Journey Through the Bible: New Testament

Journey Through the Bible:

Lesson Plans to Teach and Study the Bible

Chapter by Chapter

New Testament

Thomas E. Young, Sr., D. Min.

Copyright @ 2021 by Thomas E. Young, Sr.

Journey Through the Bible: Lesson Plans to Teach and Study the Bible Chapter by Chapter

New Testament

By Thomas E. Young, Sr.

Printed in the United States of America.

All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quoted in this volume is from the King James Version of the Bible – public domain.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my granddaughter, Audrey LeeAnn Young Johnson, for taking on the complex task of organizing, coordinating, and researching the best approach for getting these 135 plus bonus Bible lessons on the New Testament into the hands of God’s children.

Also, I want to acknowledge the great value of the following resources that were available to me during over 21 years of teaching:

Liberty University’s Dr. Harold Willmington’s outstanding two-year Bible Course.

The Word of Life Study Bible ©1993 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.

Prophecy Study Bible, NKJV, John C. Hagee, General Editor, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville ©1997.

Scripture taken from the New King James, ©1979, 1980, 1982, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Perry Stones teachings and studies on the Rapture and on the Book of Revelation and on his many trips to the Holy Land.

And to all who have not been mentioned but have contributed to my understanding of the Scriptures, our Good Lord will acknowledge you and bless you when we all get home.

In addition, Mary Alice Padgett, and all the ladies who served as substitutes, who provided the Friday Bible Study refreshments over a 21-year period which made our studies a family setting.

