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 8th June 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

The first of those parables is known as the parable of the two sons (in which we see two contrasting responses to their father) — and we’ll read that in verses 28-32. From verses 33-46, we’ll read the second parable, known as the parable of the wicked vinedressers (which vividly demonstrates rejection of God). Then, as we move into chapter twenty two, we will see the third of our parables that we cover in this study, which is known as the parable of the wedding feast. And that parable in particular should cause us to think too.

Application questions

• Are you truly obeying the Lord, or just saying that you are?
• Are you so familiar with your Bible, that Jesus would not say to you “Have you never read…?!”
• How desperate are you to see others come to their senses, and come to Christ?