. Zechariah 9:19

21:6-11 The crowds were accepting Jesus with spreading of cloaks, and branches on the road. People were wondering who he was. “Prophet” could mean a prophet in general or to the prophet predicted in Deuteronomy 18:15- 22.

21: 12- “temple area”- large outer court of Gentiles.

21:13- Jeremiah 7:11, they were using the temple to make money Isaiah 56:7

21:14-17 Jesus healed the blind and the lame. v.16 comes from Psalm 8:2

21: 18-22 If we have faith and it is God’s will, it will be done in prayer.

21: 23-27 Jesus’ authority came from God, as did John’s baptism.

21:28- 32 Parable of the Two sons. It doesn’t matter how we started, it’s how we end our life. We can confess Christ is the Son of God, but if our deeds do not correlate with our words, it does not count.

21:33-40 Parable of the Tenants. Tenants- Jews, servants- anyone who accepts Christ, Son – christ, landowner God, vineyard- Prophet Israel.

21:41. The disciples are asked to finish the parable. So they give a reply “other tenets” symbolically: Gentiles.

21:42 .- Psalm 118:22.23

21:43-44 Those who reject Christ will be broken and crushed.

21:45-46 The Pharisees wanted to arrest Jesus, but they were afraid of the people. The Pharisees wanted to be the most Popular, well-Known, and liked people in the city.

Chapter 22

22:1-14 Parable of the Wedding Banquet. The meaning of this parable is everyone is invited to heaven but only a few will enter.

22:15-17 The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus in his words. “Herodians” – Supported Roman rule of Herods

22:18 – 22 Jesus knew what they were trying to do but he told them to pay the taxes.

22:23-33 we will be like angels in the sense that there will be no marriage. This account is describing the resurrection of the dead, not Jesus: resurrection.

22:34-40 The whole Of basically falls under these two commandments.

22:41-46 Jesus was trying to make them realize that Christ is God’s Son, Quote from Psalm 110:1. They were astonished at the wisdom and authority of Christ, no one asked him anymore questions.

Chapter 23

23:1-4 Respect the teachers and Pharisees, but do not follow what they do. Follow their words, not actions

23:5-7 “Phylacteries” boxes containing Scriptures. They do everything for men to see and for men to honor them.

23:8-12 This is a lesson about humbleness. Jesus is teaching us not to receive or seek honorable titles just for pride.

• Jewish Sects
• Pharisees
• Sadducees
• Essenes
• zealots

23:13-32 Seven woes by Jesus on the religious leaders.

– They will not enter Kingdom of Heaven.

– Their evangelistic results are worse than they.

– No need for ouths, just tell the truth.

– They neglect the spiritual side of the law. 

– ” inside” Spirit. Clean the spirit.

– They appear clean, but on the inside are dirty

-They think they are better than their forefathers.

23:33- 36 “Abel to Zechariah” is like our “Genesis to Revelation:” Jesus Summed up all martyrdom in the Old Testament. V.36- Fall of Jerusalem.

22:37- 39 God will abandon his temple and city. Jesus still had compassion on Jerusalem.

Chapter 24

24:1-2 Jesus was talking about the Fall of Jerusalem

in A. D.70.

24: 3- The disciples wanted to know when the “stones

would be thrown down” and what the signs of Christs coming will be.

24:4-8 Jesus Warns of false Christi Pretending to be him. “birth pains” sufferings that would precede the coming of the messiah.

24:9- persecution because of Christ.

24:10-14 Many will turn away before Christ comes, but those who stand firm, will be saved.

24:15- “abomination”- most likely a pagan altar

24:16.22 All describing the fall of Jerusalem.

24:23- 29 Jesus warning and description of his coming

24:30-35 Signs of the Messiah’s coming.

24:36- 41 The coming of the Son of Man will be unexpected.

24:42- 44 Be watchful and ready for the Lord’s coming

24:45-47 “food”- gospel, “master”- Jesus. Jesus wants to see his disciples spreading the gospel when he returns.

24: 48:51 If they are disobedient when he returns, they will be assigned to go to hell .

