Greetings and blessings to you, beloved in Christ! Today, we have the immense privilege of opening the pages of the New Testament, starting with the Book of Matthew. This book of Matthew summary by chapter offers a quick glance through the book in the Bible.
The Book of Matthew is one of the four Gospels and portrays Jesus as the Messiah, the King of the Jews. Through Jesus’ teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection, Matthew beautifully chronicles the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Let us, with hearts full of expectancy, begin our journey through the Book of Matthew chapter by chapter.
(Read Also: The Book of Genesis Summary by Chapter)
Table of Contents
The Book of Matthew Summary by Chapter
Chapter 1 – The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus Christ
Chapter 1 commences with the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage through David to Abraham. This establishes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
The chapter also narrates the birth of Jesus. When Mary is found to be with child through the Holy Spirit, an angel reassures Joseph in a dream to take Mary as his wife, for the child is the Savior.
Chapter 2 – The Visit of the Magi and the Flight to Egypt
In Chapter 2, the Magi from the East visit Jesus, acknowledging Him as King of the Jews. King Herod, troubled by this, seeks to kill the child.
An angel warns Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt. After Herod’s death, an angel tells Joseph it is safe to return to Israel, but because of Archelaus, they reside in Nazareth.
Chapter 3 – John the Baptist and Jesus’ Baptism
Chapter 3 introduces John the Baptist, calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River.
When Jesus comes to be baptized, John hesitates, but Jesus insists. After His baptism, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice proclaims Jesus as God’s beloved Son.
Chapter 4 – Jesus’ Temptation and Beginning of Ministry
In Chapter 4, Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting for 40 days, Jesus resists all temptations using Scripture.
Jesus then begins His ministry in Galilee, preaching repentance. He calls His first disciples and goes throughout Galilee teaching, preaching, and healing all kinds of sicknesses.
Chapter 5 – The Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes
Chapter 5 marks the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus opens with the Beatitudes, teaching about the blessedness of the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and others.
He also encourages His followers to be salt and light in the world and elaborates on the fulfillment of the Law.
Chapter 6 – The Sermon on the Mount: Giving, Prayer, and Fasting
Chapter 6 continues with the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus teaches about giving to the needy, prayer (including the Lord’s Prayer), and fasting, emphasizing the importance of a pure heart.
He also encourages not to worry about material needs, but to seek first the Kingdom of God.
Chapter 7 – The Sermon on the Mount: Judging Others and The Golden Rule
In Chapter 7, Jesus cautions against judging others and advises paying attention to one’s own faults. He speaks about asking, seeking, and knocking.
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with the Golden Rule, warnings against false prophets, and the parable of the wise and foolish builders.
Chapter 8 – Jesus’ Miracles and Discipleship
Chapter 8 showcases a series of Jesus’ miracles, including healing a leper, a centurion’s servant, and Peter’s mother-in-law. He also calms a storm and casts out demons.
Jesus talks about the cost of following Him, emphasizing true commitment in discipleship.
Chapter 9 – More Miracles and the Call of Matthew
In Chapter 9, Jesus performs more miracles, including healing a paralyzed man and raising a girl from the dead. He also heals a woman with a bleeding issue, two blind men, and a man who could not speak.
Additionally, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to be His disciple. He speaks of His mission to call sinners and uses the analogy of new wine in old wineskins.
Chapter 10 – Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
In Chapter 10, Jesus sends out His twelve apostles, giving them authority over unclean spirits and to heal. He instructs them on what to take, where to go, and what to say.
He also warns them of persecutions and encourages them not to fear, but to confess Him before men.
Chapter 11 – Jesus and John the Baptist, and Woes to Unrepentant Cities
Chapter 11 features a dialogue between Jesus and the disciples of John the Baptist. Jesus affirms John’s ministry and speaks of His own, criticising those who did not accept either.
He pronounces woes on cities that did not repent despite His miracles and invites all who are weary to come to Him for rest.
Chapter 12 – Lord of the Sabbath and Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
In Chapter 12, Jesus declares Himself the Lord of the Sabbath after the Pharisees accuse His disciples of breaking the Sabbath. He heals a man with a withered hand.
The Pharisees plot against Him, and Jesus warns them about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. He also speaks of the importance of good fruit and obedience.
Chapter 13 – Parables of the Kingdom
Chapter 13 is rich with parables. Jesus speaks in parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, including the Parable of the Sower, the Weeds, the Mustard Seed, and the Pearl of Great Value.
He uses these parables to reveal truths about the Kingdom to those who are receptive.
Chapter 14 – The Death of John the Baptist and Feeding the Five Thousand
In Chapter 14, the sad news of John the Baptist’s beheading by Herod is recounted. Jesus, seeking solitude, is followed by crowds. He has compassion on them and miraculously feeds over five thousand with five loaves and two fish.