Thank you all.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

The Book of Matthew

Lesson Plan 1: The Book of Matthew: Chapters 1 & 2

Lesson Plan 2: The Book of Matthew: Chapters 3, 4, & 5

Lesson Plan 3: The Book of Matthew: Chapters 6 & 7

Lesson Plan 4: The Book of Matthew: Chapters 8 & 9

Lesson Plan 5: The Book of Matthew: Chapters 10 & 11

Lesson Plan 6: The Book of Matthew: Chapters 12 & 13

Lesson Plan 7: The Book of Matthew: Chapters 14 & 15

Lesson Plan 8: The Book of Matthew: Chapters 16 & 17

Lesson Plan 9: The Book of Matthew: Chapters 18 & 19

Lesson Plan 10: The Book of Matthew: Chapters 20 & 21

Lesson Plan 11: The Book of Matthew: Chapters 22 & 23

Lesson Plan 12: The Book of Matthew: Chapter 24

Lesson Plan 13: The Book of Matthew: Chapter 25

Lesson Plan 14: The Book of Matthew: Chapter 26 & 27

Lesson Plan 15: The Book of Matthew: Chapter 28

The Book of Mark

Lesson Plan 16: The Book of Mark: Chapter 1

Lesson Plan 17: The Book of Mark: Chapters 2 & 3

Lesson Plan 18: The Book of Mark: Chapters 4 & 5

Lesson Plan 19: The Book of Mark: Chapters 6 & 7

Lesson Plan 20: The Book of Mark: Chapters 8 & 9

Lesson Plan 21: The Book of Mark: Chapters 10, 11, & 12

Lesson Plan 22: The Book of Mark: Chapters 13 & 14

Lesson Plan 23: The Book of Mark: Chapters 15 & 16

The Book of Luke

Lesson Plan 24: The Book of Luke: Chapter 1

Lesson Plan 25: The Book of Luke: Chapter 2

Lesson Plan 26: The Book of Luke: Chapter 3

Lesson Plan 27: The Book of Luke: Chapter 4

Lesson Plan 28: The Book of Luke: Chapter 5

Lesson Plan 29: The Book of Luke: Chapter 6

Lesson Plan 30: The Book of Luke: Chapter 7

Lesson Plan 31: The Book of Luke: Chapter 8

Lesson Plan 32: The Book of Luke: Chapter 9

Lesson Plan 33: The Book of Luke: Chapters 10 & 11

Lesson Plan 34: The Book of Luke: Chapter 12

Lesson Plan 35: The Book of Luke: Chapters 13 & 14

Lesson Plan 36: The Book of Luke: Chapters 15 & 16

Lesson Plan 37: The Book of Luke: Chapter 17

Lesson Plan 38: The Book of Luke: Chapter 18

Lesson Plan 39: The Book of Luke: Chapter 19

Lesson Plan 40: The Book of Luke: Chapter 20

Lesson Plan 41: The Book of Luke: Chapter 21

Lesson Plan 42: The Book of Luke: Chapter 22

Lesson Plan 43: The Book of Luke

Lesson Plan 44: The Book of Luke

The Book of John

Lesson Plan 45: The Book of John: Chapter 1

Lesson Plan 46: The Book of John: Chapters 2 & 3

Lesson Plan 47: The Book of John: Chapters 4 & 5

Lesson Plan 48: The Book of John: Chapter 6

Lesson Plan 49: The Book of John: Chapter 7

Lesson Plan 50: The Book of John: Chapter 8

Lesson Plan 51: The Book of John: Chapters 9 & 10

Lesson Plan 52: The Book of John: Chapter 11

Lesson Plan 53: The Book of John: Chapter 12 & 13

Lesson Plan 54: The Book of John: Chapters 14 & 15

Lesson Plan 55: The Book of John: Chapters 16 & 17

Lesson Plan 56: The Book of John: Chapters 18 & 19

Lesson Plan 57: The Book of John: Chapters 20 & 21

The Book of Acts

Lesson Plan 58: The Book of Acts: Chapter 1

Lesson Plan 59: The Book of Acts: Chapters 2 & 3

Lesson Plan 60: The Book of Acts: Chapters 4 & 5

Lesson Plan 61: The Book of Acts: Chapters 6 & 7

Lesson Plan 62: The Book of Acts: Chapters 8 & 9

Lesson Plan 63: The Book of Acts: Chapters 10 & 11

Lesson Plan 64: The Book of Acts: Chapters 12 & 13

Lesson Plan 65: The Book of Acts: Chapters 14 & 15

Lesson Plan 66: The Book of Acts: Chapters 16 & 17

Lesson Plan 67: The Book of Acts: Chapters 18 & 19

Lesson Plan 68: The Book of Acts: Chapters 21 & 22

Lesson Plan 69: The Book of Acts: Chapters 23, 24, & 25

Lesson Plan 70: The Book of Acts: Chapters 26, 27, & 28

The Book of Romans

Lesson Plan 71: The Book of Romans: Chapters 1 & 2

Lesson Plan 72: The Book of Romans: Chapters 3 & 4

Lesson Plan 73: The Book of Romans: Chapters 5, 6, & 7

Lesson Plan 74: The Book of Romans: Chapter 8

Lesson Plan 75: The Book of Romans: Chapters 9, 10, & 11

Lesson Plan 76: The Book of Romans: Chapters 12, 13, & 14

Lesson Plan 77: The Book of Romans: Chapters 15 & 16

The Book of 1 Corinthians

Lesson Plan 78: The Book of 1 Corinthians: Chapters 1 - 3

Lesson Plan 79: The Book of 1 Corinthians: Chapters 4, 5, & 6

Lesson Plan 80: The Book of 1 Corinthians: Chapters 7, 8, & 9

Lesson Plan 81: The Book of 1 Corinthians: Chapters 10 & 11

Lesson Plan 82: The Book of 1 Corinthians: Chapters 12, 13, & 14

Lesson Plan 83: The Book of 1 Corinthians: Chapters 15 & 16

The Book of 2 Corinthians

Lesson Plan 84: The Book of 2 Corinthians: Chapters 1 & 2

Lesson Plan 85: The Book of 2 Corinthians: Chapters 3, 4, & 5

Lesson Plan 86: The Book of 2 Corinthians: Chapters 6, 7, & 8

Lesson Plan 87: The Book of 2 Corinthians: Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, & 13

