Faith in Matthew

Story

Joseph chose mercy toward Mary before he knew the truth, and when God spoke in dreams, he obeyed immediately — taking Mary as his wife, fleeing to Egypt, and returning to Nazareth. Joseph was a carpenter from Nazareth and a descendant of King David. Scripture never records a word he spoke — only what he did. His quiet faithfulness gave Jesus a home, a name, and a legal place in David's royal line. In his culture a betrothal was legally binding, so learning Mary was pregnant would have looked like betrayal and brought shame on his name. He had every legal right to expose her, yet he planned to protect her. After the angel spoke, he took Mary home, travelled to Bethlehem, fled with his family to Egypt, and later settled in Nazareth — each move made because God told him to.

What we can learn

Quiet, immediate obedience protects God's purposes. Obedience often looks ordinary: getting up, packing, moving, protecting. Joseph shows that being righteous includes mercy, and that following God can mean acting before every question is answered. Joseph teaches that faithfulness to God and gentleness toward people belong together. He also shows that God speaks to those who are willing to listen, and that one person's quiet obedience can protect many others.

Example

You sense God asking you to apologize first or to set a hard boundary. Like Joseph, you take the step today instead of waiting until it feels comfortable.

A coworker is blamed for a mistake and you know only part of the story. Instead of spreading what you heard, you speak to them privately and with kindness, the way Joseph refused to shame Mary.

Matthew connection

Matthew 1 and 2 record four dreams; each time Joseph obeys at once. Matthew tells the birth story from Joseph's side, not Mary's, because Joseph is the son of David. Through Joseph's obedience Jesus becomes the legal heir to David's throne, which is the claim Matthew opens his Gospel with.

Where to read it

• Matthew 1:18–25
• Matthew 2:13–23
• Genesis 37
• Hebrews 11:8

What would immediate obedience look like for you?

Story

Mary carried the Son of God while facing misunderstanding and possible shame. Matthew shows her quietly at the center of God's greatest work. Mary was a young woman from Nazareth engaged to Joseph. Saying yes to God meant risking her reputation, her engagement, and even her safety. She later stood at the cross and was among the believers praying after the resurrection. Mary was probably very young, living in a small town where everyone knew everyone's business. Carrying a child before her marriage could have cost her Joseph, her family's honour, and her place in the community. Matthew does not record her words, but he places her at the centre of the miracle: the child is conceived in her through the Holy Spirit.

What we can learn

God's favor can come with hard, misunderstood seasons. Being chosen by God doesn't mean an easy road. Mary teaches surrendered trust — letting God hold our reputation while we hold on to Him. Mary shows that God often chooses ordinary, overlooked people for extraordinary purposes. Saying yes to God may bring misunderstanding, yet God protects those who trust Him — as He did for Mary through Joseph.

Example

People misunderstand a decision you made in faith. Instead of defending yourself to everyone, you entrust your name to God and keep walking.

You decide to stay faithful in a hard marriage, or to follow God into a new calling, and some people don't understand. You keep your heart soft, keep praying, and let God defend you.

Matthew connection

Matthew names her as the one "of whom was born Jesus" (1:16), set apart in the genealogy. Matthew breaks his genealogy pattern to name Mary as the one “of whom” Jesus was born, and he links her to Isaiah 7:14 — the virgin who will conceive. She is the fulfilment of a seven-hundred-year-old sign.

Where to read it

• Matthew 1:18–25
• Luke 1:26–38
• Luke 2:19
• John 19:25–27
• Acts 1:14

Where do you need to trust God with how others see you?

Story

Foreign seekers traveled far, followed a star, bowed in worship, and gave costly gifts — then obeyed God's warning to go home another way. The Magi were likely scholars from the East, perhaps Persia or Babylon, where Daniel once served. They were outsiders to Israel, yet they recognized the King when many in Jerusalem did not. They travelled perhaps hundreds of miles, following a star that announced a king. They asked openly in Jerusalem where the newborn King of the Jews was, troubling Herod and the whole city. When they found Jesus they bowed, offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and then obeyed a dream by going home another way to protect the child.

What we can learn

Seeking hearts find Jesus; true worship gives. God draws seekers from far away. Real worship costs something and responds with obedience. God reveals Himself to people who are searching, even those far from religious privilege. True worship is costly and joyful, and it leads to obedience rather than mere curiosity.

Example

You set aside time and money for God first — an offering, a morning hour — rather than giving Him what's left over.

