Matthew

The genealogy of Jesus Christ is listed from Abraham to Joseph, his earthly father, with three sets of 14 generations. Jesus' birth is described as a miraculous conception by the Holy Ghost, with Mary as a virgin. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife and name the child Jesus, as he will save his people from their sins. Joseph obeys the angel's instructions and takes Mary as his wife, but does not consummate the marriage until after Jesus' birth.

Wise men from the east followed a star to Jerusalem, seeking the newborn King of the Jews, and inquired about his birthplace. Herod, troubled by the news, consulted the chief priests and scribes, who told him the child would be born in Bethlehem. The wise men found Jesus, worshipped him, and presented gifts, but were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. Joseph was also warned in a dream to flee to Egypt with Jesus and Mary, where they stayed until Herod's death, after which they returned to Israel and settled in Nazareth.

John the Baptist preached repentance in the wilderness, calling people to prepare for the coming of the Lord, and many from Jerusalem and surrounding areas came to be baptized by him in the Jordan River. However, he rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees, warning them that their heritage would not save them and that they needed to produce fruits of repentance. John baptized with water, but said that one mightier than him would come, baptizing with the Holy Ghost and fire. Jesus then came to John to be baptized, and after John's initial hesitation, Jesus was baptized, and the heavens opened, with the Spirit of God descending like a dove and a voice from heaven declaring Jesus as God's beloved Son.

Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil, where he fasted for 40 days and resisted the devil's three temptations by citing scripture. After the devil left, Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, preaching repentance and the kingdom of heaven. He called his first disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who immediately followed him. Jesus then traveled throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing various diseases and ailments, gaining a large following from surrounding regions.

Jesus teaches his disciples about the characteristics of those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven, including being poor in spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering for righteousness, and being merciful. He also teaches that his followers are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and that they should not hide their good works. Jesus emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the law and exceeding the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. He also teaches about the importance of reconciliation, forgiveness, and loving one's enemies, and that his followers should strive to be perfect like their heavenly Father.

Jesus teaches that giving to the needy, praying, and fasting should be done in secret, without seeking to be seen or praised by others, in order to receive a true reward from God. He provides a model for prayer, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and God's provision. Jesus also warns against storing up earthly treasures and instead encourages storing up treasures in heaven, and reminds his followers that they cannot serve both God and wealth. He instructs them not to worry about their physical needs, but to trust in God's provision and seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

Jesus teaches that one should not judge others, as they will be judged by the same standard, and that one should first address their own flaws before trying to correct others. He also teaches that one should not give holy things to those who will not appreciate them and that those who ask, seek, and knock will receive what they are looking for. Jesus emphasizes the importance of treating others as one would like to be treated and warns against false prophets who can be identified by their evil fruits. He also teaches that not everyone who claims to follow him will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of his Father, and that those who hear and obey his teachings will be like a wise man who builds his house on a rock.

Jesus healed a leper, then a centurion's servant, and later Peter's mother-in-law, demonstrating his power to heal and authority over sickness. He also cast out demons from two men in the country of the Gergesenes, allowing them to enter a herd of swine that subsequently ran into the sea and perished. The people of the city, fearing Jesus' power, asked him to leave their area.

Jesus healed a paralytic man, forgiving his sins and then commanding him to walk, which he did, and the crowd marveled and glorified God. Jesus then called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him, and dined with publicans and sinners, explaining that he came to call sinners to repentance. Jesus also taught that new wine cannot be put into old bottles, and that his disciples would fast when he was taken from them. He healed a woman with an issue of blood, raised a ruler's daughter from the dead, and healed two blind men and a dumb man possessed with a devil. Jesus then went about teaching, preaching, and healing, and saw the multitudes as sheep without a shepherd, prompting him to tell his disciples to pray for more laborers to be sent into the harvest.

Jesus gives his twelve apostles power to heal and cast out unclean spirits, and sends them to preach to the lost sheep of Israel, instructing them to provide for themselves by the generosity of others and to be prepared for persecution. He warns them that they will be hated and persecuted for his sake, but that those who endure to the end will be saved. Jesus also teaches that those who confess him before men will be confessed before God, but those who deny him will be denied, and that following him requires putting him above all else, even family.