The Book of Galatians

Lesson Plan 88: The Book of Galatians: Chapters 1 & 2

Lesson Plan 89: The Book of Galatians: Chapter 3

Lesson Plan 90: The Book of Galatians: Chapter 4

Lesson Plan 91: The Book of Galatians: Chapters 5 & 6

The Book of Ephesians

Lesson Plan 92: The Book of Ephesians: Chapters 1 & 2

Lesson Plan 93: The Book of Ephesians: Chapters 3 & 4

Lesson Plan 94: The Book of Ephesians: Chapters 5 & 6

The Book of Philippians

Lesson Plan 95: The Book of Philippians: Chapters 1 & 2

Lesson Plan 96: The Book of Philippians: Chapters 3 & 4

The Book of Colossians

Lesson Plan 97: The Book of Colossians: Chapters 1 & 2

Lesson Plan 98: The Book of Colossians: Chapters 3 & 4

The Book of 1 Thessalonians

Lesson Plan 99: The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Chapters 1, 2, & 3

Lesson Plan 100: The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Chapters 4 & 5

The Book of 2 Thessalonians

Lesson Plan 101: The Book of 2 Thessalonians: Chapters 1, 2, & 3

The Book of 1 Timothy

Lesson Plan 102: The Book of 1 Timothy: Chapters 1, 2, & 3

Lesson Plan 103: The Book of 1 Timothy: Chapters 4, 5, & 6

The Book of 2 Timothy

Lesson Plan 104: The Book of 2 Timothy: Chapters 1, 2, 3, & 4

The Book of Titus

Lesson Plan 105: The Book of Titus: Chapters 1, 2, & 3

The Book of Philemon

Lesson Plan 106: The Book of Philemon: Chapter 1

The Book of Hebrews

Lesson Plan 107: The Book of Hebrews: Chapters 1, 2, & 3

Lesson Plan 108: The Book of Hebrews: Chapters 4, 5, & 6

Lesson Plan 109: The Book of Hebrews: Chapters 7, 8, & 9

Lesson Plan 110: The Book of Hebrews: Chapters 10 & 11

Lesson Plan 111: The Book of Hebrews: Chapters 12 & 13

The Book of James

Lesson Plan 112: The Book of James: Chapters 1, 2, & 3

Lesson Plan 113: The Book of James: Chapter 4

Lesson Plan 114: The Book of James: Chapter 5

The Book of 1 Peter

Lesson Plan 115: The Book 1 Peter: Chapters 1 & 2

Lesson Plan 116: The Book 1 Peter: Chapters 3, 4, & 5

The Book of 2 Peter

Lesson Plan 117: The Book 2 Peter: Chapters 1, 2, & 3

The Book of 1 John

Lesson Plan 118: The Book of 1 John: Chapters 1 & 2

Lesson Plan 119: The Book of 1 John: Chapters 3, 4, & 5

The Book of 2 John

The Book of 3 John

Lesson Plan 120: The Books of 2 & 3 John

The Book of Jude

Lesson Plan 121: The Book of Jude

The Book of Revelation

Lesson Plan 122: The Book of Revelation: Chapter 1

Lesson Plan 123: The Book of Revelation: Chapter 2

Lesson Plan 124: The Book of Revelation: Chapter 3

Lesson Plan 125: The Book of Revelation: Chapters 4 & 5

Lesson Plan 126: The Book of Revelation: Chapter 6

Lesson Plan 127: The Book of Revelation: Chapter 7

Lesson Plan 128: The Book of Revelation: Chapters 8 & 9

Lesson Plan 129: The Book of Revelation: Chapters 10 & 11

Lesson Plan 130: The Book of Revelation: Chapter 12

Lesson Plan 131: The Book of Revelation: Chapter 13

Lesson Plan 132: The Book of Revelation: Chapters 14 & 15

Lesson Plan 133: The Book of Revelation: Chapters 16, 17, & 18

Lesson Plan 134: The Book of Revelation: Chapters 19 & 20

Lesson Plan 135: The Book of Revelation: Chapters 21 & 22

Summary of The Book of Revelation

Supplemental Resources

Vocabulary of Salvation

How Each Apostle Died

Disciples

Forgiveness

Warnings & Guidance

Definitions:

The Reason for the Christmas Season of Celebration: Old & New Testaments

Who Is This Jesus?

Doctrine of Baptisms: Hebrews Chapter 6:2-6 Written 64-68 A.D.

The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ by John, Mark, Luke and Matthew

How to Make Sure Heaven Is My Home

PREFACE

I believe it was in September 1997 when I went to a local Bible Study in my community. The Bible teaching minister did not show up because of low class attendance. This particular Friday, only I and a young lady (Mary Alice Padgett) were present. No teacher or leader.

