LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF MATTHEW

(The Teachings of Jesus)

The Book of Matthew is one of the four Gospels.
There are many lessons to learn from it, but in this teaching we will look at the most important ones that will help you in your reading and understanding of Scripture.

Apart from the events and miracles that Jesus performed, we also know that the Lord taught.
And it is in His teachings that we find the heart of discipleship.

In His ministry, His teachings can be divided into two parts:

1. Brief statements that He gave without much explanation.
2. Full sermons that He taught in detail.

In this study, we shall focus on the five major sermons recorded in the Book of Matthew.

THE FIVE SERMONS OF JESUS IN THE BOOK OF MATTHEW

1. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)
2. The Mission Sermon (Matthew 10)
3. The Sermon of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13)
4. The Church Sermon (Matthew 18)
5. The Sermon on the End Times (Matthew 24)

Before looking at them in detail, let us understand what the word “sermon” means.
A sermon is a teaching or discourse given by Jesus on a particular subject — a continuous talk by the Lord to emphasize a specific truth.

Now, let’s look at the message of each sermon.

1) THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

(The Character and Conduct of a Christian) — Matthew 5–7

This was the time when Jesus went up the mountain, and His disciples followed Him. There He began to teach them many things.

The main focus of this sermon was to teach the right conduct of a Christian — a life that pleases God.

He began by saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” and continued with “Blessed are the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” and so on.

He also taught about:

• Loving our enemies,
• Forgiving others,
• Avoiding revenge,
• The right way to pray, give, and fast,
• Purity of heart,
• True love, and many other virtues.

These are teachings that every believer should read and meditate on daily.

The reason is this — these were not just words Jesus spoke; they were the very life He lived.
Before He even began His public ministry, His life already reflected what He taught.

So, if we desire to walk like Christ, we must practice what is written in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7.
It is not enough to sing, “I want to be like You, Lord,” if we do not live as He lived.

2) THE MISSION SERMON

(Matthew 10)

In this sermon, Jesus called His disciples and began to instruct them on how to preach when He would send them out.

He told them about:

• The challenges they would face,
• The places where they might not be accepted,
• The attitude they should have in ministry,
• How to overcome fear of people,
• How to trust God for their needs,
• How to use wisdom and heal the sick.

If you are a worker in the vineyard of God, this sermon will strengthen you in perseverance and obedience.
Every believer is called to make disciples.

Therefore, study this chapter carefully — it will equip you to serve faithfully as a messenger of Christ.

3) THE SERMON OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

(Matthew 13)

This sermon reveals the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus used parables to explain these truths.

Whenever the Bible mentions the Kingdom of Heaven, it points to Jesus Himself and His redemptive work on earth (Luke 4:18–19).

In this chapter, Jesus gave seven major parables, including:

1. The Parable of the Sower
2. The Wheat and the Tares
3. The Mustard Seed
4. The Leaven
5. The Hidden Treasure
6. The Pearl of Great Price
7. The Dragnet

Each parable reveals the greatness and value of the Kingdom of God.

For example, a person who finds the Kingdom of Heaven becomes like one who finds a precious treasure or a pearl of great value — willing to give up everything else for it.

If you study these parables carefully, you will see the worth of following Christ, and you will desire to hold firmly to the Kingdom of God above all else.

4) THE SERMON ABOUT THE CHURCH

(Matthew 18)

This sermon focuses on how believers — the Church — should relate to one another.

It emphasizes:

• Humility and submission,
• Avoiding conflict and pride,
• Seeking the lost and restoring them to the fold,
• Forgiving others generously.

Jesus illustrated this by telling the story of a shepherd who left ninety-nine sheep to find the one that was lost.

He also taught about forgiving “seventy times seven” and told the parable of the servant who was forgiven a great debt but refused to forgive another who owed him little.

This sermon also gives instructions on church discipline and the proper way to correct a fellow believer.

As you read it, you will understand the spirit of brotherly love and unity that God desires in His Church.

5) THE SERMON ON THE END TIMES

(Matthew 24)

This sermon is about the events of the last days and the return of Jesus Christ.

Jesus explained the signs of the end — moral decay, false prophets, wars, natural disasters, and great tribulation.

He warned about deception and urged His followers to stay alert and ready, saying:

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” — Matthew 24:42

This sermon is especially important today, because we are living in the last of the last days.
Many of the signs Jesus spoke about have already been fulfilled.

Ask yourself — Am I ready for His coming?

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

When you understand these five sermons, you will gain a deep knowledge of the message of Matthew’s Gospel.
Read them repeatedly and meditate on them — they are the foundation of a believer’s life.

There was a reason the Lord chose to speak these teachings at length — because they are the core of discipleship.

May the Lord bless you as you study and live by His Word.

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