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 16th March 2025.

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 passage

In the opening 12 verses we will read about the death of John the Baptist, and how that came about at the hands of King Herod. Then, in verses 13-21, we will see the only miracle of Jesus that is recorded in all four gospels — which is the feeding of the five thousand. So clearly, there will be things for us to note there. From verse 22 to 33, we will see another miracle, as Jesus walks on the water to meet His disciples in the middle of another storm. Then, finally, from verse 34 to the end, we will see that Jesus healed many more people that were sick.

Application questions

• Are our decisions being influenced by what others think, or what God thinks?
• Are we relying on what we can bring, or what God can do?
• Is our focus on Jesus, or the situation around us?