Kingdom Living: The Heart, the Standard, and the Power of Jesus
- Be God's Glory
- Oct 12
- 12 min read
Welcome to Day 284 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
Chapters 5–8 of the Gospel of Matthew unveil the foundational teachings and miraculous works of Jesus, revealing both the character and the power of the King and His Kingdom. These chapters begin with the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus redefines righteousness—not as mere outward conformity but as an inward transformation of the heart. He teaches about humility, prayer, forgiveness, and genuine faith, contrasting true discipleship with religious hypocrisy. Following His profound teachings, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority through miracles—healing the sick, calming storms, and casting out demons—proving that the Kingdom of Heaven is not only about words but about the power of God in action. Together, these chapters show that life in the Kingdom calls for faith, purity, obedience, and compassion, rooted in a deep relationship with God through Christ.
Matthew 5
Matthew 5 opens with Jesus ascending a mountain and teaching His disciples the Beatitudes, which describe the attitudes and character traits of those who belong to God’s Kingdom. He blesses the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and those who hunger for righteousness, showing that God values humility and purity of heart over external success. Jesus calls His followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, emphasizing their influence in preserving goodness and revealing God’s truth. He clarifies that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, deepening its meaning by addressing the heart behind each command. Through teachings on anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies, Jesus exposes the inner motives of the heart and calls believers to live out a higher righteousness—one that mirrors the mercy and holiness of God.
Matthew 6
In Matthew 6, Jesus continues His sermon by focusing on the motives behind religious practices. He warns against performing acts of righteousness—such as giving, praying, and fasting—for human approval. Instead, He teaches that such acts should be done in secret, where the Father who sees in secret will reward openly. Jesus introduces the Lord’s Prayer, a model of humble dependence on God that prioritizes His will, provision, forgiveness, and protection. He also addresses the heart’s relationship with material wealth, declaring that one cannot serve both God and money. The chapter concludes with a call to trust in God’s provision, encouraging believers not to worry about their needs but to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that everything else will be provided in due time.
Matthew 7
Matthew 7 concludes the Sermon on the Mount with teachings about discernment, humility, and obedience. Jesus warns against judgmental attitudes, urging believers to first remove the “log” from their own eye before addressing the faults of others. He encourages persistent prayer, assuring that those who ask, seek, and knock will receive answers from a loving Father. The Golden Rule encapsulates godly living: treating others as you would want to be treated. Jesus also contrasts two paths—the narrow way that leads to life and the broad way that leads to destruction—reminding His listeners that true discipleship demands commitment and obedience. He warns of false prophets and emphasizes that genuine faith is shown through good fruit and obedience to God’s Word. The chapter closes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders, illustrating that those who build their lives on Jesus’ teachings will stand firm through every storm.
Matthew 8
After concluding His sermon, Jesus descends the mountain and begins to demonstrate the power of the Kingdom through miraculous works. He heals a leper with a touch, showing compassion that transcends social barriers, and commends the faith of a Roman centurion whose servant is healed from afar—illustrating that faith, not ethnicity, grants access to God’s power. Jesus also heals Peter’s mother-in-law and many others, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would bear humanity’s sicknesses. As crowds gather, Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship, teaching that following Him requires total surrender. Later, He calms a violent storm, revealing His authority over creation, and casts out demons from two possessed men, proving His dominion over spiritual forces. Matthew 8 portrays Jesus as the divine healer and ruler, whose word carries absolute authority and whose compassion reaches every soul willing to believe.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Matthew comes from the Hebrew name “Mattityahu”, which means “Gift of Yahweh” or “Gift of the Lord.” This name beautifully reflects Matthew’s role as one chosen by God to record the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Before following Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector, a profession often despised in Jewish society, yet his name signifies that God can transform anyone into a vessel of divine purpose and truth.
