Matthew at a Glance
The Gospel of Matthew recounts the most important happenings in all of world history—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A tax collector named Matthew left his profession to follow Jesus and then wrote his Gospel to tell the story of the long-awaited Messiah, who came to fulfill God’s promise of peace and salvation for sinners. Matthew reveals Jesus’ true identity, that he is the way—the only way—to eternal life.
Matthew’s Gospel contains five discourses (organized teachings), which provide us with a manual for discipleship. These discourses show us how to live by faith in a fear-filled world and to shine the light of Christ in dark places. Among the riches of this Gospel we find Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, his many parables, and his teaching about how human history will end. But overarching everything else is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus himself, vividly shown to us by one who loved his Lord.
Key Themes in Matthew
Jesus is the true Messiah, Son of God, King of Israel, and Lord of the church.
Jesus fulfills all the hopes and promises of the Old Testament.
Christ followers are to live faithful and obedient lives that reflect their Savior.
All believers are to participate in Jesus’ Great Commission of making disciples of all nations.
Simple Overview of Matthew*
I. (Prologue) The King’s Advent (1:1–4:25)
A. His Birth (1:1–2:23)
B. His Entry into Public Ministry (3:1–4:25)
II. The King’s Authority (5:1–9:38)
A. Discourse 1: The Sermon on the Mount (5:1–7:29)
B. Narrative 1: The Authenticating Miracles (8:1–9:38)
III. The King’s Agenda (10:1–12:50)
A. Discourse 2: The Commissioning of the Twelve (10:1–42)
B. Narrative 2: The Mission of the King (11:1–12:50)
IV. The King’s Adversaries (13:1–17:27)
A. Discourse 3: The Kingdom Parables (13:1–52)
B. Narrative 3: The Kingdom Conflict (13:53–17:27)
V. The King’s Administration (18:1–23:39)
A. Discourse 4: The Childlikeness of the Believer (18:1–35)
B. Narrative 4: The Jerusalem Ministry (19:1–23:39)
VI. The King’s Atonement (24:1–28:15)
A. Discourse 5: The Olivet Discourse (24:1–25:46)
B. Narrative 5: The Crucifixion and Resurrection (26:1–28:15)
VII. (Epilogue) The King’s Assignment (28:16–20)
*MacArthur, J. (2001). The MacArthur quick reference guide to the Bible (Student ed., p. 178). W Pub. Group.