a family tree. Then a retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Magi visit Jesus: Wise men from the East follow a star to find the newborn Jesus and offer him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Herod's attempt to kill Jesus: King Herod, fearing a rival, orders the killing of all male infants in Bethlehem. In fear of Jesus and his power at a very young age.
The Holy Family flees to Egypt: Joseph, Mary, and Jesus flee to Egypt to escape Herod's wrath and return to Nazareth after Herod's death.
-it was all for the fulfillment of prophecy
John the Baptist's message of repentance: John preaches a message of repentance and warns of the coming judgment. This teaches us the importance of turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness.
Jesus' baptism and the Holy Spirit: (his about 30) Jesus is baptized by John and receives the Holy Spirit. This is the importance of humility and obedience, even when it is difficult.
“Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.”
Matthew 3:15 - God wanted it to be this way, he wanted Jesus to be baptized.
God's love and approval: God speaks from heaven, declaring Jesus as his beloved Son. This is reminding us of God's deep love for us and his desire to have a relationship with us.
Jesus is tempted by the devil in the wilderness: Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he fasts for forty days and is then tempted by the devil. Jesus resists the devil's temptations and is then ministered to by angels. “don’t test God”
Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee: Jesus leaves Nazareth and goes to Galilee, where he begins his public ministry. He calls his first disciples, Peter, Andrew, James, and John, and begins to preach the good news of the kingdom of God.
Jesus heals many people in Galilee: Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues and healing all kinds of illnesses and diseases. News of his miracles spreads throughout the region, and large crowds follow him.
Verses: “And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.””
Matthew 4:19
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.””
Matthew 4:17
(verses 3-12): These blessings are given to those who embody qualities like humility, compassion, and righteousness. True happiness comes from living a life of faith and service, not from worldly possessions or power.(verses 13-16): Jesus compares his followers to salt and light, emphasizing that they should bring positive influence and illumination to the world around them. They should live out their faith in a way that draws others to God.(verses 17-20): Jesus clarifies that he did not come to abolish the Law of Moses but to fulfill it. He teaches that true righteousness goes beyond outward obedience to the letter of the law and requires a change of heart and a focus on inner purity.
Read Matthew 5:27-32
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Aren't even the tax collectors doing that?”
Matthew 5:46
(verses 21-26): Jesus warns against harboring anger and encourages reconciliation with others. He emphasizes that forgiveness is essential for a healthy relationship with God and others.
(verses 27-32): Jesus teaches that divorce is permissible only in cases of sexual immorality. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word and avoiding unnecessary oaths.
(verses 38-48): Jesus challenges his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. He teaches that true love extends beyond one's own circle of friends and family and includes even those who are considered enemies.
At this point just go read Chapter 5 in all
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Matthew 6:24 -“a lot of people have trouble choosing God -Yvan”
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:34
In this chapter we learn about giving to the needy and when you do it doesn’t need fifty people knowing that you are giving because now you are not doing it for God it’s just for the show. It also teaches us the right prayer, when you pray all you need to do is “say what’s in your heart-sam”
“For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
Matthew 7:8
The Golden Rule: ““So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12
I Never Knew You:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
We are told to Build our Houston God:
It’s like the story of the 3 little pigs and how if you build our house on a stable like God or in the story stones. Your house will not be going anywhere - Beline
“And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”Matthew 7:27
Judging others: “God says before judging someone, first look at yourself - Yvan”
Jesus Cleanses a Leper:
Jesus is willing and able to cleanse those who come to Him in faith. His power is greater than disease, and He values obedience (telling the man to follow Mosaic law).
The Faith of a Centurion:
True faith recognizes Jesus’ authority. The centurion’s trust in Jesus’ word (without needing to see a miracle) shows that faith, not heritage, brings inclusion in God’s kingdom.
Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-Law: Jesus' healing leads to service. After being healed, Peter’s mother-in-law immediately serves Him, showing that blessings from Jesus should move us to action.