Purpose of the Book:
The Gospel of Matthew was written to present Jesus Christ as the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the rightful King of the Jews. Its primary purpose is to prove that Jesus is the promised Savior who fulfills the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Matthew emphasizes the Kingdom of Heaven, a theme unique to his Gospel, portraying Jesus as both the divine Son of God and the authoritative teacher who reveals the righteousness of God’s kingdom. The book bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection complete God’s redemptive plan. Matthew’s Gospel also provides a blueprint for discipleship, emphasizing faith, obedience, and spreading the good news to all nations (Matthew 28:18–20).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The author of the Gospel is traditionally identified as Matthew, also called Levi, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He was a Jewish tax collector before Jesus called him to follow Him (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27–28). Early church tradition strongly affirms Matthew’s authorship.
Internal Evidence: The Gospel includes detailed financial references (such as the coin in the fish’s mouth in Matthew 17:27 and the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30), which align with Matthew’s background as a tax collector and accountant.
External Evidence: Early Christian writers confirm Matthew’s authorship:
Papias (c. A.D. 100–140), as quoted by Eusebius in Ecclesiastical History (Book 3, Chapter 39), wrote: “Matthew composed the oracles (sayings) in the Hebrew language, and everyone interpreted them as he was able.”
Irenaeus (c. A.D. 180), in Against Heresies (Book 3, Chapter 1), stated that “Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect while Peter and Paul were preaching in Rome.”
Origen (c. A.D. 230) and Eusebius both affirmed Matthew as the author of the first Gospel.Additionally, the Gospel itself aligns with Jewish customs and thought, indicating that its author had a deep understanding of Jewish law and prophecy—consistent with Matthew’s identity as a Jewish disciple.
Key People:
Jesus Christ – The central figure, revealed as the Messiah, King, and Son of God.
Mary and Joseph – The earthly parents of Jesus, demonstrating faith and obedience.
John the Baptist – The forerunner who prepared the way for Christ through repentance and baptism.
The Twelve Disciples – Including Peter, James, John, Andrew, and Matthew himself, chosen by Jesus to continue His ministry.
The Pharisees and Sadducees – Religious leaders who opposed Jesus and represent hypocrisy and legalism.
Pontius Pilate – The Roman governor who authorized Jesus’ crucifixion.
Mary Magdalene – A faithful follower of Jesus who witnessed His resurrection.
The Angel of the Lord – A recurring messenger of God’s direction and revelation throughout the narrative.
Conclusion
The Book of Matthew serves as a powerful declaration that Jesus Christ is the promised King and Savior who fulfills God’s covenant promises. It bridges prophecy with fulfillment, law with grace, and Israel’s hope with the world’s redemption. Matthew’s Gospel calls believers to recognize Jesus not only as the Messiah of Israel but as the Redeemer of all humanity. Through His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus reveals the heart of God and the call for His followers to live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. The book concludes with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20), reminding us that God’s purpose for His people is to share His truth, make disciples, and continue His work on earth through faith, obedience, and love.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Matthew 5
In Matthew 5, God reveals Himself as holy, righteous, and merciful. Through Jesus’ teachings in the Beatitudes, we see a God who values humility, purity, and a heart that longs for righteousness over worldly success. His character is one of compassion and justice—He blesses those who are meek and merciful, showing that His Kingdom operates by spiritual values rather than human power. God’s perfection becomes the model for His people, calling believers to live as reflections of His divine nature through love, forgiveness, and integrity.
Though no specific Hebrew name is mentioned directly, the nature of Yahweh Tsidkenu ( “The Lord Our Righteousness”) is evident throughout Jesus’ message. God’s standard of righteousness is not based on lawkeeping alone but on inward transformation that aligns the heart with His will. The lesson of Matthew 5 is that true righteousness flows from a heart shaped by God’s Spirit. Believers are called to mirror God’s holiness by living as “salt and light,” influencing the world through acts of mercy, peace, and love that reflect His perfect nature.
Matthew 6
In Matthew 6, God reveals His character as a loving Father who cares deeply for His children’s needs and motives. He is intimate and personal, not distant or indifferent. He values sincerity over performance, rewarding what is done in secret and seeing beyond outward appearances. His character as Provider and Sustainer is clear—He clothes the lilies, feeds the birds, and assures believers that their Father knows what they need before they even ask.