I said to her, What do we do?

She said, Let’s read the Bible.

And that is what we did. I prepared future lessons and Mary Alice supplied the refreshments for the Bible Study for the next twenty plus years. During the twenty plus years, if Mary Alice or I were not present due to an illness or travel, volunteer Bible class members filled the gap providing lessons and goodies.

The Bible Study grew, and attendees gravitated to an environment that allowed all of us to read and interpret the Scriptures weekly. After two decades (21 years and being 88 years old), I stopped teaching the class, but it was recognized that what was created was a valuable tool that should be shared. The Bible Study continues today and is now taught by a younger Man of God with approximately 30 attendees each week. Thank God.

INTRODUCTION

I desire to see the Word of God accessible to all and inexpensive for all. Why should those who desire to study the Bible have to pay $12.00 to $20.00 for a book to study the scripture of each book of the Bible? Why not just read the scripture itself and discuss it? Hence the creation of Journey Through the Bible: Lesson Plans to Teach and Study the Bible Chapter by Chapter.

This resource provides a framework for pastors, ministers, or individuals desiring to facilitate a Bible class or small group. Each book of the New Testament is organized with a formatted Lesson Plan allowing the facilitator and student to read the scripture directly and be inspired by the Word of God.

Each Book of the Bible begins with an overview of the main components organized by chapter. After the general overview, each chapter is organized into individual lessons with a Lesson Plan providing the format to study that particular section. I recommend that the facilitator provide a copy of each Lesson Plan to the students so that everyone can actively participate, take notes, and have the lesson available after the class.

How to Use this Resource to Facilitate Bible Study Groups/Classes:

Open in Prayer (thanksgiving for our health, family, our Country, our leaders, for those that we know may be sick or in need of prayer, and for a deeper understanding of God’s Word).

Welcome each student by asking them to introduce themselves (just sharing their names).

Read through the lesson’s Lesson Plan aloud so that everyone is aware of how, where, and what will be discussed.

After walking through the Lesson Plan, read each of the scriptures noted (encourage participants to volunteer to read a scripture aloud to the group). After each scripture, ask for comments and or questions.

5. Close in prayer.

Each class should last about an hour. Ideally, 1–1.5 hours is great for morning or evening Bible studies in homes or churches. If possible, allow time for fellowship.

The Lesson Plans end with the same two scriptures for specific reasons.

II Chronicles 7:14:

About 2900+ years ago (2952 years), God appeared to Solomon just after he had completed the Temple and offered him the promise of Conditional Covenant for His people. God knew there would be wars, pestilence, famines, persecutions, and lack of rain (see 2 Chronicles 7:13) and therefore was giving us (you and me and His chosen people) an opportunity to have our land healed. He had covenants with Abraham, Noah, David, etc., and here He was offering us a conditional promise or covenant.

There are approximately 37,000 Catholic Priests, about 109,000 pastors/clergy, and countless Bible teachers who should be leading the sheep/flock in taking advantage of God’s conditional promise to heal our land. We are suffering because we are not taking advantage of God’s promise in II Chronicles 7:14.

Psalm 122:6:

This psalm is not a suggestion. It is a command from God. Thus, we should heed His command. His Son will reign from Jerusalem for a thousand years during the millennium so we should be praying for its tranquility.

The Book of Matthew

Scripture Focus Chapters 1 - 28

Objective: To gain an understanding that Matthew presents Jesus as Israel’s promised messianic king and that Jesus also fulfills the qualifications for their Messiah.

Objective Breakdown:

