Breakthrough

Service Times: 9:15a & 10:45a

Breakthrough

Author

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew, a tax collector and one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Though the text itself doesn’t name its author, the early church unanimously affirmed him as the author.

Audience

Matthew wrote primarily to a Jewish-Christian audience, connecting Jesus to Old Testament prophecies and emphasizing His identity as the long-awaited Messiah. He carefully structures his Gospel to show that Jesus fulfills God’s promises to Israel while also extending His kingdom to the nations.

Purpose

Matthew’s Gospel reveals Jesus as the Messiah who has authority over all things—sickness, nature, sin, and even death. In Matthew 8-9, we see Jesus’ power breaking through every barrier, offering healing, freedom, and restoration to those who trust Him. His miracles are not just displays of power but invitations to faith. Through this Breakthrough series, we’ll explore how Jesus still moves in unstoppable ways, transforming lives and calling us to trust in Him.

Genre

Matthew is a historical and theological narrative, blending biography with teaching. It records Jesus’ miracles, sermons, and interactions, demonstrating His authority as both the promised King and the ultimate teacher of God’s kingdom.

Date

Most scholars believe Matthew was written between 60-80 AD, likely after Mark’s Gospel but before the final separation between Judaism and Christianity. This places it in a time when early believers were wrestling with how Jesus’ teachings fit within Jewish traditions.

Sermon Discussion Guide

Matthew 8:1-4
  1. Read Matthew 8:1-4 and/or recap this week’s sermon. Why was it significant that Jesus touched the leper instead of just speaking a healing word?
  2. The leper approached Jesus with humility, saying, “Lord, if you are willing…” How does this posture reflect both faith and surrender?
  3. In what ways do you relate to the leper’s experience—feeling unclean, outcast, or in need of healing? How has Jesus met you in those places?
  4. Jesus’ touch made the leper clean rather than making Himself unclean. How does this challenge the way we view “unclean” people or situations today?
Matthew 8:5-13
  1. Read Matthew 8:5-13 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What stands out about the centurion’s understanding of Jesus’ authority?
  2. Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith. What do you think it means to have faith that amazes Jesus?
  3. This passage highlights that faith, not background or status, determines inclusion in God’s kingdom. How does this challenge cultural or religious assumptions about who “belongs” to God?
  4. The centurion trusted Jesus’ word without needing proof. Where in your life is God calling you to trust Him more deeply, even when you don’t see immediate results?
 
Matthew 8:14-17
  1. Read Matthew 8:14-17 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What does Jesus’ healing of Peter’s mother-in-law teach us about His care for the overlooked?
  2. Many of Jesus’ healings were about more than just physical restoration—they were about restoring people to community. How does Jesus’ healing power impact relationships today?
  3. Matthew connects Jesus’ healing ministry to Isaiah 53:4, which describes the Messiah as bearing our sickness and suffering. What does this reveal about Jesus’ role as the Suffering Servant?
  4. Who in your life might be feeling unseen, overlooked, or isolated? How can you extend Jesus’ compassion to them this week?
Matthew 8:28-34
  1. Read Matthew 8:28-34 and/or recap this week’s sermon. Why do you think the demons immediately recognized Jesus’ authority?
  2. The townspeople reacted with fear and rejection instead of faith. How do people today still resist Jesus’ power, even when they see evidence of His work?
  3. Jesus freed the demon-possessed men but allowed the pigs to be destroyed. What does this reveal about His priorities when it comes to human life versus material loss?
  4. Have you ever shared a testimony or seen God work, only to have people dismiss or reject it? How should we respond when others don’t understand what Jesus has done in our lives?

Matthew 5:17-20

  1. Read Matthew 5:17-20 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What does Jesus mean when He says He came to fulfill the law and the prophets?
  2. How is the righteousness Jesus describes different from the external, rule-based righteousness of the Pharisees?
  3. What does it look like for you to pursue heart-level obedience to God rather than just outward compliance?
  4. Why is it important to understand that Jesus fulfilled the law for us? How does this shape your relationship with God?
Matthew 9:1-9
  1. Read Matthew 9:1-9 and/or recap this week’s sermon. Why do you think Jesus chose to forgive the paralyzed man’s sins before healing his body?
  2. The religious leaders questioned Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. Where do you see people today questioning or rejecting Jesus’ authority?
  3. Jesus’ call to Matthew, a tax collector, was shocking. What does this tell us about who Jesus invites into His kingdom?
  4. Following Jesus often requires leaving something behind, like Matthew leaving his tax booth. What might God be calling you to leave behind in order to follow Him more fully?

Sermons