The name Jehovah Jireh (“The Lord Will Provide”) is beautifully reflected in this chapter, reminding believers that God supplies every need for those who seek His Kingdom first. Jesus also reveals the intimate relationship of God as Abba Father—a term of closeness and trust. The lesson of Matthew 6 is that God calls His people to live free from anxiety, pride, and materialism. Instead, we are to depend wholly on Him, practicing humble devotion and trusting that the Father’s care is constant, complete, and compassionate.
Matthew 7
In Matthew 7, God’s character is revealed as righteous, discerning, and gracious. He is a just Judge who sees the motives of the heart and calls His people to humility before correcting others. At the same time, He is a generous Father who invites His children to ask, seek, and knock, promising that He will respond with love and provision. His character balances justice and mercy—He rewards obedience and truth while warning against hypocrisy and falsehood.
Hebrew Names of God & Lesson:While no direct Hebrew names are cited, the character of El Roi (“The God Who Sees”) is reflected in how God discerns the heart beyond appearances. The lesson in Matthew 7 is that relationship with God requires sincerity, obedience, and discernment. We are called to build our lives upon His Word—the solid rock of truth—so that when trials come, our faith stands firm. God desires a faith that hears, trusts, and acts on His Word.
Matthew 8
In Matthew 8, God reveals Himself as powerful, compassionate, and sovereign over all creation. Through Jesus’ miracles, we see God’s heart of mercy as He heals the sick, calms storms, and delivers the oppressed. He is approachable yet mighty—responding to faith, whether from a Jewish leper or a Gentile centurion. God’s authority extends over disease, nature, and the spiritual realm, proving that nothing is beyond His control.
The character of Jehovah Rapha (“The Lord Who Heals You”) is displayed as Jesus brings healing and restoration to all who believe. His actions also reflect El Shaddai (“God Almighty”), showing His unlimited power to command creation and conquer darkness. The lesson of Matthew 8 is that faith in God’s authority brings deliverance and peace. He teaches that trust and obedience invite His presence into our storms and that His power is made known through both His compassion and His command.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12) reveal God’s heart toward the humble, the merciful, and those who seek righteousness?
What does God’s call to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43–48) show about His perfect and unconditional love?
How does the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9–13 reflect God’s desire for intimacy and dependence in our relationship with Him?
In what ways does God’s provision for the birds and lilies (Matthew 6:25–34) reveal His faithfulness and care for His creation?
How does Jesus’ authority to heal and cast out demons in Matthew 8 demonstrate God’s compassion and power over both the physical and spiritual realms?
What do Jesus’ words, “Be clean,” to the leper in Matthew 8:3 show us about God’s willingness to restore and make us whole?
How does God’s character of holiness and justice shine through Jesus’ teaching about building one’s life on the rock (Matthew 7:24–27)?
Questions About Themes:
What central message about righteousness is Jesus emphasizing throughout the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)?
How does the theme of “Kingdom living” challenge worldly perspectives on success, revenge, and self-worth?
Why is forgiveness and reconciliation such an important theme in Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 5:21–26; 6:14–15)?
What is Jesus teaching about the danger of hypocrisy in prayer, fasting, and giving (Matthew 6:1–18)?
How does the theme of faith play a crucial role in the miracles of Matthew 8, such as the healing of the centurion’s servant?
What does Jesus mean when He says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), and how does this summarize the heart of His teaching?
How do the contrasting images—light and darkness, narrow and wide gates, wise and foolish builders—illustrate the theme of choice and spiritual discernment in following God?
Reflective Application Questions:
Which Beatitude speaks most to your current season of life, and how can you apply it daily?
How can you practically love someone who has wronged you, reflecting the heart of God shown in Matthew 5:44–45?
In what area of your life do you struggle most to trust God’s provision as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:25–34?
What steps can you take to ensure your prayer and worship are motivated by a sincere heart rather than public approval (Matthew 6:5–6)?
When have you faced a “storm” in life, and how can building your foundation on Christ help you stand firm (Matthew 7:24–27)?
What fears or doubts could be keeping you from fully trusting in Jesus’ authority and power as seen in Matthew 8?
How can your faith reflect the kind of humility and confidence seen in the centurion who said, “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8)?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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