Matthew

The genealogy of Jesus Christ traces His lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph. The angel appears to Joseph in a dream, revealing Mary's conception by the Holy Spirit and the name Immanuel—God with us.

Wise men from the East follow a star to worship the newborn King, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Herod's jealous rage leads to the massacre of innocents, and the holy family flees to Egypt before settling in Nazareth.

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan River. Jesus comes to be baptized, and the heavens open with the Spirit descending like a dove and the Father's voice declaring Him beloved Son.

Jesus is led into the wilderness where He is tempted three times by the devil, overcoming each temptation with Scripture. He begins His public ministry in Galilee, calling His first disciples and healing throughout the region.

Jesus delivers the opening of the Sermon on the Mount, beginning with the Beatitudes that describe the blessed life. He teaches about being salt and light, fulfillment of the Law, and radical standards for righteousness including loving enemies.

Continuing the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about authentic spiritual practices—giving, praying, and fasting in secret rather than for show. He delivers the Lord's Prayer and commands followers to seek first the kingdom of God, trusting the Father for daily provision.

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with teachings on judging others, the narrow gate, recognizing false prophets by their fruit, and the parable of wise and foolish builders. He emphasizes that hearing and doing His words is the foundation that endures.

Jesus demonstrates His authority through a series of miracles: cleansing a leper, healing the centurion's servant, calming a storm, and casting out demons. He reveals the cost of discipleship, showing that following Him requires total commitment.

Jesus heals a paralytic, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins. He calls Matthew the tax collector, dines with sinners, and performs further healings including raising a girl from death. He expresses compassion for crowds who are like sheep without a shepherd.

Jesus commissions the twelve apostles, giving them authority over unclean spirits and diseases. He sends them out with mission instructions, warning of persecution but encouraging them not to fear. He teaches that whoever loses their life for His sake will find it.

Jesus praises John the Baptist and pronounces woes on unrepentant cities. He offers one of the most tender invitations in Scripture: Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. He reveals the Father's heart for the humble.

Conflict intensifies as the Pharisees challenge Jesus about Sabbath observance and attribute His miracles to Satan. Jesus declares that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand and warns about the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

Jesus teaches in parables, including the sower and the seeds, the wheat and tares, the mustard seed, the hidden treasure, and the pearl of great price. He explains that the kingdom of heaven is revealed to those with receptive hearts.

Herod executes John the Baptist. Jesus feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish, then walks on water. Peter steps out in faith but begins to sink when he takes his eyes off Jesus, who immediately reaches out to save him.

Jesus confronts the Pharisees about elevating human tradition above God's commands. He teaches that what defiles a person comes from the heart, not from external ritual. He heals the Canaanite woman's daughter and feeds four thousand.

Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and Jesus declares he will build His church on this rock. Jesus begins revealing His coming death and resurrection, and rebukes Peter for opposing God's plan. He teaches about denying self and taking up the cross.

Jesus is transfigured on a mountain before Peter, James, and John, His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming brilliant white. Moses and Elijah appear, and the Father speaks from a cloud. Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy and teaches about faith as small as a mustard seed.

Jesus teaches about humility, using a child as an example of greatness in the kingdom. He addresses sin within the community, outlines a process for reconciliation, and tells the parable of the unforgiving servant. He declares that where two or three gather in His name, He is there.

Jesus teaches about marriage, divorce, and celibacy. He blesses children brought to Him and encounters the rich young ruler, teaching that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter God's kingdom. He promises reward for those who leave everything to follow Him.

Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard, where all receive the same wage regardless of when they started. He again predicts His death and resurrection. The mother of James and John requests seats of honor, and Jesus teaches that greatness comes through serving others.

Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy. He cleanses the temple, curses a fig tree as a lesson on fruitfulness and faith, and confronts the religious leaders with parables about obedience and rejection.

Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet and skillfully answers trick questions about paying taxes to Caesar, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment. He identifies loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself as the two commands on which all the Law hangs.

Jesus delivers a fierce denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees, pronouncing seven woes against their hypocrisy. He condemns them for burdening people with rules while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He laments over Jerusalem, longing to gather her children as a hen gathers chicks.

The Olivet Discourse: Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple and describes signs of the end of the age, including wars, famines, and earthquakes. He warns about false messiahs, teaches the parable of the fig tree, and urges watchfulness since no one knows the day or hour of His return.

Jesus tells three parables about preparedness and faithfulness: the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and goats. The parable of the talents teaches stewardship and accountability, while the sheep and goats reveals that serving the least of these is serving Christ Himself.

The events leading to Jesus' crucifixion unfold: the plot to kill Him, the anointing at Bethany, Judas's betrayal, the Last Supper where He institutes communion, the agony in Gethsemane, His arrest, and trial before the Sanhedrin. Peter denies knowing Him three times.

Jesus is tried before Pilate, who finds no fault in Him but yields to the crowd demanding crucifixion. Judas returns the silver and hangs himself. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified between two criminals. Darkness covers the land, the temple veil tears, and Jesus gives up His spirit. Joseph of Arimathea buries Him in a new tomb.

The resurrection: women discover the empty tomb, and an angel announces that Jesus has risen. Jesus appears to the women and then to the disciples in Galilee. He delivers the Great Commission, commanding them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching, with the promise that He is with them always to the end of the age.