Study Matthew: Bible Journaling Guide
Matthew at a Glance
Testament
New Testament
Chapters
28
Author
Matthew
Genre
Gospel
Overview
Matthew's Gospel presents Jesus as the promised King of Israel, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Written primarily for a Jewish audience, Matthew repeatedly connects Jesus' life, teaching, and ministry to the Hebrew Scriptures with the phrase 'that it might be fulfilled.' The book opens with a genealogy tracing Jesus' royal lineage from Abraham through David, establishing His right to the throne.
Matthew contains five major teaching blocks, including the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), which is the most comprehensive collection of Jesus' ethical teaching in any Gospel. From the Beatitudes to the Great Commission, Matthew presents Jesus as the authoritative teacher, miraculous healer, suffering servant, and risen Lord. It is an ideal Gospel for those who want to study Jesus' words and understand how the Old Testament story finds its completion in Him.
Key Themes in Matthew
Jesus as King
Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah-King descended from David, with authority over sickness, sin, nature, and death.
Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus' parables and teachings describe the kingdom of heaven — not a place but a reality where God's reign breaks into the present world.
Fulfillment of Prophecy
Matthew cites Old Testament prophecy more than any other Gospel, showing that Jesus' life was the planned culmination of God's promises.
Popular Verses to Journal
Matthew 6:33
But seek first God's Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
Journaling idea: What are you seeking first in your life right now? Journal about what it would look like to reorder your priorities around God's kingdom.
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
Journaling idea: Jesus invites the weary to come to Him. Write about the burdens you are carrying and what it means to lay them down at Jesus' feet.
Matthew 28:19-20
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Journaling idea: The Great Commission is both a command and a promise. Journal about how you can make disciples in your everyday life.
Matthew 5:16
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Journaling idea: How is your light shining? Write about specific ways you can let your faith be visible through your actions this week.
Journaling Prompts for Matthew
- Read the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). Which beatitude challenges you most? Why?
- Jesus taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. Write a personalized version of the Lord's Prayer in your own words.
- Study one of Jesus' parables in Matthew 13. What does it reveal about the kingdom of heaven?
- Reflect on the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7). Pick one teaching to focus on and apply this week.
- Matthew 28:20 says 'I am with you always.' Journal about a time when you experienced Jesus' presence with you.
Study Tips
- Read Matthew alongside Old Testament passages it quotes — this enriches your understanding of fulfillment theology.
- Study the five major teaching blocks (ch. 5-7, 10, 13, 18, 24-25) as a unit to grasp the breadth of Jesus' teaching.
- Use the SOAP method on Jesus' parables — each one rewards careful observation and application.
- Pay attention to Matthew's structure: he alternates between narrative and teaching sections in a deliberate pattern.
How to Study Matthew in Digible
Digible makes it easy to study Matthew with purpose-built Bible journaling tools on your iPad. Open any chapter, use Apple Pencil to highlight key verses, write notes directly on the page, and build a consistent study habit with streaks. Whether you prefer Soap Bible Study, Verse Mapping, or Topical Bible Study, Digible gives you the canvas to engage with Matthew your way. Start with one of the free translations — WEB, ASV, or BSB — and begin journaling through Matthew today.
Related Books
Guides and Resources
Want to go deeper? Read our beginner's guide to Bible journaling, explore creative journaling ideas, or find the best Bible apps with Apple Pencil support for studying Matthew on your iPad.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Matthew different from the other Gospels?
- Matthew is the most Jewish Gospel, written to show that Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy. It includes the most extensive collections of Jesus' teaching (especially the Sermon on the Mount) and emphasizes the 'kingdom of heaven' — a phrase unique to Matthew.
- Where should I start journaling in Matthew?
- The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7) is the best starting point. It's packed with practical, personal teaching from Jesus that lends itself naturally to reflection and application. Each section can be journaled independently.
- How long does it take to study the Gospel of Matthew?
- At one chapter per day, Matthew takes about a month. Many study plans spend extra time on the Sermon on the Mount and the Passion narrative (chapters 26-28), stretching the study to 6-8 weeks for deeper journaling.
Study Matthew in Digible
Download the free Bible journaling app for iPad with Apple Pencil support.