You meet someone with no church background who asks honest questions about God. Instead of judging how little they know, you welcome their seeking the way God welcomed the Magi.

Matthew connection

Their visit fulfills Micah 5:2 and points to Isaiah 60:3, nations coming to the light. Matthew, writing to Jewish readers, shows Gentiles worshipping Jesus in chapter 2 — an early sign of the Great Commission in chapter 28, when Jesus sends His followers to all nations.

Where to read it

• Matthew 2:1–12
• Micah 5:2
• Isaiah 60:1–6
• Numbers 24:17

What are you willing to travel toward to find Jesus?

Story

Jesus stood in the water with sinners. Heaven opened, the Spirit descended, and the Father declared His love. John the Baptist was calling Israel to repent in the Jordan River. Jesus had no sin to confess, yet He stepped into the water, standing in the place of sinners before His ministry began. John was baptising people as a sign of repentance, and at first he tried to stop Jesus, saying he needed to be baptised by Him instead. Jesus answered that it was right to fulfil all righteousness. As He came up from the water, heaven opened, the Spirit came down like a dove, and the Father spoke His love aloud.

What we can learn

Identity comes before assignment. The Father's love was spoken before Jesus preached a sermon or performed a miracle. We serve from belovedness, not to earn it. Jesus identifies with the very people He came to save. His baptism also shows the Father, Son, and Spirit together, and reminds us that God's love is the foundation of our calling, not the reward for it.

Example

Before your to-do list, you start the day reading that you are God's beloved daughter — and let that shape how you work.

You feel you have to prove your worth through productivity. You pause, remember you are loved before you accomplish anything, and work from rest instead of fear.

Matthew connection

The voice echoes Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1. This moment launches Jesus' public ministry in Matthew and declares Him the beloved Son — words the Father repeats at the Transfiguration in Matthew 17.

Where to read it

• Matthew 3:13–17
• Psalm 2:7
• Isaiah 42:1
• Joshua 3

Do you live from God's love or for it?

Story

Hungry and alone for forty days, Jesus refused every shortcut and answered the devil with Scripture. Led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Jesus fasted forty days, echoing Israel's forty years. Where Israel grumbled and failed, Jesus trusted and stood firm. Satan tempted Jesus three times: to turn stones into bread, to throw Himself from the temple, and to worship Satan in exchange for the kingdoms of the world. Each temptation offered a shortcut around the Father's plan. Jesus answered every one with Scripture, and afterward angels came and attended Him.

What we can learn

God's Word is our weapon. Temptation often comes when we are tired, hungry, or alone. Scripture known by heart becomes strength in the moment. Temptation often appeals to real needs — hunger, security, purpose — but offers to meet them in the wrong way. Jesus shows that God's Word, trusted and spoken, is our defence.

Example

When anxiety tempts you to control everything, you answer it out loud with a verse like Matthew 6:34.

When you are lonely and tempted to return to an unhealthy relationship, you name the temptation, speak a verse aloud, and call a trusted friend instead.

Matthew connection

Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:16, and 6:13 — all from Israel's wilderness story. Matthew presents Jesus as the faithful Israel. Israel was tested forty years in the wilderness and failed; Jesus is tested forty days and succeeds, quoting from Deuteronomy each time.

Where to read it

• Matthew 4:1–11
• Deuteronomy 8:1–3
• Genesis 3:1–6
• Hebrews 4:15

What verse will you keep ready?

Story

Fishermen left their nets and a tax collector left his booth when Jesus said, "Follow me." Peter, Andrew, James, and John were working fishermen; Matthew was a tax collector despised as a traitor. Jesus chose them not for their résumés but for who He would make them. Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee and called two pairs of brothers from their boats, promising to make them fishers of people. Later He called Matthew from his tax booth and then ate with tax collectors and sinners at Matthew's house. The religious leaders were offended, but Jesus said He came for the sick, not the healthy.

What we can learn

Jesus calls ordinary people and makes them new. Following Jesus means leaving something behind. He doesn't wait for us to be impressive — He calls and then transforms. Jesus' call is personal and immediate, and it is grace — He chooses people others would overlook. Following Him reshapes our priorities, our relationships, and our work.

Example

You let go of a habit or a schedule that crowds out time with God, trusting Him with what you lose.

You feel unqualified to lead a Bible study or serve in ministry. You remember Jesus called fishermen and a tax collector, and you say yes to what He's asking.

Matthew connection

Matthew tells his own call in one humble verse (9:9). Matthew is the tax collector in this story. His own Gospel is the testimony of someone Jesus called out of a despised life — proof of the mercy he writes about.