Genealogy of Christ Chapter 1:1-17

Birth of Christ Chapter 1:18-25

Visit of the Wise Men Chapter 2:1-12

Flight into Egypt Chapter 2:13-15

Herod Kills the Children Chapter 2:16-23

The Person of John the Baptist Chapter 3:1-6

The Preaching of John the Baptist Chapter 3:7-12

Baptism of Jesus Chapter 3:13-17

First Temptation of Jesus Chapter 4:1-4

The Second Temptation of Jesus Chapter 4:5-7

The Third Temptation of Jesus Chapter 4:8-11

Jesus Begins His Ministry Chapter 4:12-17

Jesus Calls His First Disciples Chapter 4:18-22

Jesus Ministers in Galilee Chapter 4:4:23-25

The Beatitudes Chapter 5:1-12

The Similitudes Chapter 5:13-16

Jesus Fulfills the Law Chapter 5:17-19

Murder Chapter 5:20-26

Adultery Chapter 5:27-30

Divorce Chapter 5:31- 32

Oaths Chapter 5:33-37

Retaliation Chapter 5:38-42

Love Chapter 5:43-48

Charitable Deeds Chapter 6:1-4

Prayer Chapter 6:5-15

Fasting Chapter 6:16-18

Wealth Chapter 6:19-34

Judging Chapter 7:1-6

Ask and It Will be Given Chapter 7:7-11

Golden Rule Chapter 7:12

Two Ways of Life Chapter 7:13-14

False and True Teaching Chapter 7:15-20

True Way into the Kingdom Chapter 7:21-23

Parable of Two Builders Chapter 7:24-27

Response to the Sermon Chapter 7:28-29

The Leper Is Cleansed Chapter 8:1-4

The Centurion’s Servant Is Healed Chapter 8:5-13

Peter’s Mother-in-Law Is Healed Chapter 8:14-17

He Himself Took Our Infirmities &

Bore Our Sicknesses Chapter 8:18-22

The Sea Is Stilled Chapter 8:23-27

Demons Are Cast into Swine Chapter 8:28-34

The Paralytic Is Forgiven Chapter 9:1-8

Matthew Is Called Chapter 9:9

The Disciples Eat with Sinners Chapter 9:10-13

The Disciples Do Not Fast Chapter 9:14-17

Life Is Restored Chapter 9:18-26

Sight Is Restored Chapter 9:27-31

Speech Is Restored Chapter 9:32-34

The Need for Delegation of Power Chapter 9:35-38

The Twelve Apostles Are Sent Chapter 10:1-4

The Twelve Apostles Are Instructed Chapter 10:5-42

Rejection of John the Baptist Chapter 11:1-15

Rejection by Jesus’s Generation Chapter 11:16-19

Rejection of Chorazin, Bethsaida,

& Capernaum Chapter 11:20-24

Invitation to Come to Jesus Chapter 11:25-30

Controversy over Sabbath labor Chapter 12:1-8

Controversy over Sabbath Healing Chapter 12:9-13

Pharisees Plan to Destroy Christ Chapter 12:14-21

Pharisees Blaspheme the Holy Spirit Chapter 12:22-30

Pharisees Commit the Unpardonable Sin Chapter 12:31-37

Pharisees Demand a Sign Chapter 12:38-45

Jesus and the True Brethren Chapter 12:46-50

The Parable of Soils Chapter 13:1-30

The Parable of the Mustard Seed Chapter 13:31-32

The Parable of the Leavened Chapter 13:33-35

The Parable of the Tares Explained Chapter 13:36-43

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure Chapter 13:44

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price Chapter 13:45-46

The Parable of the Dragnet Chapter 13:47-50

Parable of the Householder Chapter 13:51-53

Rejection at Nazareth Chapter 13:54-58

Present Response to Jesus Chapter 14:1-2

Recount of the Murder of John the Baptist Chapter 14:3-12

Jesus Feeds 5,000 Chapter 14:13-21

Jesus Walks on Water Chapter 14:22-33

Jesus Heals Many Chapter 14:34-36

Debate Over Tradition Chapter 15:1-20

Jesus Heals the Gentile Woman’s Daughter Chapter 15:21-28

Jesus Heals Many Chapter 15:29-31

Jesus Feeds 4,000 Chapter 15:32-39

Debate Over a Sign from Heaven Chapter 16:1-4

Withdrawal of Jesus Chapter 16:5-12

Revelation of the Person of the King Chapter 16:13-17

Revelation of the Church Chapter 16:18-20

Revelation of Jesus’s Death Chapter 16:21-23

Revelation of Jesus’s Reward Chapter 16:24-26

The Prophecy of the Second Coming Chapter 16:27-28