He also walks on water and calms the fears of His disciples.
Chapter 15 – Tradition and Commandment, and Feeding the Four Thousand
In Chapter 15, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and teaches about inner purity.
Jesus also heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman, showing that His mercy extends beyond Israel. Additionally, He feeds four thousand people with seven loaves and a few small fish.
Chapter 16 – The Pharisees’ Demand for a Sign, Peter’s Confession
Chapter 16 starts with the Pharisees demanding a sign from Jesus, which He refuses. He warns His disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, and Jesus speaks of the Church. He also predicts His death and resurrection for the first time.
Chapter 17 – The Transfiguration and Healing a Demon-Possessed Boy
In Chapter 17, the glorious transfiguration of Jesus occurs on a high mountain. Moses and Elijah appear, and a voice from heaven affirms Jesus.
After descending, Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy. He predicts His death and resurrection again and addresses the temple tax by performing a miracle.
Chapter 18 – The Greatest in the Kingdom and the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
In Chapter 18, Jesus teaches about humility, using a child as an example of who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. He talks about causing others to sin, and the parable of the lost sheep.
Additionally, Jesus speaks on forgiveness and tells the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, emphasizing the importance of forgiving others as God has forgiven us.
Chapter 19 – Marriage, Divorce, and The Rich Young Man
Chapter 19 begins with the Pharisees questioning Jesus about divorce. Jesus upholds the sanctity of marriage and talks about those who choose to be eunuchs for the Kingdom’s sake.
Jesus blesses children and then encounters a rich young man, whom He challenges to sell his possessions to follow Him. He emphasizes the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God.
Chapter 20 – The Parable of the Workers and Jesus’ Third Prediction of His Death
In Chapter 20, Jesus tells the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, teaching about God’s generous grace.
Jesus predicts His death and resurrection for the third time. The mother of James and John requests places of honor for them in Jesus’ kingdom, but Jesus speaks about servant leadership.
Chapter 21 – Jesus’ Triumphal Entry and Clearing the Temple
Chapter 21 describes Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowds shout “Hosanna” as He enters on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy.
Jesus clears the Temple of money changers and sellers. He curses a fig tree, and His authority is challenged by the chief priests and elders. He tells the Parable of the Two Sons.
Chapter 22 – Parables of the Wedding Banquet and Paying Taxes
In Chapter 22, Jesus tells the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, conveying the urgency and privilege of accepting God’s invitation.
The Pharisees and Herodians question Jesus about paying taxes. The Sadducees question Him about the resurrection. Jesus emphasizes love for God and neighbor as the greatest commandments.
Chapter 23 – Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees
In Chapter 23, Jesus warns the crowds and His disciples about the scribes and Pharisees, denouncing their hypocrisy and pride. He pronounces seven woes on them for their self-righteousness and neglect of justice and mercy.
He also laments over Jerusalem for not accepting His messengers and Him.
Chapter 24 – The Olivet Discourse: Signs of the End Times
Chapter 24 contains Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, where He speaks about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age.
He urges His followers to be vigilant and watchful, using the parables of the fig tree and the faithful and wicked servants.
Chapter 25 – The Parables of the Ten Virgins and the Talents
In Chapter 25, Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Virgins, emphasizing preparedness for His return. He also tells the Parable of the Talents, stressing faithful stewardship.
He concludes with the depiction of the Final Judgment, where He separates the sheep from the goats based on how they served the “least of these.”
Chapter 26 – The Last Supper, Betrayal, and Arrest of Jesus
Chapter 26 is rich with events: the plot to kill Jesus, the anointing at Bethany, the Last Supper, and the institution of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus predicts Peter’s denial.
Jesus prays in Gethsemane, is betrayed by Judas, and arrested. He faces the Sanhedrin, and Peter denies Him three times before the rooster crows.
Chapter 27 – The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus
In Chapter 27, Jesus is handed over to Pilate. Judas, in despair, returns the silver and hangs himself. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and condemned to be crucified.
He is crucified at Golgotha. Darkness falls, and Jesus gives up His spirit. The curtain of the temple is torn, and many dead saints are resurrected. Jesus is buried in a tomb, which is then sealed and guarded.
Chapter 28 – The Resurrection of Jesus and The Great Commission
Chapter 28, the final chapter, begins with the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. An angel rolls back the stone of His tomb, announcing His resurrection to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.
Jesus appears to them and later to His disciples. He gives them the Great Commission – to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey His commands. He promises to be with them always.
(Read Also: The book of Mark Summary by Chapter)
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, we have walked through the Book of Matthew summary, witnessing the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through His teachings, parables, and miracles, we have seen the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of the New Covenant. Let these divine truths resonate within our hearts as we endeavor to live for Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen!
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Thanks and God bless you!