Jesus Heals Many
Jesus fulfills prophecy by taking our illnesses and bearing our diseases. His power is comprehensive, and He cares for all who come to Him.
The Cost of Following Jesus
Discipleship requires total commitment. Following Jesus means putting Him above personal comfort and even family obligations.
Jesus Calms a Storm
Faith should overcome fear. Even in life’s greatest storms, Jesus has complete authority, and trusting Him brings peace.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
Jesus has the authority to forgive sins, which is more important than physical healing. The miracle confirms His divine power. Faith in Him leads to both spiritual and physical restoration.
Jesus Calls Matthew
Jesus calls sinners, not the self-righteous. His mission is to show mercy and bring spiritual healing. True discipleship requires leaving the old life behind and following Him.
A Question About Fasting
Jesus brings a new covenant, and His presence changes everything. Old religious systems cannot contain the new life He offers, just as new wine needs new wineskins.
Jesus Heals a Woman and Raises a Girl
Faith in Jesus brings life and healing. The woman’s faith leads to her healing, and the ruler’s trust results in his daughter’s resurrection. Jesus responds to genuine belief.
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
Faith opens the way for Jesus’ power. The blind men’s persistence and belief in Jesus as the Son of David lead to their sight being restored.
-Actions speak louder than words!
Jesus Heals a Mute Man Oppressed by a Demon
Jesus has authority over spiritual oppression. While some marvel at His power, others reject Him, showing that people respond to Jesus differently.
The Harvest is Plentiful, but the Laborers are Few
The need for gospel workers is great. Jesus calls His followers to pray for and participate in spreading the good news.
The 12 Apostles “The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” Matthew 10:2-4
Jesus sends Out The Twelve Disciples:
Jesus gives His twelve disciples the power to heal and cast out demons. He names them and prepares them for their mission.
Jesus tells His disciples to go to the lost people of Israel first, preaching about God’s kingdom. They should heal the sick and trust God to provide for their needs. If people reject them, they should move on to the next town.
Persecution Will Come
Jesus warns His followers that they will face rejection, arrests, and even betrayal from their own families. But they shouldn’t be afraid—God will help them speak and protect them.
Do Not Fear
Jesus encourages His disciples not to be afraid of people who can only harm their bodies. Instead, they should trust God, who cares for them more than anything else in creation. If they stand up for Jesus, He will stand up for them before God.
Not Peace, but a Sword:
Following Jesus won’t always bring peace; it may even divide families. True disciples must love Jesus more than anything, even their own lives. Those who are willing to lose their lives for Jesus will actually find true life.
Rewards
Anyone who welcomes Jesus’ followers is actually welcoming Him. Even small acts of kindness, like giving a cup of cold water, will be rewarded by God.
(wise words “I might be a Bum but I’m not Broke”- Yvan)
John sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the promised Messiah. Jesus responds by pointing to His miracles healing the sick, raising the dead, and preaching good news as evidence of His identity. Jesus also warned the towns where He did many miracles because the people still didn’t turn back to God. At the end, Jesus invited everyone who feels tired and burdened to come to Him, promising to give them rest because He is gentle and kind.
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”Matthew 12:43-45
The sabbath- a day of rest “a holy day of rest”
Blasphemy the only sin that is not for given- it’s because you are rejecting God over and over again “God will not welcome himself where he is not welcomed” -Hyguette
“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”Matthew 12:50
“But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”Matthew 13:16-17
Jesus told many parables to teach important lessons. He shared the Parable of the Sower, explaining how different types of soil represent different hearts that hear God’s word, some accept it and grow, while others do not. He also told parables about weeds growing among wheat, a mustard seed growing into a large tree, and yeast spreading through dough, showing how God’s kingdom starts small but grows powerfully. Jesus explained that the good and bad will live together until the end of time when God will separate them. He also taught that God’s kingdom is more valuable than anything else, like hidden treasure or a priceless pearl.
He is using the parables to tell stories and lessons to those who are unable to see or hear what he is capable of.
“Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”Matthew 14:31
King Herod had John the Baptist arrested and eventually beheaded because of a promise he made during a feast, influenced by Herodias’ daughter. After hearing of John's death, Jesus withdrew to a quiet place, but large crowds followed Him. Jesus felt compassion for the people, healed the sick, and miraculously fed over 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Later, Jesus walked on water to meet His disciples during a storm, and Peter briefly walked on water too but began to sink when he doubted. Jesus saved Peter, calmed the storm, and the disciples worshiped Him, recognizing He was truly the Son of God.
“He keeps getting at his disciples about having little faith” -Sam
Chapter 15:
'He need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:”
Matthew 15:6-7
“it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”Matthew 15:11
- this verse brings up cursing.
“You can get your point across without any curse words needed” - Beline
“The way you talk is the way you carry yourself” -Yves
“If you can’t say the word to your pastor don’t say it at all” -Benny
In these past few chapters Jesus is basically on a word tour, he is shown the Gifts his father has given him. He is changing and moving(healing their lives).
Missing -----
Missing ---
So first, the disciples are asking Jesus like, “Who’s the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And Jesus hits them with a surprise He brings over a little kid and basically says, “You gotta become like this.” Not childish, but childlike humble, dependent, teachable. He’s saying greatness isn’t about being powerful or popular, it’s about having a humble heart. Then He goes off a little and says if you mess up someone like this especially a kid or someone new in faith it’s really bad. Like, He literally says it’d be better to have a stone tied around your neck and be thrown into the sea. So yeah, Jesus don’t play about people leading others into sin.
Then He gets into how serious sin is. He’s like, “If your hand or eye causes you to sin, cut it off or take it out.” Not literally, obviously, but He’s saying take whatever is trippin you up seriously don’t just ignore it. Get rid of the stuff that’s pulling you away from God.
After that, He tells the parable of the lost sheep. If there are 100 sheep and one wanders off, the shepherd leaves the 99 to go find the one. That’s how God is. He’s not just about big crowds He deeply cares about the one who’s struggling or lost. That hit diff don’t it Like, God doesn’t give up on people, even when they drift.
Then Jesus talks about what to do when someone hurts you or sins against you. He’s like, don’t gossip go to the person directly and talk it out. If they don’t listen, bring one or two people. If that doesn’t work, bring it to the church. But the whole point is to restore the relationship, not cancel them. It’s about love and honesty, not drama.
Then Peter asks how many times he’s supposed to forgive someone like, “Seven times?” Jesus is like, Nah try seventy-seven times. Meaning: keep forgiving. Then He tells this wild story about a guy who owed the king a huge debt and got forgiven, but then went out and refused to forgive someone else who owed him way less. The king found out and was like, “Really? After I showed you mercy?” And He punished the guy. Jesus is showing that we can’t expect God to forgive us if we’re out here holding grudges.
So Jesus leaves Galilee and heads toward Judea, and a crowd follows Him. People are coming at Him with all kinds of questions. The Pharisees ask if it’s okay for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. Basically trying to trap Him or catch Him slipping because they was always tryna do that.
But Jesus goes back to the beginning like Genesis type beginning and says, “God made male and female, and when they get married, they become one. What God joined together, don’t separate.” So He’s basically saying marriage isn’t something you just get out of when you feel like it. It’s meant to be a deep, permanent thing, a covenant.
Then the Pharisees are like, “But Moses said we could give our wives a certificate of divorce.” Jesus explains Moses only allowed that because people’s hearts were hard, not because God wanted it that way. So yeah, divorce was allowed sometimes, but it wasn’t the goal. Jesus says if you divorce someone (except for cheating) and marry someone else, it’s like committing adultery.
Then His own disciples say maybe it’s better not to marry And Jesus is like, Yeah, marriage isn’t for everyone. Some people stay single because of life situations, and some choose it for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Then there’s this quick moment where people bring kids to Jesus, and the disciples try to shut it down like “He’s too busy.” But Jesus says, “Let the children come to Me.” He actually blesses them and says the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like them. Going back to what was said in chapter 18 “to make it to heaven we must be like little children”
After that, a rich young guy comes up and asks, “What good thing do I need to do to get eternal life?” Jesus says, Follow the commandments. The guy’s like, Cool, I’ve done all that. So Jesus tells him leave all your things give em to the homeless and come follow me. The guy walks away sad because he had a lot of money.