Where to read it

• Matthew 4:18–22
• Matthew 9:9–13
• 1 Kings 19:19–21
• 1 Corinthians 1:26–29

What net do you need to leave?

Story

A Roman officer believed Jesus only had to say the word for his servant to be healed. Jesus marveled at his faith. A centurion commanded about a hundred Roman soldiers — an outsider and part of the occupying army. Yet he cared deeply for his servant and humbly believed Jesus' word was enough. The centurion's servant was paralysed and suffering terribly. When Jesus offered to come, the centurion said he did not deserve to have Jesus under his roof and asked Him only to say the word. Jesus was amazed and said He had not found such great faith in Israel, and the servant was healed that very hour.

What we can learn

Faith rests on Jesus' authority, not His nearness. Faith trusts Jesus' authority even from a distance. Distance doesn't limit Him. Faith is trusting Jesus' authority more than what we can see. Humility and faith go together — the centurion knew both his unworthiness and Jesus' power.

Example

You pray for a loved one in another city, believing Jesus can work there without you being present to fix it.

You can't be present to help a struggling child or friend. You place them in Jesus' hands in prayer, trusting He can reach where you cannot.

Matthew connection

Jesus says many will come from east and west to the feast with Abraham (8:11). Matthew places this healing among the miracles of chapters 8–9 that show Jesus' authority, and uses it to point ahead to Gentiles sharing in the kingdom.

Where to read it

• Matthew 8:5–13
• Luke 7:1–10
• Psalm 107:20
• 2 Kings 5

Where do you need Jesus to just say the word?

Story

While Jesus slept, a furious storm hit. The disciples woke Him, and He rebuked the wind and waves into calm. Several disciples were experienced fishermen who knew the Sea of Galilee's sudden storms. This one terrified even them, while Jesus slept peacefully. Jesus got into a boat and fell asleep, and a furious storm came up so that the waves swept over the boat. The disciples woke Him crying, “Lord, save us! We're going to drown!” He asked why they were so afraid, then rebuked the winds and waves, and it was completely calm.

What we can learn

Jesus is in the boat. Storms come even when we are following Jesus. His presence doesn't prevent every storm, but His power rules over them. Fear and faith can exist in the same boat, and Jesus meets us even when our faith is small. The One who rules the wind and waves can be trusted with what frightens us.

Example

In a frightening medical report, you pray, "Lord, You're in this boat with me," and choose peace over panic.

In the middle of the night you lie awake worrying about money. You pray honestly, tell Jesus you are afraid, and ask Him for His peace before you try to solve it.

Matthew connection

Their question, "What kind of man is this?" points to Psalm 107:29. Matthew shows Jesus doing what the Psalms say only God does — stilling the sea. The disciples' amazed question prepares readers for Peter's confession that Jesus is the Son of God.

Where to read it

• Matthew 8:23–27
• Psalm 107:23–32
• Jonah 1
• Isaiah 43:2

What storm do you need Him to speak to?

Story

A synagogue leader begged Jesus to come to his daughter. Even after she died, Jesus took her by the hand and she rose. Jairus was a respected synagogue ruler. Coming to Jesus publicly may have cost him standing with other leaders, but his daughter's life mattered more. Jairus knelt before Jesus and said his daughter had just died, yet he believed Jesus could put His hand on her and she would live. When Jesus arrived, mourners and flute players were already gathered. He said the girl was not dead but asleep, and they laughed at Him; then He took her by the hand and she got up.

What we can learn

It is never too late for Jesus. Desperation can be the doorway to faith. What looks finished to us is not finished to Jesus. Jesus is not intimidated by situations that look hopeless. Faith sometimes means continuing to trust while others laugh or give up.

Example

A relationship seems dead. You keep praying and showing love instead of writing it off.

Doctors give a discouraging report about a family member. You keep praying with hope, while also accepting whatever God allows, trusting He holds both life and death.

Matthew connection

Jesus' power over death foreshadows His own resurrection. Matthew weaves this story together with the healing of the bleeding woman to show that Jesus' authority reaches both illness and death.

Where to read it

• Matthew 9:18–26
• Mark 5:21–43
• 1 Kings 17:17–24
• 2 Kings 4:18–37

What have you considered too far gone?

