Matthew 26 contains 75 verses, the second largest in the New Testament.
Matthew belongs to the fourth of the Bible's seven major divisions. This division includes the other gospels by Mark, Luke and John as well as the book of Acts. The remaining New Testament divisions are the general epistles (7 writings), the epistles of Apostle Paul (14 books) and Revelation.
[Who Were the First Disciples?]
Date Written, Location
The book of Matthew was written in Israel in 35 A.D., making it not only the earliest recorded gospel but also the earliest New Testament book! It was penned only five years after Jesus' resurrection in 30 A.D.
The Author
Matthew was a tax collector (also called a publican, Matthew 9:9) who lived either in or near Capernaum when he was called. He was the seventh disciple chosen by Jesus.
Time Period
Matthew's gospel covers the time period just prior to Jesus birth in 5 B.C. to his resurrection and meeting his disciples in Galilee in 30 A.D.
Matthew 1 to 14 Outline
Chpt. 1: Matthew starts his gospel with Jesus' legal genealogy from Abraham through King David to his stepfather Joseph.
Chpt. 2: Wise men (Magi) arrive in Jerusalem to search for the King of the Jews. They then travel to Bethlehem where they find baby Jesus and Mary in a house. Mary, Joseph and Jesus flee to Egypt to avoid Herod the Great's murder of Bethlehem males that are 2 years old or less. After Herod's death the family travels to Nazareth.
[Jesus' Conception and Birth Timeline]
[Joseph and Mary's Prophetic Detour!]
Chpt. 3: John the Baptist preaches repentance in Judea's wilderness. Jesus gets baptized by John.
Chpt. 4: Jesus travels to a wilderness area where he fasts for 40 days. During his fasting the devil tempts him to sin.
Jesus, after John the Baptist is put in prison, moves to Capernaum. He then calls several disciples to follow him. The Lord preaches the gospel throughout Galilee.
Chpt. 5: Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes. He teaches God's law has not been abolished but rather believers must obey its full spiritual intent. Warnings about lust, divorce and oaths are given, with the goal to be spiritually perfect like the Father. Parables on being the salt of the earth and a light to the world are given to illustrate his teachings.
[Sermon on the Mount Timeline]
Chpt. 6: The Sermon on the Mount continues. The need for humility and righteous prayer is stressed as well as dedicated service to God. We are also commended to trust God for all our needs.
Chpt. 7: The Sermon on the Mount, which underpins the New Covenant, continues. Jesus teaches to not condemn others, be persistent in prayer, and how to spot false prophets. It is also stressed that only those who hear AND obey will enter God's kingdom.
[How Are We the Salt of the Earth?]
[How Do We Become the World's Light?]
Chpt. 8: Jesus heals a leper, a Roman centurion's servant and Peter's mother-in law. While on a boat He stills a turbulent sea. While casting demons out of two men he allows the spirits to possess a herd of pigs which are immediately killed!
Chpt. 9: Jesus heals a paralyzed man and a woman with an issue of blood. Matthew is called to follow Christ. The Pharisees learn why the Lord's disciples do not fast. The parables of a new cloth on an old garment and the old wineskins are given.
[Who Has Been Resurrected from the Dead?]
Jesus raises Jairus' daughter from the dead, heals two blind men, and casts out a demon from a man unable to speak. The Lord continues his travels where he preaches the gospel and heals everyone.
Chpt. 10: Jesus sends out the twelve apostles on an evangelistic training mission. He gives them the power to heal, raise the dead and cast out demons. He also teaches that those who follow him must be willing to obey and love him above all else.
[Why Did the Disciples Preach in Pairs?]
Chpt. 11: John the Baptist sends disciples to question Jesus. The cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum are condemned for not repenting in spite of the many miracles performed in them. The Lord reveals that God the Father hides spiritual understanding from those the world thinks are wise.
Chpt. 12: Jesus declares to the Pharisees that he is the Lord of the Sabbath day. Later the same day he demonstrates this authority by healing a withered hand.
The Lord, after he is accused of casting out demons by the power of Satan, argues such an argument makes no sense. He then warns about the unpardonable sin and offers only "the sign of Jonah" as proof he is the Messiah.
When Jesus' physical family comes to speak to him, he uses it as an opportunity to teach those who do God's will are his real family.
Chpt. 13: Jesus gives seven parables is this chapter! They are the sower and the seed, the tares among wheat, the mustard seed, leaven in flour, hidden treasure, the pearl of great price and the dragnet.
The Lord also explains the full spiritual meaning of his parables can only be understood by those whose minds have been opened by God.
Jesus, after teaching in Nazareth, is rejected by those who have known him for many years.
Chpt. 14: Herod's arrest of John the Baptist leads to his beheading on Herod's birthday. Jesus miraculously feeds 5,000 men (and countless women and children).
The Lord, in the middle of the night during a storm, walks on water to the disciples' boat. He then allows Peter to do so until his faith fails him.