Brief Summary:
The Gospel of Matthew discusses the lineage, birth, and early life of Christ in the first two chapters. From there, the book discusses the ministry of Jesus. The descriptions of Christ’s teachings are arranged around “discourses” such as the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5 through 7. Chapter 10 involves the mission and purpose of the disciples; chapter 13 is a collection of parables; chapter 18 discusses the church; chapter 23 begins a discourse about hypocrisy and the future. Chapters 21 through 27 discuss the arrest, torture, and execution of Jesus. The final chapter describes the Resurrection and the Great Commission.
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The Book of Matthew Summary
Summary of the Gospel of Matthew – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
Context Summary
Matthew 21:1–11 follows Jesus on His final, “triumphal” entry into Jerusalem. He rides on a donkey for the final mile or so to intentionally fulfill a prophecy from Zechariah about the king arriving in Jerusalem. The crowds praise Him as the Messiah, lining His path with branches and their cloaks. They shout out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” as seen in Psalm 118. The event we now call Palm Sunday stirs up Jerusalem with many people asking who Jesus is.
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“Matthew 21:9” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 21:9 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 21:9
9 The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosannab]”>[b] to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Psalm 118:26
Context Summary
Matthew 21:12–17 describes Jesus’ entrance into the massive Jewish temple in Jerusalem during what we now call Holy Week. He immediately drives a marketplace out of the temple and overturns the money-changers’ tables. He also heals some blind and lame people and refuses to silence some children who are praising Him as the Son of David. He quotes part of a psalm to chief priests and scribes who find this inappropriate.
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“Matthew 21:12” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 21:12 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 21:12
12 Jesus entered into the temple of God and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold the doves.
Context Summary
Matthew 22:1–14 contains Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast. Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who threw a banquet for his son. The king’s chosen guests refuse to come, to the point of violence against his messengers. So, the king fills the wedding hall with common people he finds out and about; some bad, some good. One guest is thrown out into the darkness, though, for trying to attend the feast without wearing a wedding garment. Jesus summarizes the message with the famous phrase, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” This parable touches on Israel’s rejection of the Messiah and salvation by grace. This touches on very similar themes to those of the parable of the great banquet (Luke 14:12–24), but with critical differences.
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“Matthew 22:13” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 22:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 22:13
13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and throw him into the outer darkness. That is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.’
Context Summary
Matthew 22:1–14 contains Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast. Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who threw a banquet for his son. The king’s chosen guests refuse to come, to the point of violence against his messengers. So, the king fills the wedding hall with common people he finds out and about; some bad, some good. One guest is thrown out into the darkness, though, for trying to attend the feast without wearing a wedding garment. Jesus summarizes the message with the famous phrase, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” This parable touches on Israel’s rejection of the Messiah and salvation by grace. This touches on very similar themes to those of the parable of the great banquet (Luke 14:12–24), but with critical differences.
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“Matthew 22:14” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 22:14 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 22:14
14 For many are called, but few chosen.”
Context Summary
Matthew 22:15–22 is a famous event, containing Jesus’ response to the issue of taxes. This moment is also depicted in Mark 12:13–17 and Luke 20:20–26. In that context, Jewish people resented being forced to pay those fees to Rome. This makes the challenge a trap: the Pharisees want Jesus to make an unpopular statement or open Himself to arrest for rebellion against the Roman Empire. Instead, Jesus points out that the Roman denarius has Caesar’s image on it. He then tells the people to give Caesar what is his and give God what is God’s. This subtly implies that we should give ourselves to God, since we bear His image (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 22:37).
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“Matthew 22:21” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 22:21 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 22:21
21 They said to him, “Caesar’s.”
Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Context Summary
Matthew 23:1–12 begins Jesus’ condemnation of Israel’s religious leaders, summarized with the phrase “the scribes and the Pharisees.” He warns those listening not to follow their example, since they don’t practice what they preach. Their words imply heavy burdens, but their actions don’t reflect the same. They make no effort to help others fulfill those requirements. In fact, everything they do is for show: only to be seen and approved of by others. They make a great show of religious clothes and symbols, jockey for the seats of honor everywhere they go, and take enormous pride in their prestigious spiritual titles.
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“Matthew 23:11” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 23:11 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 23:11-12
11 But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Context Summary
Matthew 23:1–12 begins Jesus’ condemnation of Israel’s religious leaders, summarized with the phrase “the scribes and the Pharisees.” He warns those listening not to follow their example, since they don’t practice what they preach. Their words imply heavy burdens, but their actions don’t reflect the same. They make no effort to help others fulfill those requirements. In fact, everything they do is for show: only to be seen and approved of by others. They make a great show of religious clothes and symbols, jockey for the seats of honor everywhere they go, and take enormous pride in their prestigious spiritual titles.
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“Matthew 23:12” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 23:12 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 23:11-12
11 But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Context Summary
Matthew 24:1–14 follows Jesus and the disciples out of the temple. This comes after His devastating criticism of the scribes and Pharisees in chapter 23. Christ predicts a moment when the temple will be destroyed without one stone left on another. Later, His disciples ask for more information about these future events. Jesus describes a season in which the world will be in turmoil but that alone will not be proof that the end has come. His disciples will be persecuted, killed, and hated for His name’s sake. False prophets will rise and some with them will fall away from the faith.
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“Matthew 24:12-13” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 24:31 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 24:12-13
12 Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end will be saved.
Context Summary
Matthew 24:29–31 describes the actual events of Christ’s return to earth, also known as the second coming. It begins with events in the heavens, including the light of the sun being darkened and the light of the moon being lost. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear. It will be seen by all the nations of the earth, and they will mourn to see the Christ coming on the clouds of heaven with power and glory. When He arrives, He will send His angels to the four corners of the earth to gather His elect.