Story

After twelve years of bleeding and isolation, a woman touched His cloak. Jesus turned, called her "daughter," and healed her. Under the Law her bleeding made her ceremonially unclean, cutting her off from worship and community for twelve years. She spent everything on doctors and only grew worse. Interrupting a crowd, she came up behind Jesus, thinking that if she only touched His cloak she would be healed. Jesus turned, saw her, and said, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.” After twelve years of being called unclean, she was called daughter.

What we can learn

Jesus restores dignity, not just health. Jesus is not made unclean by our brokenness — His wholeness flows to us. He heals and restores belonging. Jesus sees the people the crowd overlooks. He restores not only bodies but dignity, belonging, and identity.

Example

You stop hiding a struggle out of shame and bring it to Jesus and a trusted friend.

You carry a private shame you have never spoken about. You bring it to Jesus in prayer, and hear Him call you daughter rather than defining you by your wound.

Matthew connection

The "edge of his cloak" refers to the tassels of Numbers 15:38; see also Malachi 4:2. Matthew's account is brief but tender, highlighting Jesus' word “daughter” — a picture of the family Jesus is gathering throughout the Gospel.

Where to read it

• Matthew 9:20–22
• Mark 5:25–34
• Leviticus 15:25
• Malachi 4:2

Do you hear Him call you daughter?

Story

Peter stepped out of the boat toward Jesus, saw the wind, began to sink, and cried out. Jesus immediately caught him. Peter was bold, impulsive, and quick to speak. He was the only disciple who asked to step out of the boat. After feeding five thousand, Jesus sent the disciples ahead by boat and came to them in the night, walking on the water. Peter asked to come to Him, stepped out, and walked on the water — until he saw the wind, grew afraid, and began to sink. Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him.

What we can learn

Even sinking faith is held. Faith fixes its eyes on Jesus. When we sink, the right prayer is short: "Lord, save me!" Courageous faith steps out, and Jesus is faithful even when that faith wavers. Sinking is not the end of the story; Jesus' hand is.

Example

You say yes to a new ministry or job God opened. When fear rises, you look back to Jesus instead of the waves.

You start something new God called you to and soon feel overwhelmed. Instead of quitting, you cry out to Jesus, accept help, and keep going.

Matthew connection

The disciples respond, "Truly you are the Son of God" (14:33). This scene ends with the disciples worshipping Jesus as the Son of God — the first time in Matthew they say it together — preparing for Peter's confession in chapter 16.

Where to read it

• Matthew 14:22–33
• Job 9:8
• Psalm 18:16
• Hebrews 12:2

Where is Jesus inviting you to step out?

Story

On a mountain, Jesus shone with glory beside Moses and Elijah, and the Father said, "Listen to him!" Peter, James, and John saw Jesus' glory revealed. Moses represented the Law and Elijah the Prophets — both pointing to Jesus. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Him. A bright cloud covered them and the Father said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

What we can learn

Jesus is the center of the whole story. Jesus is greater than every hero of faith. The Father's command is simple: listen to Him. Jesus' glory is real even when it is hidden in ordinary days. The command to “listen to him” is still the heart of discipleship.

Example

Before scrolling opinions, you read Jesus' words first and let them shape your view.

A popular voice online contradicts what Jesus taught. You choose to listen to Him first and let His words shape your opinions.

Matthew connection

It echoes Moses' shining face and Deuteronomy 18:15. It comes right after Jesus first predicts His death in Matthew 16, assuring the disciples that suffering leads to glory.

Where to read it

• Matthew 17:1–13
• Exodus 34:29–35
• Deuteronomy 18:15
• 2 Peter 1:16–18

How will you listen to Him today?

Story

In Matthew, Jesus names love for neighbor as the second great commandment. Luke tells the parable that shows who our neighbor is — anyone in need. Samaritans and Jews had centuries of hostility. Jesus made a Samaritan the hero, overturning assumptions about who is "good." In Matthew 22 an expert in the law asks Jesus which commandment is greatest, and Jesus answers: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself. Luke records the follow-up question, “Who is my neighbour?” and Jesus' story of a Samaritan who cared for a wounded man when religious leaders passed by.

What we can learn

Love crosses every boundary. Love doesn't ask, "Who qualifies as my neighbor?" but "Who needs me to be a neighbor?" Love for God and love for people cannot be separated. Our neighbour is anyone in need whom God places in our path, including people we were taught to avoid.

Example

You stop to help someone outside your circle — a stranger, a coworker you've avoided.

A neighbour you've never liked is sick. You bring a meal and offer to help, letting love cross the line that pride drew.

