Matthew Explained: A Bible Study

What does the name “Emmanuel” mean?

“God with us.” In Matthew 1:18-25, an angel tells Joseph that Mary’s child will be Emmanuel — God come to dwell with His people. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt explains the comfort packed into that name.

Mary was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit while only engaged to Joseph — a scandal in that culture. Joseph, a good man, planned to quietly end the e...

Why was the sinless Jesus baptized?

In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus comes to be baptized by John — even though He had no sin to wash away. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt explains what Jesus meant by “fulfilling all righteousness.”

John objected, knowing Jesus needed no repentance. But Jesus insisted, saying it was proper “to fulfill all righteousness.” Dr. Holt explains that our salvation needs both Christ&rsquo...

How did Jesus stand up to temptation?

With Scripture. In Matthew 4:1-11, the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness, where the devil tempts Him three times. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt shows how Jesus, the second Adam, stood where the first Adam fell.

After forty days without food, Jesus faced three temptations: to satisfy His hunger, to prove Himself by a spectacular leap, and to seize the world’s kingdoms by worshiping Satan...

Whose faith amazed Jesus?

A Roman soldier’s. In Matthew 8:5-13, a Gentile centurion shows greater faith than anyone in Israel, and Jesus marvels. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt explains what real faith looks like.

A Roman officer came to Jesus on behalf of his paralyzed servant. He did not ask Jesus to come to his house — he simply said, “Speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” As a man under authority who...

What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?

In Matthew 10:1-23, Jesus chooses twelve ordinary men, gives them His authority, and sends them out. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt explains what set the apostles apart and what Jesus warned them to expect.

Moved with compassion for crowds who were like sheep without a shepherd, Jesus called twelve unlikely men — fishermen, a tax collector, even Judas. Dr. Holt distinguish...

Who does Jesus call blessed?

Not who you might expect. In Matthew 5:1-16, Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount by blessing the poor in spirit, the mourning, and the persecuted. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt explains the surprising heart of the Beatitudes.

Many in Jesus’ audience were ordinary, hurting people who had been pushed aside by the religious leaders. Instead of more rules, Jesus offered blessing. The Beatitudes lift up t...

Can the gates of hell defeat the church?

No. In Matthew 16:13-28, Jesus promises that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt unpacks Peter’s great confession and Christ’s bold promise.

Jesus led His disciples to Caesarea Philippi, a center of pagan worship known for a cave called “the gates of hell.” There He asked, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered,...

Why did Jesus shine like the sun?

In Matthew 17:1-9, Jesus is transfigured before three of His disciples, His face shining with glory. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt explains what this glimpse of Christ’s majesty reveals.

On a high mountain, Jesus’ appearance suddenly changed: light shone out from within Him, and Moses and Elijah appeared, speaking with Him. Peter, overwhelmed, offered to build three shelters — puttin...

Why did Jesus flip the tables in the temple?

In Matthew 21:12-22, Jesus drives out the money changers and calls the temple “a den of thieves.” In this study, Dr. Toby Holt explains why this anger was holy, not sinful.

The temple was meant to be a house of prayer, but merchants had turned it into a marketplace, gouging worshipers who came to offer sacrifices. Jesus overturned their tables and healed the blind and lame whil...

Can anyone trap Jesus with a trick question?

In Matthew 22:1-33, Israel’s leaders try to corner Jesus with loaded questions — and fail every time. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt walks through Jesus’ answers and the warning behind them.

Jesus first tells a parable about a king’s wedding feast: the invited guests refuse to come, so the invitation goes out to everyone — a picture of the gospel reaching beyond...

Why did Judas betray Jesus?

In Matthew 26:1-30, one of Jesus’ own followers sells Him out for thirty pieces of silver. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt shows that even this betrayal was part of God’s plan to save His people.

While a devoted woman poured costly perfume on Jesus to prepare Him for burial, Judas slipped away to make his deal with the chief priests. Dr. Holt notes a telling detail: at the table, Judas calls Jesus...

What really happened when Jesus died?

Far more than a Roman execution. In Matthew 27:45-56, the sky goes dark, the temple veil tears, and the earth shakes as Jesus dies. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt explains the meaning behind these signs.

From noon to three, darkness covered the land — a sign of God’s judgment falling. Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” In that moment, Dr. Holt expla...

Did Jesus really rise from the dead?

Yes — and it changes everything. In Matthew 28:1-15, the tomb is found empty and the risen Jesus meets His followers. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt shows why the resurrection is the believer’s greatest hope.

At dawn, two women came to the tomb expecting to anoint a dead body. Instead, an angel rolled back the stone as the ground shook and the Roman guards fell like dead men. “He i...