Learning on the Way
This sermon provides a comprehensive overview of the entire Gospel of Matthew, revealing its intentional seven-part structure that helps us see Jesus more clearly. Like a well-crafted book where structure adds to the story, Matthew designed his Gospel with an introduction (chapters 1-4), five major teaching movements (chapters 5-25), and a climactic passion and resurrection narrative (chapters 26-28). Each of the five middle movements follows the same pattern: Jesus teaches something profound, then Matthew shows what that teaching looks like in real life through narrative and action. These movements build like a symphony, each one taking us deeper into understanding who Jesus is and why He came.
The five movements are: (1) Establishing Jesus’ authority through the Sermon on the Mount and miracles; (2) Growing opposition as Jesus sends out His disciples and faces rejection; (3) Polarization through parables that force everyone to choose; (4) The cost of discipleship and what it means to follow the crucified King; (5) The promise of coming judgment and the final separation of sheep and goats. The Gospel culminates with Jesus’ death, resurrection, and the Great Commission, where He declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. The central question echoing through Matthew is Pilate’s: “What will you do with Jesus, who is called Christ?” This is not a question for the righteous who have it all together, but for sinners who recognize their desperate need for a Savior. Jesus came for the spiritually sick who need the Great Physician, offering forgiveness, new life, and a place in His kingdom to all who will confess Him as the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Key Points:
- Matthew structured his Gospel with intentional design: an introduction, five major teaching movements, and the passion narrative
- Each movement follows the pattern of teaching followed by action, showing what Jesus’ words look like in real life
- Jesus speaks and acts with divine authority – He is God in the flesh, not just another rabbi or teacher
- Following Jesus creates opposition and polarization; there is no neutral ground when it comes to Christ
- Discipleship is costly, requiring us to take up our cross and follow Him even through suffering
- God will bring judgment and make all things right, which gives us hope when evil seems to be winning
- The resurrection proves Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, and He promises to be with us always
Small Group Questions:
- The sermon describes how Matthew’s intentional structure helps us see Jesus more clearly. When you read the Gospels, do you typically notice the structure and design, or do you tend to focus only on individual stories and teachings? How might paying attention to the “big picture” change the way you read Scripture?
- In the first movement (Matthew 5-9), Jesus establishes His divine authority through the Sermon on the Mount and His miracles. The crowds were “astonished” because He taught “as one who had authority, not as the scribes.” What’s the difference between someone who quotes other authorities and someone who speaks with inherent authority? How should recognizing Jesus’ divine authority change the way we respond to His teachings?
- The sermon emphasizes that Jesus forces polarization – He makes people choose. In Matthew 12:30, Jesus says, “Whoever is not with me is against me.” Why do you think neutrality isn’t an option when it comes to Christ? In what areas of your life might you be trying to remain neutral rather than fully committed?
- When Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter confesses, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is the central question of Matthew’s Gospel and of our lives. How would you articulate who Jesus is in your own words? Has your understanding of Jesus’ identity deepened over time?
- The sermon explains that the judgment passages in Matthew give us hope because God will ultimately make all things right. How does the promise of coming judgment provide comfort when we see injustice, evil prospering, or the innocent suffering? How should this future hope affect the way we live today?
- Pilate’s question echoes through the centuries: “What will you do with Jesus, who is called Christ?” The sermon emphasizes that Jesus came for sinners who recognize their need for a Savior. How would you answer Pilate’s question? What specific ways are you actively following Jesus as the crucified and risen King?
Key Verses:
Matthew 7:28-29, Matthew 10:38-39, Matthew 16:15-16, Matthew 27:22, Matthew 28:18-20
Application On The Way:
This week, read through one of the five movements in Matthew’s Gospel (chapters 5-9, 10-12, 13, 14-20, or 21-25). As you read, pay attention to the pattern of teaching followed by action. Notice how Matthew shows you what Jesus’ words look like when lived out. Then reflect on this question: Based on what I’m seeing in this section, what is one specific teaching of Jesus that I need to obey more fully? Don’t just read for information – read with the intent to respond in obedience to the authority of Christ.
Want to Go Deeper?
Related Passages for Personal Study:
- Mark 1:21-22 (Jesus’ authoritative teaching)
- Luke 9:23-26 (The cost of discipleship)
- John 1:1-14 (Jesus as the Word made flesh)
- Acts 4:12 (No other name for salvation)
- Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ’s humility and exaltation)
- Colossians 1:15-20 (The supremacy of Christ)
- Hebrews 1:1-4 (God has spoken through His Son)
- Revelation 1:17-18 (Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades)
- Revelation 5:11-14 (Worship of the Lamb)
Personal Reflection Questions:
- The sermon emphasizes that “you will only grasp who Jesus is when you understand who you are.” Take time to honestly assess your spiritual condition. Do you see yourself as someone who is spiritually sick and in desperate need of the Great Physician? Or do you still try to approach God based on your own righteousness or good works? How does recognizing your true condition before God change the way you view Jesus?
- Matthew’s Gospel shows Jesus creating polarization wherever He goes. People either bow before Him or plot against Him; they either follow Him or reject Him. Reflect on the different areas of your life (your career, relationships, finances, time, ambitions). Are there areas where you’re trying to maintain neutrality rather than full surrender to Christ’s lordship? What would it look like to let Jesus have “all authority” in these specific areas?
- The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is built on Jesus’ declaration of total authority. He commands us to “make disciples of all nations” and promises “I am with you always.” How are you actively participating in the mission Jesus gave His church? Who is someone in your life that needs to hear the gospel? What’s keeping you from sharing Christ with them? How does Jesus’ promise of His presence give you courage to obey the Great Commission?