Matthew connection

Matthew 22:39 quotes Leviticus 19:18. Matthew's account of the greatest commandment gives the principle; the Samaritan story in Luke shows what that principle looks like on a dusty road.

Where to read it

• Matthew 22:34–40
• Luke 10:25–37
• Leviticus 19:18
• Micah 6:8

Who is the neighbor you've been passing by?

Story

Seed falls on four soils — hard, rocky, thorny, and good. Only the good soil bears a great harvest. Jesus told this parable to large crowds by the sea and then explained it privately to His disciples. Farmers scattered seed widely and the soil determined the harvest. Seed fell on four kinds of ground: the path, rocky places, among thorns, and good soil. Some was eaten by birds, some withered, some was choked, and some produced a crop a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. Jesus explained that the seed is the message of the kingdom and the soils are the hearts that hear it.

What we can learn

A receptive heart grows fruit. The seed — God's Word — is always good. Our hearts determine what grows. Hard, shallow, or crowded hearts can become good soil. The same Word produces different results depending on the condition of the heart. Worry and the pull of wealth can choke spiritual growth, but a receptive heart bears fruit.

Example

You notice worries are choking your time in Scripture, so you clear one distraction to make room.

You notice that anxiety keeps crowding out your time with God. You protect a few quiet minutes each morning, giving the Word good soil to grow in.

Matthew connection

Jesus links it to Isaiah 6:9–10 (13:14–15). This is the first parable in Matthew 13, the third great teaching section of the Gospel, and it explains why some believe Jesus while others reject Him.

Where to read it

• Matthew 13:1–23
• Isaiah 55:10–11
• Jeremiah 4:3
• Galatians 5:22–23

What kind of soil is your heart today?

Story

A shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that wandered, and rejoices when he finds it. Shepherds knew each sheep. Losing even one mattered. Jesus says the Father is the same — not willing that any little one be lost. Jesus asks what a man with a hundred sheep would do if one wandered away. He would leave the ninety-nine on the hills to look for the one, and rejoice more over that one than over those that never wandered. Jesus says the Father does not want any of these little ones to perish.

What we can learn

You are the one He goes after. You are not a number to God. He pursues those who wander and rejoices to bring them home. God's love is personal and pursuing. He goes after people who have wandered, and He calls His church to care for the vulnerable rather than overlook them.

Example

You reach out to a friend who stopped coming to church, not with guilt but with love.

A friend has stopped coming to church. Instead of gossiping about why, you send a message saying you miss her and would love to meet for coffee.

Matthew connection

It echoes God as Shepherd in Ezekiel 34 and Psalm 23. In Matthew 18 this parable sits within Jesus' teaching on community, humility, and forgiveness, showing how His followers should treat each other.

Where to read it

• Matthew 18:10–14
• Luke 15:1–7
• Ezekiel 34:11–16
• Psalm 23

When has God come looking for you?

Story

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds cried "Hosanna!" — a humble King fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. It was Passover week, and Jerusalem overflowed with pilgrims. Jesus deliberately chose a donkey — a sign of peace, not war. Jesus sent two disciples to bring a donkey and her colt, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy of a gentle king riding on a donkey. Crowds spread cloaks and branches on the road and shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” The whole city was stirred, asking, “Who is this?”

What we can learn

Jesus comes gently, but He comes as King. Jesus is King, but not the kind the world expects. He comes humbly and asks for our whole hearts. Jesus is a humble King who comes in peace. Praise is right, but the same crowds that cheered would soon be silent, so our worship must go deeper than the moment.

Example

You give Jesus the throne in an area you've kept to yourself — finances, a relationship, your plans.

You worship joyfully on Sunday. On Monday you choose to honour Jesus as King in a hard conversation, letting your praise become obedience.

Matthew connection

Fulfills Zechariah 9:9; the crowd quotes Psalm 118:25–26. Matthew carefully notes the fulfilled prophecy and the title “Son of David,” returning to the theme he began in chapter 1: Jesus is the rightful King.

Where to read it

• Matthew 21:1–11
• Zechariah 9:9
• Psalm 118:25–26
• 1 Kings 1:32–40

How will you welcome Him as King?

Story

On the night He was betrayed, Jesus broke bread and shared the cup — giving His body and blood for us, the ultimate act of service. During the Passover meal remembering Israel's rescue from Egypt, Jesus gave the bread and cup new meaning: His body and the blood of the new covenant. Jesus shared the Passover with the Twelve, knowing one would betray Him. He broke bread and said, “Take and eat; this is my body,” and gave the cup, saying it was His blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.

