The Gospels

The Gospel according to Matthew

Written for readers who knew the Hebrew scriptures, Matthew opens with a family line and returns again and again to what the prophets had said.

1. 1 The Family Line of Jesus the Anointed One A record of the ancestors of Jesus, from Abraham to his birth.
2. 2 Visitors from the East Astrologers arrive, a king rages, and a child escapes into the night.
3. 3 John the Baptizer Prepares the Way A wild prophet calls a nation to turn back to God.
4. 4 The Testing in the Desert and the Beginning of the Galilean Ministry Jesus is tested, then calls his first followers and heals the crowds.
5. 5 Teaching on the Mountain Jesus teaches his followers what life in the kingdom looks like.
6. 6 Teaching on the Mountain: Giving, Prayer, and Trust Jesus teaches about secret devotion, the Lord’s Prayer, and freedom from worry.
7. 7 Teaching on Judging, Asking, and Two Roads Jesus teaches about judging others, prayer, false prophets, and two foundations.
8. 8 A Leper Cleansed, an Officer’s Faith, and a Storm Silenced Jesus heals the outcast, marvels at an outsider’s faith, and commands wind and waves.
9. 9 Power to Forgive, Power to Heal Jesus forgives sins, calls a tax collector, and raises the dead.
10. 10 Jesus Sends Out the Twelve He gives them authority, instructions, and a warning of what lies ahead.
11. 11 John Hears about Jesus from Prison John the Baptist, locked away, sends word to Jesus — and Jesus speaks about him.
12. 12 Lord of the Sabbath Jesus faces growing conflict over the Sabbath, his power, and his family.
13. 13 Stories of the Kingdom Jesus teaches the crowds with stories about seeds, weeds, treasure, and a net.
14. 14 The Death of John the Baptist and the Feeding of Five Thousand Herod kills John; Jesus feeds thousands and walks on the sea.
15. 15 What Makes a Person Unclean, and Faith Outside Israel Pharisees challenge Jesus over tradition; a Canaanite woman shows great faith.
16. 16 The Demand for a Sign and the Confession of Peter Jesus confronts unbelief, then asks his followers who he really is.
17. 17 Jesus Is Transfigured on the Mountain Three disciples see Jesus in blazing glory, talking with Moses and Elijah.
18. 18 Who Is the Greatest? Jesus teaches about humility, stumbling blocks, and forgiveness.
19. 19 Teaching on Divorce, Children, and the Rich Young Man What does it cost to follow Jesus into the kingdom?
20. 20 Workers in the Vineyard and a Mother’s Request The kingdom turns the world’s order upside down, and greatness comes through serving.
21. 21 The King Enters Jerusalem and Cleanses the Temple Jesus rides in as king, drives out the merchants, and faces the leaders head-on.
22. 22 A King’s Wedding Feast and Three Hard Questions Jesus tells a parable, then faces traps about taxes, the resurrection, and the greatest command.
23. 23 Jesus Confronts the Scribes and Pharisees Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and mourns over Jerusalem.
24. 24 Jesus Speaks of the Temple’s Destruction and the End of the Age What will happen before the end, and how to stay faithful.
25. 25 Three Parables of Readiness and Judgment The kingdom comes with a reckoning no one can afford to ignore.
26. 26 The Plot to Kill Jesus and the Last Supper A plot, anointing, a final meal, and the shepherd struck down.
27. 27 Jesus Is Handed Over to Pilate, and Judas Hangs Himself The religious leaders deliver Jesus to the Roman governor, and Judas takes his own life.
28. 28 The Tomb Is Empty He is not here — he has risen, just as he said.