Jesus sends a message to John the Baptist, who is in prison, confirming that he is the one prophesied to come, citing his miracles and preaching as evidence. Jesus then praises John as the greatest of all those born of women, but notes that even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. Jesus laments that his generation is like children who refuse to respond to either joyful or mournful messages, and he condemns the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for not repenting despite witnessing his mighty works. Jesus then thanks his Father for revealing his teachings to those who are humble and willing to learn, and invites all who are weary to come to him for rest.

Jesus and his disciples were criticized by the Pharisees for picking grain on the Sabbath, but Jesus defended their actions by referencing David's actions in the past and stating that he is the Lord of the Sabbath. Jesus then healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, which further enraged the Pharisees. Jesus also healed a blind and mute man possessed by a demon, but the Pharisees accused him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub. Jesus responded by saying that a house divided against itself cannot stand, and that he casts out demons by the power of the Spirit of God. He also warned that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Jesus then taught that a person's words and actions reveal their true nature, and that people will be held accountable for their words on judgment day. The Pharisees asked for a sign, but Jesus said that the only sign they would receive is the sign of Jonah, referring to his own death and resurrection. Jesus also taught about the dangers of unclean spirits and the importance of doing the will of God. Finally, Jesus was told that his mother and brothers were waiting to speak with him, but he replied that his true family consists of those who do the will of God.

Jesus taught the multitudes by the sea using parables, including the parable of the sower, where seeds fell on different types of ground, representing how people respond to the word of God. He explained to his disciples that he spoke in parables because not everyone was given the understanding of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus then shared more parables, including the tares among the wheat, the mustard seed, and the leaven, to describe the kingdom of heaven. After explaining the parable of the tares to his disciples, Jesus shared more parables, including the treasure in the field, the pearl of great price, and the net cast into the sea, to illustrate the value and judgment of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus then returned to his hometown, where he was rejected by the people who knew him as a carpenter's son.

Herod, believing Jesus to be John the Baptist risen from the dead, feared the multitude and did not immediately put Jesus to death. However, he had previously beheaded John the Baptist after his daughter's dance pleased him on his birthday, and his disciples buried John's body. Jesus, hearing of John's death, departed to a desert place, where he healed the sick and fed a multitude of about 5,000 men, beside women and children, with five loaves and two fishes. Later, Jesus walked on the sea to his disciples' ship, which was being tossed by waves, and after calming their fears, he allowed Peter to walk on the water before saving him from sinking.

Jesus was questioned by scribes and Pharisees about his disciples not washing their hands before eating, and he responded by accusing them of prioritizing tradition over God's commandments. He then taught the crowd that it is not what enters the mouth that defiles a person, but rather what comes out of the mouth, as evil thoughts and actions originate from the heart. A Canaanite woman asked Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter, and after initially being rebuffed, she persisted and Jesus granted her request due to her great faith. Jesus then healed many people and fed a large crowd of 4,000 men, plus women and children, with seven loaves of bread and a few fish.

The Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus for a sign from heaven, but he refused, saying they could discern the weather but not the signs of the times. Jesus then warned his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which they initially misunderstood as referring to bread. Jesus asked his disciples who people thought he was, and Peter identified him as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus then predicted his own death and resurrection, and told his disciples that to follow him, they must deny themselves and take up their cross.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a mountain where he was transfigured before them, and Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with him. A voice from a cloud declared Jesus as God's beloved Son, and after the vision, Jesus told the disciples not to share it until he had risen from the dead. Jesus then healed a boy possessed by a demon after his disciples were unable to do so, explaining that their lack of faith was the reason for their failure. Jesus also predicted his own betrayal and resurrection, and later told Peter to pay the temple tax by catching a fish with a coin in its mouth.

Jesus teaches that to enter the kingdom of heaven, one must become humble like a child, and that those who receive and care for children in His name are receiving Him. He warns against causing offense to others, especially children, and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, instructing His disciples to forgive their brothers and sisters without limit. Jesus illustrates this teaching with a parable about a king who forgives a servant's large debt, but then punishes the servant for not showing similar mercy to a fellow servant who owed him a much smaller amount.

Jesus teaches that marriage is a union between one man and one woman, and that divorce is only permissible in cases of adultery. His disciples question the practicality of this teaching, and Jesus explains that not everyone can receive this saying, but those who can should. Jesus then blesses children and teaches that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like them. A young man asks Jesus how to achieve eternal life, and Jesus tells him to keep the commandments and sell his possessions to follow him, but the young man is unwilling to give up his wealth. Jesus teaches that it is difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven, but that with God all things are possible. He then promises his disciples that they will be rewarded for forsaking everything to follow him.