The Transfiguration Chapter 17:1-13

Instruction About Faith Chapter 17:14-21

Instructions About Jesus’s Death Chapter 17:22-23

Instructions About Taxes Chapter 17:24-27

Instructions About Humility Chapter 18:1-5

Punishment of Offenders Chapter 18:6-10

Parable of the Lost Sheep Chapter 18:11-14

The Offended Brother Chapter 18:15-20

Instruction About Forgiveness Chapter 18:21-35

Instruction About Divorce Chapter 19:1-15

Rich Young Ruler Chapter 19:16-26

The Apostles’ Reward Chapter 19:27-30

Parable of the Laborers Chapter 20:1-16

Instructions About Jesus’s Death Chapter 20:17-28

The Blind Men Recognize the King Chapter 20:29-34

The Triumphal Entry Chapter 21:1-11

The Cleansing of the Temple Chapter 21:12-17

The Cursing of the Fig Tree Chapter 21:18-22

Question of Jesus’s Authority Chapter 21:23-27

Parable of Two Sons Chapter 21:28-32

Parable of the Landowner Chapter 21:33-46

Parable of the Marriage Feast Chapter 22:1-14

Conflict with Pharisees and the Herodians Chapter 22:15-22

Conflict with the Sadducees Chapter 22:23-33

The Greatest Commandment Chapter 22:34-40

The Son of David Chapter 22:41-46

Jesus Characterizes the Pharisees Chapter 23:1-12

Jesus condemns the Pharisees & Scribes Chapter 23:13-36

Jesus Laments over Jerusalem Chapter 23:37-39

The Temple to Be Destroyed Chapter 24:1-2

The Disciples’ Three Questions Chapter 24:3

The Tribulation Chapter 24:4-26

The Second Coming Chapter 24:27-31

Parable of the Fig Tree Chapter 24:32-35

Illustration of the Days of Noah Chapter 24:36-44

Illustration of the Two servant Chapter 24:45-51

Parable of the Ten Virgins Chapter 25:1-13

Parable of the Talents Chapter 25:14-30

Judgment of the Gentiles Chapter 25:31-46

The Religious Leaders Plot to Kill Jesus Chapter 26:1-5

Mary Anoints Jesus for His Burial Chapter 26:6-13

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus Chapter 26:14-16

The Passover Is Prepared Chapter 26:17-19

The Passover is Celebrated Chapter 26:20-25

The Lord’s Supper Is Instituted Chapter 26:26-29

Peter’s Denial Is Predicted Chapter 26:30-35

Jesus’s Three Prayers Chapter 26:36-46

Jesus’s Betrayal and Arrest Chapter 26:47-56

Two False Witnesses Chapter 26:57-68

Three Denials of Peter Chapter 26:69-75

Jesus Is Delivered to Pilate Chapter 27:1-2

Judas Repents Chapter 27:3-10

Jesus Is Examined Chapter 27:11-14

Barabbas Is Freed Chapter 27:15-25

Jesus Is Scourged Chapter 27:26-28

Jesus Is Lead to Golgotha Chapter 27:29-33

Jesus Is Crucified Chapter 27:34-44

Jesus Dies Chapter 27:45-50

Signs Accompanying Jesus’s Death Chapter 27:51-56

Jesus Is Buried Chapter 27:57-66

The Empty Tomb Chapter 28:1-8

The Appearance of Jesus to the Woman Chapter 28:9-10

The Bribery of the Soldiers Chapter 28:11-15

The Appearance of Jesus to the Disciples Chapter 28:16-17

The Great Commission Chapter 28:18-20

Lesson Plan 1

The Book of Matthew

Chapters 1 & 2

Objective: To acquaint us with the first Book of the New Testament and how Matthew records Jesus’s teachings which Jesus gave to His followers and eventually to the world.

Objective Breakdown:

Introduction

Background of Christ Matthew 1:1-17

The Birth of Christ Matthew 1:18-25

Wise Men Visit Matthew 2:1-12

The Family Flees to Egypt Matthew 2:13-15

Herod Slaughters Infants Matthew 2:16-18

The Family Returns to Nazareth Matthew 2:19-23

Introduction: After a prophetic silence of about four hundred years, Matthew’s Gospel is a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. It was written by a Jew to Jews about a Jew. Thus, Matthew is the writer, his countrymen are the readers, and Jesus Christ is the subject.