Jesus turns to His disciples and says it’s hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom. Not impossible, but hard — because money can mess with your priorities. The disciples are shocked and ask, “Then who can be saved?” And Jesus says, “With man it’s impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” My favorite verse!! But it’s Basically saying, no one saves themselves God makes it possible.
Peter says, “Well what about us? We gave up everything to follow You.” Jesus tells them they’ll be rewarded a lot in this life and the next. Anyone who sacrifices for God will receive way more in return. But He ends with that line: “Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” So don’t get ahead of yourselves guys.
Jesus starts with this parable about workers in a vineyard. Basically, a landowner hires people to work at different times of the day some in the morning, some later, and even some just an hour before the end. But at the end of the day, he pays everyone the same. And the ones who worked all day are like, “That’s not fair.” But the landowner’s like, “I gave you what I promised. If I want to be generous, that’s my choice.”
The point of this parable is… God’s kingdom isn’t about earning stuff it’s about grace. Some people come to God early in life, some late. Either way, He’s good to all of us.
Then Jesus pulls His disciples aside and tells them straight up again that He’s going to be arrested, mocked, killed… and then rise again. But they still don’t fully get it.
Right after that, James and John’s mom comes in asking if her sons can sit next to Jesus in heaven (like, front row seats). Jesus is like, “You don’t even know what you’re asking.” He says greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t about position it’s about serving. Like, real leaders are servants. Even Jesus came to serve and give His life for others.
Then at the end of the chapter, two blind guys are sitting by the road and start yelling for Jesus to heal them. The crowd tries to shut them up, but Jesus stops, listens, and heals them. And they immediately follow Him.
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and being welcomed by crowds shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” He then goes to the temple and overturns the tables of the money changers, declaring that the temple should be a house of prayer, not a den of robbers. The next day, Jesus curses a fig tree for not bearing fruit, using it as a lesson about faith. He also tells parables, including the Parable of the Two Sons and the Parable of the Tenants, which warn religious leaders about their rejection of God’s messengers. The chapter ends with Jesus teaching that the kingdom of God will be given to those who produce its fruit, not just those who claim to follow Him.
Jesus tells the Parable of the Wedding Feast, where a king invites guests to his son’s wedding, but they refuse to come. The king then invites others, showing that God’s kingdom is open to everyone, but only those who are truly prepared will be accepted. Later, the Pharisees and Sadducees try to trap Jesus with tricky questions. They ask whether it is right to pay taxes to Caesar, and Jesus wisely responds, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” The Sadducees also test Him about marriage in the resurrection, but Jesus corrects their misunderstanding of eternal life. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus answers, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Finally, Jesus challenges the Pharisees by asking them about the identity of the Messiah, leaving them speechless.
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:14
“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”Matthew 22:37-40
the lessons for chapter are
Jesus warns the people about the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He criticizes them for placing heavy burdens on others while refusing to help, and for seeking honor and status instead of true righteousness. Jesus pronounces a series of "woes" against them, calling them blind guides who focus on minor religious details while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He compares them to whitewashed tombs outwardly beautiful but inwardly full of corruption. Jesus also laments over Jerusalem, expressing sorrow that the city has repeatedly rejected prophets and refused to turn back to God. He warns of the coming judgment due to their hardened hearts.
- the name notes here are
True faith is about humility and righteousness, not outward appearances.
Hypocrisy in leadership is dangerous and leads others astray.
God values justice, mercy, and faithfulness over empty rituals.
Seeking human praise instead of serving God is a sign of spiritual failure.
Rejecting God's messengers leads to consequences.
Jesus desires to gather and protect those who turn to Him.