A householder hired laborers at different times of the day to work in his vineyard, paying each the same wage despite the varying hours worked, illustrating God's sovereignty in rewarding those who serve Him. Jesus then predicted His own betrayal, condemnation, and crucifixion to His disciples, and explained that greatness in His kingdom is achieved through servanthood, not authority. He also healed two blind men who cried out to Him for mercy as He departed from Jericho.

Jesus sent two disciples to retrieve a donkey and a colt for him to ride into Jerusalem, fulfilling a prophecy that the king would come meekly on a donkey. The people welcomed Jesus, waving branches and shouting "Hosanna," but the chief priests and scribes were displeased. Jesus then went to the temple, where he cast out the moneychangers and healed the blind and lame. He also cursed a fig tree for not bearing fruit and used it as an example of the power of faith. The chief priests questioned Jesus' authority, but he refused to answer, instead telling parables that condemned the priests for their hypocrisy and predicted that the kingdom of God would be taken from them and given to others.

A king prepared a wedding for his son, but the invited guests refused to attend, and some even killed the king's servants. The king then invited anyone found on the highways, both good and bad, to the wedding, but one guest was cast out for not wearing a wedding garment. Jesus was then questioned by the Pharisees about paying taxes to Caesar, and he replied that one should give to Caesar what is his and to God what is God's. The Sadducees asked Jesus about the resurrection, and he replied that in the resurrection, people will not marry but will be like angels. A lawyer asked Jesus about the greatest commandment, and Jesus replied that it is to love God with all one's heart and to love one's neighbor as oneself. Jesus then asked the Pharisees about the identity of the Christ, and they were unable to answer.

Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, as they teach the law but do not follow it themselves, and instead seek to be honored and admired by others. He warns them that they will be punished for their actions, and that they are leading others astray. Jesus also criticizes their focus on minor details of the law while neglecting more important matters such as justice, mercy, and faith. He compares them to whitewashed tombs, beautiful on the outside but full of corruption and death on the inside. Jesus laments the fact that the people of Jerusalem have rejected him and will be punished for their actions, and he warns that they will not see him again until they acknowledge him as the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and warns his disciples of false prophets and messiahs who will deceive many. He describes a time of great tribulation, wars, famines, and natural disasters, but assures them that those who endure to the end will be saved. Jesus also warns against false claims of his return and instructs his disciples to be prepared for his coming, which will be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night.

The kingdom of heaven is compared to ten virgins, five of whom were wise and prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, while the other five were foolish and unprepared. A master also entrusted his servants with talents, and those who used them wisely were rewarded, while the one who did not was punished. When the Son of man comes in glory, he will separate the nations, rewarding those who helped the least of his brethren and punishing those who did not.

Jesus informed his disciples that he would be betrayed and crucified, and the chief priests and elders plotted to capture him. A woman anointed Jesus with expensive ointment, which he said was in preparation for his burial. Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover, during which Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper and predicted that one of them would betray him. Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane after Judas identified him with a kiss, and he was taken to the high priest Caiaphas for trial. Jesus was falsely accused and remained silent until the high priest asked him if he was the Christ, to which Jesus replied affirmatively. The high priest and others condemned Jesus to death, and Peter denied knowing Jesus three times.

The chief priests and elders delivered Jesus to Pontius Pilate, who questioned Jesus about being the King of the Jews. Jesus was then accused by the chief priests and elders, but he remained silent. Pilate offered to release either Jesus or Barabbas, a notable prisoner, and the crowd chose Barabbas. Jesus was then scourged and delivered to be crucified, where he was mocked and crucified alongside two thieves. As Jesus hung on the cross, he cried out to God, and after his death, the veil of the temple was torn, and the earth quaked. Jesus' body was then taken by Joseph of Arimathaea and laid in a new tomb, and the chief priests and Pharisees requested that the sepulchre be made secure to prevent Jesus' disciples from stealing his body.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visited Jesus' tomb, where an angel announced that Jesus had risen from the dead. The angel instructed them to tell Jesus' disciples to meet him in Galilee, and as they left, they encountered Jesus, who also told them to inform the disciples. The guards at the tomb were bribed by the chief priests to spread a false story that Jesus' disciples had stolen his body. Jesus later appeared to the eleven disciples in Galilee, giving them the authority to teach and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.