Matthew’s design is to present Jesus as the King of the Jews, the long-awaited Messiah. Through a carefully selected series of Old Testament quotations, Matthew documents Jesus Christ’s claim to be the Messiah. His genealogy, baptism, messages, miracles all point to the same inescapable conclusion: Christ is King. Even in Jesus Christ’s death, seeming defeat is turned to victory by the Resurrection, and the message again echoes forth: The King of the Jews lives.

To show that Jesus fulfills the qualification for the Messiah, Matthew used more Old Testament quotations and allusions than any other book (almost 130). Often used in this Gospel is the revealing phrase that (which) was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled, it appears nine times in Matthew and not once in the other Gospels.

Of some interest is the phrase The Kingdom of Heaven which appears thirty-two times in Matthew but nowhere else in the New Testament. The likely timeframe of Matthew authoring this Book is A.D. 58–68 and it may have been written in Palestine or Syrian Antioch. It covers the period of 4 B.C. to 33 A.D.

Words to Live By:

Ephesians 4:29: Let not any filthy word go out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Ephesians 4:30: And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed until the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:31: Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and tumult and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

Ephesians 4:32: And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.

Matthew 12:25: And Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. And every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.

Mark 3:24: And if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Romans 13:1: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Author’s Commentary: God is the ultimate authority. The government as an institution has been established by God. God raises up and does away with leaders.

Romans 13:2: Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Author’s Commentary: Government as an institution has been established by God to serve His purposes. Both followers and leaders are ultimately accountable to God. Submission to human authority as it aligns with God’s Word reflects our submission to God’s authority. We must serve the highest of all authorities, God Himself.

II Chronicles 7:14

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Psalm 122:6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper who love thee.

Note: If we do not speak out in support of Christian matters, we will forfeit our authority given to us by God! We as the Church and Ambassadors should not hide. We should Shine because there can be beautiful miracles in our mouth. Amen!

If we are not part of the solution, then we are part of the problem.

Homework: Read Psalm 119 and 2 Peter Chapters 1 & 2.

Time is of the essence to be Born Again!

Lesson Plan 2

The Book of Matthew

Chapters 3, 4, & 5

Objective: To acquaint us with the first Book of the New Testament and how Matthew records Jesus’s teachings which Jesus gave to His followers and eventually to the world.

Objective Breakdown:

Introduction

The Ministry of John the Baptist Chapter 3:1-12

John Baptizes Jesus Chapter 3:13-17

The Temptation of Jesus Chapter 4:1-11

Jesus Begins His Ministry Chapter 4:12-17

Jesus Calls Disciples Chapter 4:18-22

Galilean Ministry Chapter 4:23-25

The Sermon on the Mount Chapter 5:1-2

The Beatitudes Chapter 5:3-12

You are Salt and Light Chapter 5:13-16

The Morality of Christ Chapter 5:17-48

Introduction: Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, Jesus warned as He began His public ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:17). His message quickly spread, and huge crowds came to hear Him from Galilee, from nearby Syria, and Decapolis, and from as far away as Jerusalem, Judea, and east of the Jordan River (Matthew 4:24-15).

Jesus initiated His public life with a simple but stiff challenge to repentance (Matthew 4:17). It was a familiar message–identical, in fact to the message of John the Baptist, Jesus’s forerunner (Matthew 3:2). Both urged their listeners to repent, to change their minds and hearts, not merely for the sake of change, but in light of what they called the kingdom.

What is the Kingdom? Is there any simple way to understand this puzzling doctrine of the kingdom? Probably not. Jesus’s followers have not ceased to puzzle over His statement about it since the moment they were made. But most would generally agree that Christ’s kingdom began in some way with His first coming. It continues to advance as His people live the Gospel message throughout the world. However, it will not realize its ultimate completion until He returns.

Where is the Kingdom? For a few brief decades, Israel had enjoyed a relatively prosperous, peaceful monarchy under David and His Son Solomon. Some Old Testament passages prophesied that the Messiah would reestablish that sort of kingdom. Was now the time? Would Jesus overthrow the iron rule of the Romans and set up a political state?

