A. Revelation of the King, His Kingdom, and His Citizens (Bride) (Chapters 1-28)
Jesus as Immanuel
In Matthew 1:23, Jesus is called “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.” In Matthew 28:20, He promises, “I am with you always,” reminding us of His constant presence.
The King’s Identity
Genealogy of Jesus: The genealogy of Jesus is traced to highlight His royal lineage.
Prophet of the King
John the Baptist: He is the last prophet and is referenced in the book of Isaiah.
Teachings of the King
Five Major Sermons: Jesus delivers five significant sermons in Matthew (Chapters 5-7, 10, 13, 18, 23-25).
Miracles of the King
Ten Power Indicators: Chapters 8-9 recount ten miracles demonstrating Jesus’ divine power.
The King’s Followers (Chapter 10)
Jesus sends out His apostles as agents of change.
Jesus sees the needs of the crowds (Matthew 9:35-38) and tells His disciples to pray for help.
Jesus answers the disciples’ prayers by calling the 12 apostles, sending them out, and warning them of persecution, yet assuring them of His support.
B. Reactions Against the King and His Revelation (Chapters 11-12)
John the Baptist’s Doubt (Chapter 11)
John the Baptist questions if Jesus is truly the Messiah. Explore why he had doubts.
The People’s Response (Chapter 11)
Many people, including John’s disciples, were indifferent and did not accept the teachings of either John or Jesus.
Unbelieving Cities (Chapter 11)
Jesus condemns cities for not repenting and accepting His message. They ignored, dismissed, or forgot the revelation of God.
Reasons for Rejection (Matthew 11:25)
Some people rejected Jesus because God revealed His truths to the humble rather than the wise. Jesus is the only way to the truth that sets people free.
Jesus’ Response to Rejection
He invites those burdened by life to find rest in Him, offering a light and easy yoke and teaching them humility and gentleness.
Pharisees’ Misunderstanding
The Pharisees focused more on observing the Sabbath than on understanding Jesus, who is the Lord of the Sabbath. They even accused Him of being aligned with demons and demanded miraculous signs.
Jesus’ Family’s Unbelief (Matthew 12:46-50)
Even Jesus’ family did not initially believe in Him.
C. Reflection and Teaching of the Kingdom (Chapter 13)
Jesus used parables to explain the Kingdom of God and why some people resisted His message. Through research, revelations, reasoning, and reflection, He progressively opened people’s eyes, as seen in the case of the Samaritan woman, who recognized Him first as an ordinary man, then as an honourable man, a prophet, the Messiah, and finally as the Saviour of the world.
D. Rejection of the King
Jesus faced increasing levels of rejection:
Hated, excluded, insulted, and rejected by:
His relatives
His hometown people
Rulers, the crowd, and the wealthy
Religious leaders
E. Resurrection of the King (Matthew Chapter 28)
F. Return of the King (Matthew Chapters 24-25)
How to use these studies
These lessons are designed as short, 25-minute studies based on Bible truths, and meant for self-learning or small group study. The study sets systematically cover different books of the Bible.
Each lesson follows a simple structure:
Introduction (Including the outline and objectives)
Step 1: Connecting
Step 2: Comprehending
Step 3: Committing
Step 4: Communicating
These sections include questions to help you reflect on the bible passage and how it applies to your life.
Use these lessons to disciple others by journeying together over time and allowing God’s word to penetrate your heart and bring transforming change to your life. As a leader, pray for wisdom in leading and for modelling the truths in your own life.
Sharing offline
Mobile Friendly PDF
Print Friendly PDF
Full Study PDF
Each lesson has three buttons allowing you to download a easily saveable and shareable PDF version of the study. You can choose either a Mobile-friendly PDF version, and Print-friendly PDF version, or a print version of the Full Study PDF (for example all the lessons in the current book of the Bible).
These are free and can be easily copied and shared from one person to another!
Gathering a Small Group
Start small to build a safe space for sharing and growth.
Pray first: Ask God to show you 3-6 people who need encouragement in faith, like family, neighbors, or fellow believers facing hardship.
Invite personally: Meet one-on-one, explain how the lessons are designed to help people grow in their faith and knowledge of God and his Word.
Keep it simple: Meet in a home or quiet spot; no need for fancy setup – just willing hearts.
Aim for consistency: Suggest weekly meetings, but be flexible for busy lives or safety concerns in persecuted areas.
Building Trust
Trust helps everyone open up, reflect, and apply truths without fear.
Start with sharing: In the first meeting, share simple stories of your own faith struggles to show vulnerability.
Set ground rules: Agree to listen without judging, keep stories private, and focus on encouraging each other.
Build bonds: Begin each session with a short prayer or song inviting God to be present with you.
Be patient: Trust grows over time – encourage quiet members gently, and celebrate small steps of honesty.
Preparing for Each Lesson as a Leader
Good preparation makes the lesson flow and helps discipleship.
Read ahead: Study the lesson before; pray over the Bible passage and think how it fits your group’s challenges.
Adapt for the group: Use simple words; if literacy is low, read aloud slowly and explain questions or stories.
Gather basics: Have a Bible (in your language) and paper for notes.
Reflect personally: Ask yourself the study questions first – lead from your own growth and experience.
Pray: Pray for your group members.
Leading the Lesson Step-by-Step
Guide the group through the lesson structure to encourage discovery and commitment.
Step 1 – Connecting: Start the group meeting by praying together. Thank God for his Word and ask for open hearts to receive it. Read the Bible passage together (Read it aloud twice; ask someone to repeat in their words.)
Step 2: Comprehending: Use the provided questions to help you grapple with the truth of the Bible passage.
Step 3 – Committing: Consider how the passage might apply to your lives and what simple steps of obedience you can commit to. The goal of these studies if life-change! Not just knowledge!
Step 4 – Communicating: Think of who you can share the truths you have learned with.
Close with Prayer: Let group members pray short prayers of thanks or commitment. Pray for one another.
Recap
For many of the lessons, there is a short summary teaching voice-note at the end of the lesson (together with a text summary). This is designed to be a recap and reminder of the key lessons you should have learned through the lesson.
As a leader, you might like to use these summary teaching resources to help you in preparation for leading your group, though ideally not before you have spent time prayerfully reflecting on the passage.
Journeying Together
This is an ongoing discipleship journey aiming to transform lives and help people to live victorious Christian lives. Focus on growth, not just finishing lessons.
Meet regularly: Join together at least once a week. Review past actions at each start to build accountability.
Encourage reflection: Between meetings, urge personal time with the lesson – read, pray, and try complete commitments made.
Support one another: If your group members are facing challenges, use lessons to pray together and share burdens; become “agents of change” by helping others in your community.
Multiply groups: As trust grows, encourage members to start their own small groups with family or friends.
Practical Tips for Success
Keep it short: Stick to 15 – 25 minutes per lesson to fit busy, challenging lives.
Handle challenges: If fear or hardship arise, encourage members by always pointing back to God’s love.
Stay safe: In persecuted areas, meet discreetly; focus on heart change over big displays.
Celebrate progress: Note how people have grown in faith; allow time for sharing testimonies of what God has done. Take note of what you pray for, and give thanks when God answers prayer.
Final encouragement
Leading these lessons is serving like Jesus – humble, loving, and truthful. As you journey together, God will build growing faith into each person’s life. Pray often, and watch lives transform!
If you would like to share stories of faith from your own communities, please get in touch with us!
