This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Matthew, the 40th book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 3rd November 2024.

About this book

The gospel of Matthew was aimed primarily at the Jew who was familiar with the Old Testament, quoting it more than any other of the gospels. And in its 28 chapters it presents Jesus as the Messiah, the King of the Jews, with Matthew wasting no time, starting with Jesus’ royal lineage back to king David of Israel in the opening chapter. But as well as looking back, it looks forward too, being the only gospel to mention the church by name. And so make no mistake, this is a very necessary book for us to read too.

About this study

As this chapter begins, we see Matthew jumps forward around 25 years to the start of John the Baptist’s ministry, and records how he preached the need to repent, preparing the way for Jesus, whom this chapter then records he baptises. And at this moment we see Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit, and God the Father declare “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”.

Application questions

• Are you drawing attention to yourself, or to Jesus?
• How seriously are you taking sharing the gospel?
• Have you repented of your sin? Have you put your faith in Christ?