william jamThe Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, provides a detailed account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This summary outlines the key events and teachings found in each of the 28 chapters.
Chapter 1: The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus
The chapter begins with the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage from Abraham through King David to Joseph, the husband of Mary. The chapter concludes with the account of Jesus’ miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and His birth.
Chapter 2: The Visit of the Magi and the Escape to Egypt
Wise men from the East, guided by a star, visit Jesus in Bethlehem. King Herod, feeling threatened by the birth of a new “king,” orders the massacre of infants. Joseph, warned in a dream, escapes with Mary and Jesus to Egypt.
Chapter 3: John the Baptist and Jesus’ Baptism
John the Baptist preaches repentance and baptizes people in the Jordan River. Jesus is baptized by John, and the heavens open, with the Spirit of God descending like a dove and a voice from heaven declaring Jesus as God’s beloved Son.
Chapter 4: The Temptation of Jesus and the Beginning of His Ministry
Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan. He resists all temptations using Scripture. Afterward, Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee, calling His first disciples and preaching about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Chapter 5: The Sermon on the Mount (Part 1)
Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, beginning with the Beatitudes, which describe the blessedness of those who possess certain spiritual qualities. He teaches about being the salt and light of the world, and addresses issues like anger, adultery, divorce, and making oaths.
Chapter 6: The Sermon on the Mount (Part 2)
Continuing the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about giving to the needy, prayer (including the Lord’s Prayer), fasting, and storing treasures in heaven. He emphasizes trust in God rather than worrying about material needs.
Chapter 7: The Sermon on the Mount (Part 3)
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with teachings on judging others, the golden rule, the narrow and wide gates, true and false prophets, and the wise and foolish builders. He emphasizes the importance of practicing His teachings.
Chapter 8: Miracles and Healing
Jesus performs various miracles, including healing a man with leprosy, a centurion’s servant, Peter’s mother-in-law, and many others. He calms a storm and casts out demons from two men in the region of the Gadarenes.
Chapter 9: Further Miracles and the Call of Matthew
Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man, calls Matthew the tax collector to follow Him, and teaches about fasting. He performs more miracles, including raising a dead girl to life, healing a bleeding woman, and restoring sight to the blind and speech to the mute.
Chapter 10: The Mission of the Twelve Disciples
Jesus calls His twelve disciples and gives them authority to drive out impure spirits and heal every disease and sickness. He sends them out with specific instructions, warnings about persecution, and encouragement to trust in God’s provision.
Chapter 11: John the Baptist’s Inquiry and Jesus’ Teachings
John the Baptist, imprisoned, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the expected Messiah. Jesus praises John, condemns unrepentant towns, and invites those who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him.
Chapter 12: Sabbath Controversies and Teachings
Jesus addresses controversies regarding the Sabbath, healing a man with a withered hand and teaching that mercy is more important than sacrifice. He casts out demons, speaks about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and emphasizes that those who do God’s will are His true family.
Chapter 13: Parables of the Kingdom
Jesus teaches the crowds and His disciples using parables, including the parable of the sower, the weeds, the mustard seed, the yeast, the hidden treasure, the pearl, and the net. He explains the meaning of these parables to His disciples.
Chapter 14: The Death of John the Baptist and Further Miracles
John the Baptist is executed by Herod. Jesus feeds five thousand men, walks on water, and heals all who touch the edge of His cloak. These miracles demonstrate His compassion and divine power.
Chapter 15: Teachings and Miracles Among Gentiles
Jesus challenges the Pharisees on issues of purity and defilement, heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman, and feeds four thousand people. He continues to show His power and compassion through miracles and teaching.
Chapter 16: Peter’s Confession and Jesus’ Prediction of His Death
Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus predicts His death and resurrection for the first time and teaches about the cost of discipleship, including the need to take up one’s cross.
Chapter 17: The Transfiguration and Further Teachings
Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, revealing His divine glory. He heals a demon-possessed boy, predicts His death and resurrection a second time, and teaches about paying the temple tax.
Chapter 18: Teachings on Humility and Forgiveness
Jesus teaches about the importance of humility, the seriousness of causing others to stumble, the parable of the lost sheep, dealing with sin in the church, and the necessity of forgiveness through the parable of the unmerciful servant.
Chapter 19: Teachings on Marriage, Riches, and Discipleship
Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce, blesses little children, and challenges a rich young man about eternal life. He emphasizes the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven and promises rewards for those who sacrifice for His sake.
Chapter 20: Parables and Predictions
Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard, predicting His death and resurrection a third time. He teaches about servanthood in response to a request from James and John’s mother and heals two blind men near Jericho.
Chapter 21: The Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, fulfilling prophecy. He cleanses the temple, curses a fig tree, and engages in debates with religious leaders, teaching about faith, authority, and the parable of the two sons.
Chapter 22: Parables and Teachings in Jerusalem
Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet and responds to questions about paying taxes to Caesar, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment. He emphasizes love for God and neighbor as the foundation of the law.
Chapter 23: Woes to the Pharisees
Jesus pronounces seven woes against the Pharisees and teachers of the law, condemning their hypocrisy and legalism. He laments over Jerusalem’s rejection of the prophets and His impending death.
Chapter 24: The Olivet Discourse
Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple and speaks about the signs of the end times, including false messiahs, wars, persecutions, and the coming of the Son of Man. He emphasizes the need for vigilance and readiness.
Chapter 25: Parables of Judgment
Jesus tells the parables of the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the goats, emphasizing the importance of readiness, stewardship, and compassion in anticipation of His return and final judgment.
Chapter 26: The Last Supper and Jesus’ Arrest
Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples, instituting the Lord’s Supper. He predicts Peter’s denial, prays in Gethsemane, is betrayed by Judas, arrested, and brought before the Sanhedrin. Peter denies knowing Him three times.
Chapter 27: The Trial, Crucifixion, and Burial of Jesus
Jesus is tried before Pilate, mocked, and crucified. He dies on the cross, and supernatural events occur, including darkness and an earthquake. Jesus is buried in a tomb, with guards posted to prevent His body from being stolen.
Chapter 28: The Resurrection and Great Commission
Jesus rises from the dead, appearing to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. He commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. He promises to be with them always.