What we can learn

Love serves to the very end. Jesus' love serves to the end — even with a betrayer at the table. Communion keeps His sacrifice at the center. Jesus' death was not an accident but a gift He chose to give. Communion invites us to remember, receive, and live in the forgiveness He bought.

Example

You serve your family or a friend in a hidden, costly way, remembering how Jesus served you.

Before taking communion, you pause to confess something specific and receive His forgiveness instead of carrying guilt.

Matthew connection

Connects to the Passover in Exodus 12 and the new covenant of Jeremiah 31:31–34. Matthew alone records that the blood is poured out “for the forgiveness of sins,” linking back to the angel's words in 1:21 — He will save His people from their sins.

Where to read it

• Matthew 26:17–30
• Exodus 12
• Jeremiah 31:31–34
• John 13:1–17

How can you serve someone sacrificially this week?

Story

Peter promised never to deny Jesus, then denied Him three times and wept bitterly. But his story continued after the resurrection. Peter was the leader among the disciples and loudly promised loyalty. Fear in a courtyard broke that promise three times. Peter followed at a distance into the high priest's courtyard. When a servant girl and others said he had been with Jesus, he denied it three times, finally calling down curses. Then the rooster crowed, Peter remembered Jesus' words, and he went outside and wept bitterly.

What we can learn

Failure is not the final word. Our failures don't cancel Jesus' love. Repentance leads back, and Jesus restores. Even the boldest believer can fail under fear. But tears of repentance open the way to restoration, and Jesus does not discard His friends.

Example

After failing someone you love, you confess honestly and receive forgiveness instead of hiding in shame.

You stayed silent when you should have stood up for your faith. You confess it to God, accept His mercy, and ask for courage next time.

Matthew connection

Jesus later restores Peter three times by the sea (John 21). Matthew places Peter's denial beside Jesus' faithful testimony before the Sanhedrin, contrasting human weakness with Jesus' steadfastness.

Where to read it

• Matthew 26:31–35
• Matthew 26:69–75
• John 21:15–19
• Psalm 51

What failure do you need to bring back to Jesus?

Story

Women came to a tomb and found it empty. An angel said, "He has risen, just as he said," and Jesus Himself met them. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came at dawn expecting a sealed tomb. Women — whose testimony was undervalued in that culture — became the first witnesses. There was a violent earthquake and an angel rolled back the stone and sat on it. The guards shook with fear, but the angel told the women not to be afraid: Jesus had risen, just as He said. As they ran with fear and great joy to tell the disciples, Jesus met them, and they clasped His feet and worshipped Him.

What we can learn

Jesus keeps His word — death is defeated. Jesus keeps every promise. Death and despair do not have the last word. The resurrection is the proof that Jesus is who He said He is and that death does not have the final word. God also entrusts good news to people the world overlooks.

Example

Grieving, you hold on to the hope that God will make all things new and let that steady you.

At a funeral, you grieve honestly, yet hold on to the hope that because Jesus lives, those who belong to Him will live too.

Matthew connection

Fulfills Jesus' words in Matthew 16:21 and points to Psalm 16:10. Matthew records the guards' bribe to say the body was stolen, answering a rumour his readers would have heard, and showing the empty tomb could not be explained away.

Where to read it

• Matthew 28:1–10
• Psalm 16:10
• 1 Corinthians 15:3–8
• Isaiah 25:8

Where do you need resurrection hope?

Story

On a mountain, the risen Jesus sent His followers — even those who doubted — to make disciples of all nations, promising to be with them always. Eleven disciples met the risen Jesus on a mountain in Galilee. Matthew honestly notes "some doubted" — yet Jesus sent them all. Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him. He told the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything He had commanded. Then He promised to be with them always.

What we can learn

We go with His authority and His presence. We don't have to be perfect to be sent. Jesus gives His authority and His presence. Our mission rests on Jesus' authority and His presence, not our ability. Every believer is part of carrying His message to others.

Example

You share what God has done in your life with one friend this week.

You share a short story of how God helped you with a friend who's going through something similar, trusting Jesus to use your words.

Matthew connection

Ends Matthew with "I am with you always," matching Immanuel in 1:23. Matthew's Gospel ends where it began: “God with us” in 1:23 becomes “I am with you always” in 28:20, and the blessing to all nations promised to Abraham goes out to the world.

Where to read it

• Matthew 28:16–20
• Genesis 12:3
• Isaiah 6:8
• Joshua 1:9

Who might you help follow Jesus?