Gospel of Matthew Chapters 1 – 6 Guide and Overview
Jesus’ Identity, His Mission, Values, and Ethics of the Kingdom of Heaven
Gospel of Matthew Chapters 1 – 6 Guide and Overview. Matthew Chapters 1 through 6 provide foundational teachings about Jesus’ identity, His mission, and the values and ethics of the kingdom of heaven. They call for a transformed heart and life aligned with God’s will, characterized by faith, repentance, mercy, and a deep commitment to righteousness.
Gospel of Matthew Chapters 1 – 6 Guide and Overview
Genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17)
The chapter begins with a genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage from Abraham to David and then from David to Joseph, the husband of Mary. This establishes Jesus’ legal right to the throne of David and His fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.
Birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25)
The chapter describes the miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Joseph is initially troubled when he learns that Mary is pregnant, but an angel reassures him in a dream that the child is conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel instructs Joseph to name the child Jesus, which means “the Lord saves,” as He will save His people from their sins.
Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12)
Wise men from the East follow a star to Bethlehem to worship the newborn King of the Jews. They bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. King Herod, feeling threatened by the prophecy of a new king, tries to deceive the Magi into revealing Jesus’ location.
Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
An angel warns Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape Herod’s impending massacre of the infants in Bethlehem. This fulfills the prophecy, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Massacre of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16-18)
Herod orders the killing of all male children in Bethlehem two years old and under. This act fulfills the prophecy of Jeremiah about the weeping in Ramah.
Return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)
After Herod’s death, an angel tells Joseph to return to Israel. They settle in Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.
John the Baptist Prepares the Way (Matthew 3:1-12)
John the Baptist preaches in the wilderness, calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. He announces the coming of one more powerful than he, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17)
Jesus comes to John to be baptized. John initially resists, feeling unworthy, but Jesus insists. Upon His baptism, the heavens open, the Spirit of God descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares Jesus as God’s beloved Son.
Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11)
Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasts for forty days and nights. Satan tempts Him three times, but Jesus resists each temptation by quoting Scripture.
Jesus Begins His Ministry (Matthew 4:12-17)
After John the Baptist is imprisoned, Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee, preaching repentance and the nearness of the kingdom of heaven.
Calling of the First Disciples (Matthew 4:18-22)
Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, and then James and John, to follow Him and become “fishers of men.”
Jesus Heals the Sick (Matthew 4:23-25)
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)
Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with a series of blessings, known as the Beatitudes, that describe the characteristics and rewards of those who are part of the kingdom of heaven.
Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)
Jesus tells His disciples that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, emphasizing their role in influencing the world positively.
Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)
Jesus explains that He has come not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. He calls for a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law.
Teachings on Anger, Adultery, Divorce, Oaths, Retaliation, and Love for Enemies (Matthew 5:21-48)
Jesus expands on the commandments, addressing internal attitudes and intentions. He teaches about controlling anger, being faithful in marriage, the sanctity of marriage, the importance of truthful speech, turning the other cheek, and loving one’s enemies.
Giving to the Needy (Matthew 6:1-4)
Jesus instructs His followers to give to the needy discreetly, not for public recognition, but for heavenly reward.
Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15)
Jesus teaches about sincere prayer and gives the Lord’s Prayer as a model. He emphasizes forgiveness as essential in prayer.
Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)
Jesus advises fasting in a way that is not obvious to others, focusing on inner devotion rather than outward show.
Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-24)
Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, highlighting the impossibility of serving both God and money.
Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-34)
Jesus encourages His followers not to worry about their daily needs, but to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that God will provide for them.