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“Matthew 24:31” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 24:31 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 24:31
31 He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Context Summary
Matthew 25:14–30 compares the kingdom of heaven to three servants of a wealthy master. Each was given resources—the master’s assets—and commanded to do business with them while he is away. Two of the servants apply the supplied funds and double the sums of money the master leaves with them. They are richly rewarded when he comes back. The third servant buries the money and does nothing with it out of supposed fear of the master. The master condemns his laziness and evil, casting him out. Jesus’ servants must work diligently for Him while waiting for His return, not wasting the talents and resources which they have been given.
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“Matthew 25:21” Bibleref.com
https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/25/Matthew-25-21.html
Matthew 25:21
21 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Context Summary
Matthew 25:31–46 describes Jesus’ epic judgment, to take place when He returns as King with His angels and takes His place on the throne. He will divide those judged into two groups: “sheep” and “goats.” The sheep will be welcomed and praised for serving those in need. The goats will be sent away from Jesus to eternal fire and condemned for not serving those in need. This comes at the end of the Olivet Discourse, which began when disciples asked Jesus about the end days (Matthew 24:3). This passage is notoriously difficult to interpret, making it especially important to handle with caution. Though it is referred to as a “parable,” thanks to the use of shepherding terms, the situation it describes seems to be very real.
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“Matthew 25:40” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 25:40 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 25:40
40 “The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Context Summary
Matthew 26:1–5 shows that Jesus knows exactly what is going to happen to Him in the next few days. He tells the disciples He will be handed over for crucifixion at Passover. Meanwhile, the high priest, chief priests, and elders are plotting to arrest Jesus secretly and have Him killed. They decide to wait until after the Passover feast so as not to provoke the crowds to riot in defense of Jesus.
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“Matthew 26:2” Bibleref.com
https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/26/Matthew-26-2.html
Matthew 26:2
2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
Context Summary
Matthew 26:17–35 begins with locating the room which will be used for the Passover meal. While they are eating, Jesus announces that one of His closest disciples will become a traitor. Judas discovers that Jesus knows it is him. Jesus introduces the concept of bread and wine as symbols of His sacrificial body and blood. After the meal, Jesus tells the disciples they will fall away that night and that Peter will deny Him three times. They insist that will not happen. Mark 14:10–31, Luke 22:3–23, Luke 22:31–34, and John 13:21–38 feature these events, as well.
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“Matthew 26:28” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 26:28 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 26:27-28
27 He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, “All of you drink it, 28 for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.
Context Summary
Matthew 26:47–56 paints the scene of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. Judas arrives leading an armed crowd of soldiers, temple guards, and others. Judas identifies Jesus to the arresting crowd using a friend’s kiss. Peter (John 18:10) wildly swings a sword and cuts a man’s ear off in a misguided effort to defend Jesus. Jesus tells him to put the sword away. If He wanted saving, He could ask the Father and 12 legions of angels would arrive. He will not resist. The Scriptures of the prophets must be fulfilled. This passage parallels Mark 14:43–50, Luke 22:47–53, and John 18:1–11.
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“Matthew 26:52” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 26:52 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 26:52
52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.
Context Summary
Matthew 27:45–56 describes the climactic moment when Jesus dies on the cross. Darkness falls over Israel as Jesus hangs near death. Jesus cries out the words of Psalm 22:1, which mean “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some nearby think He is calling for Elijah the prophet to come and save Him. Jesus dies. Immediately, the massive temple curtain is torn in two, top to bottom. Earthquakes open the tombs of some of the saints of Israel, who are later resurrected. A Roman centurion is shocked enough to declare that Jesus was the Son of God. Three women, Jesus’ friends, watch from a distance.
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“Matthew 27:46” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 27:46 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 27:46
46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima[h] sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”Psalm 22:1
Context Summary
Matthew 27:45–56 describes the climactic moment when Jesus dies on the cross. Darkness falls over Israel as Jesus hangs near death. Jesus cries out the words of Psalm 22:1, which mean “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some nearby think He is calling for Elijah the prophet to come and save Him. Jesus dies. Immediately, the massive temple curtain is torn in two, top to bottom. Earthquakes open the tombs of some of the saints of Israel, who are later resurrected. A Roman centurion is shocked enough to declare that Jesus was the Son of God. Three women, Jesus’ friends, watch from a distance.
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“Matthew 27:54” Bibleref.com
https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-54.html
Matthew 27:54
54 Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were done, were terrified, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
Context Summary
Matthew 28:1–10 describes how two of Jesus’ women followers learn of Jesus’ resurrection. Before they arrive at the tomb on Sunday morning, an angel from heaven descends and rolls back the large stone. This is accompanied by an earthquake. The Roman soldiers faint. The angel tells the women Jesus is risen from the dead. Jesus meets the women, and they worship Him. He sends them to tell His brothers He has been resurrected from the dead and that they should go to Galilee. They will see Him there.
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“Matthew 28:7” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 28:7 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 28:7
7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
Context Summary
Matthew 28:16–20 describes Jesus’ commissioning the eleven remaining disciples on a mountain in Galilee. He had given them a message to meet Him there. Now He appears and commands them to make disciples from the people of all nations on the earth. He calls on them to baptize these disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They must also teach these new believers to obey everything Jesus has commanded them to do. Matthew ends his book with Jesus’ promise to always be with those who believe in Him.
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“Matthew 28:20” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 28:20 mean? | BibleRef.com
Matthew 28:20
20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
