Book of Matthew Bible Summary: Life of Jesus

Verses to read

• “She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who will save his people from their sins.”

  Matthew 1:21

• “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

  Matthew 28:19

How does the book begin?

The book starts with a long list of names called a genealogy. This list shows that Jesus is related to King David and Abraham. This was important because God promised that the Savior would come from their family line.

After the list, Matthew tells how Jesus was born to a woman named Mary. An angel told his earthly father, Joseph, that this baby was special. Wise men from the East followed a star to find Jesus and gave him gifts because they knew he was a King.

What did Jesus teach?

A large part of Matthew focuses on what Jesus said. The most famous part is called the Sermon on the Mount. In these chapters, Jesus teaches people how to love their enemies, how to pray, and how to trust God instead of worrying.

Jesus often used stories called parables. These are simple stories about everyday things, like seeds or lost coins, that explain big truths about God's kingdom. He taught that being part of God's family is more important than following strict rules.

What miracles did Jesus perform?

Matthew records many amazing things Jesus did to show he had God's power. He healed people who were blind and people who could not walk. He even calmed a huge storm on the sea just by speaking to the wind.

These miracles showed that Jesus cared for people who were hurting. They also proved that he was not just a regular teacher. The miracles gave people a reason to believe that he really was the Son of God.

How does the book end?

The end of the book tells how Jesus was arrested and killed on a wooden cross. Matthew explains that this happened so people could be forgiven for the wrong things they have done. Jesus was buried in a tomb with a large stone in front of it.

Three days later, Jesus came back to life. He met with his followers and told them to go into all the world to tell others about him. This is called the Great Commission. He promised to be with his followers forever.

Common questions

Who was Matthew in the Bible?

Matthew was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. Before he followed Jesus, he worked as a tax collector for the Roman government.

Why is Matthew the first book of the New Testament?

It is placed first because it connects the Old Testament promises to Jesus. It shows how Jesus fulfilled what the prophets said would happen.

What is the main message of Matthew?

The main message is that the Kingdom of Heaven has arrived through Jesus. He invites everyone to follow him and live under God's kingly rule.

What is the Sermon on the Mount?

It is a collection of Jesus' teachings found in chapters 5, 6, and 7. It explains how to live a life that pleases God by focusing on the heart.