Chapter 25

25:1-13 Parable of the Ten Virgins. This is a parable about being prepared for the Lord’s coming. “bridegroom’” – Jesus.

25:14- 30 Parable of the Talents. Meaning – don’t sit and wait for christ; return, we must be active in his Kingdom.

25:31- 40 Those who enter the Kingdom of God will be sheep.

25:41-46 The goats on his left, will enter eternal punishment.

Chapter 26

26:1 – 5 Caiaphas- High priest A.D. 18.36. They plotted to kill Jesus but not during Passover. They knew that many People loved Jesus, and hundreds of thousands of Jewish pilgrims came to Jerusalem.

26:4-13 “alabaster jar”- made of marble. It was a Jewish custom to anoint a dead body with oil, to prepare for burial. Jesus was going to suffer a criminals death, but criminals did not

have anointing of the body. Proving that because Jesus was anointed he was not a criminal.

26:14- 16 “thirty silver coins”- 120 denarii

26:17-19 Jesus Seems to eat passover with his disciples.

26:20- 25 Jesus Calls Judas out and tells him he will betray him. To eat with someone in that culture meant “I am your friend and will not hurt you.”

26:26-30 The Lord’s Supper. “I will not drink” Messianic banquet

(Rev 19:9). “hymn”- Psalms 115-118.

26:31- “all fall away” Judas beforehand, Peter’s denial, V.56- all the rest deserted him. Part b of this verse is from zechariah 18:7.

26:32-35 Jesus Predicts Peter’s denial.

26:36-46 Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is about to die and the disciples are sleeping.

26:47-51 Peter was Probably the one who cut off the ear of the servant .

26:52-56 Jesus Knew he had to fulfill the scriptures. They could have arrested him any other time, and in a different way. They came after him like a criminal.

26:57-68 v.63 Jesus was legally obliged to reply. High Priests normally did not tear their Clothes.

26:69-75 Peter denies Jesus 3 times. v.73 – Peter was a Galilean, and they had different accents than those in Jerusalem

Chapter 27

27:1-2 The chief priests and elders had to hand Jesus over to Pilate because they could not carry out capital punishment 

27: 3-5 Judas realized what he had done, and throw the money into the temple, and hanged himself.

27:6 – 10 The chief priests used the coms to buy the potter’s field. ” Field of Blood” or “Valley of Slaughter” w. 9-10. Jer 19:1-13

27:11-26 Pilate does not want to sentence Jesus to death, but the crowd insists. So he releases Barabbas to them, and has Jesus flogged.

27:27-31 The soldiers mock Jesus, with crown of thorns, staff, spit. “Praetorium”- governor’s official residence in Jerusalem.

27:32-34. “gall”. Traditionally women furnished this pain-killing narcotic to prisoners. Jesus refused, wanting to be fully conscious until his death.

27:35-44 “V.41”- The Sanhedrin. The crucifixion. These people did not understand the significance of this event.

27:45- Sixth-ninth”- noon-3 P.M. Darkness symbolizes the sin he bore for us.

27:46-47 “Eloi, Eloi, lama Sabachthani” – mix of Aramaic and Hebrew. Must have been a language they did not understand.

27:48-49 It was commonly believed that Elisch would come in times of need.

27:50-John 19:30 “loud cry”,”it is finished.” Jesus’ work on earth was done.

27:51-53 The curtain symbolized that now believers could go directly into God’s presence.

27:54 Now they realize who he was.

27:55-56 Mark’s account says “salame” in Place of “zebedee’s sons

27:57-61 Joseph buried Jesus.

27: 62-63 “next day” Saturday

27:64- 66 They wanted to make sure he didn’t escape. Sealed tomb, Placed sword.

Chapter 28

28:1-4 vw.2.4 happens before Mary and Mary Magdalene arrive.

28:5-9 The angel tells them Jesus has risen, Jesus meets them along the way.

28:11-15 The guards were told to lie about Jesus’ resurrection.

28:16-20 The Great commission. Some disciples doubted it was actually him. He tells them to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them. Promises them he is always with them.

Conclusion of the book of Matthew.