Conversation
Based on the context, Sam Mukiza summarized Chapter 24 of Matthew as follows:
This summary encapsulates the main points Sam made about the chapter and its significance
Jesus tells three parables to teach about being prepared for His return. First, He shares the Parable of the Ten Virgins, where five wise women bring extra oil for their lamps, but five foolish ones do not, showing the importance of being ready. Next, in the Parable of the Talents, a master gives his servants money to invest two servants use it wisely, but one hides it, teaching that God expects us to use what He gives us. Finally, Jesus describes the final judgment, where He separates people like sheep and goats based on how they treated others, especially the needy. Those who showed kindness and helped others are welcomed into His kingdom, while those who ignored others' needs are sent away.
The lesson :
-“spread the gospel”-Yves
-“We must always be prepared for Jesus’ return by using our gifts wisely and showing love and kindness to others” -Nelly
-“I don’t wanna push my religion on to someone….but we wouldn’t want to share the word of God and all his glory” -Sam
-“share the word because we are not learning it for ourselves; we are learning it to share and use it to change people” -Benny
-“we must have a relationship with God and not just going it to get to heaven” -Yves
This chapter is telling the events leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion. The chapter begins with Jesus predicting His betrayal and crucifixion, while the religious leaders plot to kill Him. A woman anoints Jesus with expensive oil, and Judas agrees to betray Him for thirty pieces of silver. During the Last Supper, Jesus shares bread and wine with His disciples, explaining that it represents His body and blood. Later, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays in deep sorrow while His disciples struggle to stay awake. Finally, Judas arrives with soldiers, betrays Jesus with a kiss, and Jesus is arrested, leading to Peter denying Him three times.
This is chapter that tells the story of Jesus' trial, crucifixion, and burial. Early in the chapter, Judas regrets betraying Jesus and hangs himself. Jesus is taken before Pilate, who offers to release either Jesus or Barabbas, but the crowd chooses Barabbas, leading to Jesus’ condemnation. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified alongside two criminals, and as He dies, the earth shakes, the temple curtain tears, and people recognize Him as the Son of God. Joseph of Arimathea takes Jesus’ body and buries it in a tomb, while guards are placed outside to prevent anyone from stealing it. The chapter ends with the religious leaders fearing that Jesus' followers might claim He has risen.
-just like God was mocked we are mocked by those who don’t see what we do when we are living of our Christian life -Hyguette
-A majority of people are Christians right now, but those were living by his will are the ones that are going to go to heaven. -Sam
It is funny that even after all that God has done the disciples still doubted him. -Beline
So in Matthew 28, it’s early Sunday morning, and Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb. All of a sudden, there’s this crazy earthquake, and an angel comes down from heaven, rolls the stone away, and just sits on it. He was glowing like lightning and the guards were so scared, they froze like they were dead.
The angel tells the women, “Don’t be scared Jesus isn’t here. He’s risen, just like He said He would.” Then he tells them to go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus is alive and headed to Galilee, where they’ll see Him. The women take off running, full of joy but still kinda shook. Then boom Jesus Himself shows up, and greets them and they drop to worship Him. He tells them the same thing: go tell the guys to meet Him in Galilee.
Meanwhile, the guards go back to the city and tell the religious leaders what happened. The leaders panic and basically pay the guards to lie, telling them to say the disciples stole Jesus’ body while they were asleep. They even promise to keep them out of trouble with the Roman governor. So that fake story starts spreading.
Later, the disciples meet Jesus in Galilee, just like He said. Some worship Him right away, but a few are still doubting. That’s when Jesus gives them the Great Commission He tells them to go out, make disciples of all nations, baptize people, and teach them everything He taught. And He ends it with, “I’m with you always, even to the end of the world.”
One takeaway from this chapter is how much Gods power and plans are so undeniable all that happened and Jesus still pulled through it’s just so powerful and inspiring.
-It is funny that even after all that God has done the disciples still doubted him. -Beline
-“Jesus' resurrection proves His power over death, and He calls His followers to share His message with the world.” -Nelly