Sermons on Matthew

Sermons on Matthew

Matthew 16:5-12

In Matthew 16:5-12 Christ warns the disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. It is strange that the Pharisees and Sadducees have joined together in their opposition to Christ given the number of things they themselves disagreed on. We see that though the ungodly are often opposed to each other, they will always be more opposed to the Church. Furthermore, we learn that false teachings which appear to be opposites very often have much in common.

Matthew 16:1-4

In Matthew 16:1-4 the Saduccees and Pharisees ask for a sign. This is a strange request in light of the many miracles Christ had done to this point. Their goal, like many skeptics today who make similar demands for proofs, is to hide their rebellion against God behind the request for a sign. The reality is Christ had done enough to make himself known such that the request can only be interpreted as disingenuous. Ultimately, Christ tells them that the…

Matthew 15:32-39

In Matthew 15:32-39 Christ feeds four thousand men besides women and children. This is the second time Christ has miraculously fed thousands with just a few fish and a few loaves of bread. Why record such a similar miracle twice? God’s people often need to hear things again.

Matthew 15:29-31

In Matthew 15:29-31 Christ heals many on a mountain.  Mountains are significant in the gospel of Matthew as they point to the fulfillment of the mountain of God theology in the OT.  What is the purpose of this summary of Christ’s miracles?  To indicate that the new creation has come in Christ.  Christ’s miracles are a foretaste of the resurrection.

Matthew 15:21-28

In Matthew 15:21-28 Christ heals a Canaanite woman’s daughter. Before the healing happens Christ implicitly calls her a dog, since she is a Canaanite. Rather than taking offense, she continues to plead with Christ for healing. Her humble faith amazes Christ and is a model for us today.

Matthew 15:1-20 (Part 2)

In Matthew 15:1-20, Christ not only affirms the supremacy of the Word of God over tradition, but also highlights the danger of traditions that nullify the Word of God. The tradition of the Pharisees focused on externals, whereas the Word of God focuses on the heart. Very often traditions that contradict the Bible give people a false hope on the basis of external conformity to manmade laws rather than the purification of the heart in the gospel.

Matthew 15:1-20 (Part 1)

In Matthew 15:1-20 Christ gets into a dispute with the Pharisees over tradition. Christ responds to the accusation about not keeping the tradition of the elders by arguing that the traditions of the Pharisees were contrary to the Word of God. As was taught in the Reformation, Christ affirms that the Word of God is above every tradition of man.

Matthew 14:34-36

Matthew 14:34-36 contains a brief summary of Christ’s healing ministry. Those who recognized Him went to Him for healing. The natural response of understanding who Christ is is to go to Him for salvation.

Matthew 14:22-33

In Matthew 14:22-33 Matthew records Christ’s miracle of walking on water. His walking on water, like the feeding of the 5,000, is meant to be compared to Elisha who made an axe head float. Christ, however, has done much more both by walking on the water and by commanding Peter to do so as well. The disciples understand the significance as they respond to this miracle by worshipping Him as the Son of God.

Matthew 14:13-21

In Matthew 14:13-21 Matthew records the very familiar miracle of Christ feeding the 5,000. What does this teach us about Christ? That he is the better Elijah who feeds more with less, the better Moses who provides manna in the wilderness, the Messiah who sets before His people a glorious feast, and ultimately, the one who is Himself the bread of life who satisfies His people.

Matthew 14:1-12

In Matthew 14:1-12 Matthew recounts John’s arrest and execution. Christ will say in chapter 16 that anyone who follows Him must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him. The Christian life is one of suffering and it is important to be ready, especially as persecution is likely to increase in our country.