Matthew: Our Current Study
Matthew’s Gospel is more than a familiar Christmas story or a collection of Jesus’ sayings. It’s a front-row seat to the life of the King who came to fulfill God’s promises and invite us into His kingdom.
As you walk through Matthew, you’ll see Jesus announced, revealed, rejected, crucified, and risen — and you’ll hear His call to follow Him in everyday life. This study is designed to help you slow down, listen to His words, and notice how His kingdom touches your own story.
Before we start the chapter-by-chapter journey, here’s a simple snapshot of the book of Matthew — who wrote it, when it was written, and why it still matters today.
Matthew at a Glance
A quick look at the who, what, when, where, and why of this Gospel before we begin.
Who wrote it?
Matthew (also called Levi), a former tax collector whom Jesus called to be one of the twelve disciples. The early church consistently connected this Gospel with Matthew.
What is it?
The first book of the New Testament and one of the four Gospels. Matthew tells the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, highlighting Him as the promised Messiah and King.
When was it written?
Likely around AD 60–70, a few decades after Jesus’ resurrection, as the early church was growing and wrestling with how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament promises.
Where was it written?
Scripture doesn’t say for sure, but many believe it was written somewhere in the eastern Mediterranean world, in a setting shaped by both Jewish and Gentile cultures.
Who was it for?
Primarily Jewish believers and seekers who needed to see how Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets — and, through them, for all followers of Jesus among the nations.
Why was it written?
To show that Jesus is the promised Messiah and rightful King, gather His teaching into clear sections, and call people to follow Him as disciples.
How the book is organized
- Chs. 1–2 – Birth and early years of Jesus
- Chs. 3–4 – John the Baptist, baptism, temptation, beginning of ministry
- Chs. 5–7 – Sermon on the Mount (kingdom living)
- Chs. 8–10 – Miracles and mission
- Chs. 11–13 – Responses to Jesus and parables of the kingdom
- Chs. 14–20 – Growing conflict and deeper teaching
- Chs. 21–25 – Final week in Jerusalem and teaching about the end
- Chs. 26–28 – Cross, resurrection, and the Great Commission
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30 (KJV)
Why Study the Gospel of Matthew?
Matthew walks us through Jesus’ life and ministry with a steady, thoughtful pace. As you read, you’ll see:
- How Jesus fulfills Old Testament promises and prophecies.
- How He gently meets people in their grief, questions, and everyday struggles.
- How His words offer both comfort and challenge for our faith today.
How This Study Is Designed
This Matthew study is spread across two months so you can move at a calm, sustainable pace:
- January – Part 1: Matthew 1–13 (The arrival and early ministry of Jesus).
- February – Part 2: Matthew 14–28 (Miracles, parables, the cross, and the resurrection).
Each day focuses on a short reading with simple prompts to help you:
- Notice what Jesus says or does.
- Reflect on what it reveals about His heart.
- Respond in prayer, journaling, or quiet reflection.
What You’ll Experience Along the Way
As you move through Matthew, you’ll have space to:
- Trace the story of Jesus from promise to fulfillment.
- See how He cares for those who are weary, grieving, or overwhelmed.
- Learn what it means to follow Him in real-life decisions, relationships, and seasons of waiting.
Ready to Begin?
You can walk through Matthew with us at your own pace. Use the daily readings, questions, and space to journal as a gentle guide—not a pressure-filled checklist.