He did not. In fact, He told the Roman governor Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world, that He did not have an army fighting on His behalf (John 18:36). And He told the Pharisees that the kingdom was not something tangible and observable but was within them (Luke 17:20–21). Then is Christ’s kingdom simply a spiritual concept, a powerful but abstract ideal? No, because He made a definite promise to His disciples that they would rule the tribes of Israel in His kingdom (Matthew 19:23, 28). They apparently took Him literally (Acts 1:6).

When is the Kingdom? No less puzzling is the question of when the kingdom has or will come. As they began their ministries, John the Baptist and Jesus declared that the kingdom was at hand. But a few years later, when Jesus’s followers asked whether He was ready to restore Israel’s Kingdom, He put them off; that was something that only His Father could know, He told them (Acts 1:6–7). Sometimes the kingdom seemed to be a present reality (Matthew 12:28; 13:18-23; 21:43). At other times, it seemed to be a hope for the future (Matthew 16:28; 20:20 –23; 26:29).

II Chronicles 7:14

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Psalm 122:6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper who love thee.

Lesson Plan 3

The Book of Matthew

Chapters 6 & 7

Objective: To acquaint us with the first Book of the New Testament and how Matthew records Jesus’s teachings which Jesus gave to His followers and eventually to the world.

Objective Breakdown:

Introduction

Spiritual Disciplines Chapter 6:1-18

Treasures on Earth Chapter 6:19-34

Judge Not Chapter 7:1-6

Asking and Receiving Chapter 7:7-12

A Challenge to Obedience Chapter 7:13-29

Synopsis: Chapter 6

Against Hypocrisy in Alms Giving (Verses 1-4)

Against Hypocrisy in Prayer (Verses 5-8)

How to Pray (Verses 9-15)

Respecting Fasting (Verses 16-18)

Evil of Being Worldly-minded (Verses 19-24)

Trust in God Commended (Verses 25-34)

Verses 1-4: Our Lord next warned against hypocrisy and outward show in religious duties. What we do, must be done from an inward principle, that we may be approved of God, not that we may be praised of men. When we take least notice of our good deeds ourselves, God takes most notice of them.

Verses 5-8: The Scribes and Pharisees were guilty of two great faults in prayer, vain-glory and vain repetitions. If He does not give his people what they ask, it is because He knows they do not need it, and that it is not for their good.

Verses 9-15: Christ saw it needful to show His disciples what must commonly be the matter and method of their prayer. The petitions are six; the first three relate more expressly to God and His honor, the last three to our own concerns, both temporal and spiritual. This prayer teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and that all other things shall be added. Here is a promise, if you forgive, your heavenly Father will also forgive. We must forgive, as we hope to be forgiven. Those who desire to find mercy with God, must show mercy to their brethren. Christ came into the world as the great Peacemaker, not only to reconcile us to God, but one to another.

Verses 16-18: Religious fasting is a duty required of the disciples of Christ, but it is not so much a duty itself, as a means to dispose us for other duties. Fasting is the humbling of the soul, Psalm 35:13; that is the inside of the duty; let that, therefore, be thy principal care, and as to the outside of it, covet not to let it be seen. God sees in secret and will reward openly.

Verses 19-24: God requires the whole heart and will not share it with the world. When two masters oppose each other, no man can serve both. He who holds to the world and loves it, must despise God; he who loves God, must give up the friendship of the world.

Verses 25-34: Take no thought for your life. Not about the length of it; but refer it to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases; our times are in his hand, and they are in a good hand. Leave it to God to make it bitter or sweet as He pleases. Food and raiment God has promised, therefore we may expect them. Take no thought for the morrow, for the time to come. Be not anxious for the future, how you shall live next year, or when you are old, or what you shall leave behind you. As we must not boast of tomorrow, so we must not care for tomorrow or the events of it. If we take care about our souls and for eternity, which is more than the body and its life, we may leave it to God to provide for us food and raiment, which are less.

Synopsis: Chapter 7

Christ Reproves Rash Judgment (Verses 1-6)

Encouragements to Prayer (Verses 7-12)

Broad and Narrow Way (Verses 13-14)

Against False Prophets (Verses 15-20)

To Be Doers of the Word, Not Hearers Only (Verses 21-29)

Verses 1-6: We must judge ourselves,