Joyful Moments in Christ

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 42 – Matthew 17-21

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 42 - Matthew 17-21

Week 42: Exploring Matthew 17-21

In week 42 of our journey to read the New Testament in a year, we will explore Matthew 17-21, where Jesus’ teachings and actions prepare His followers for a life of faith, humility, and service. We will witness the miraculous Transfiguration, where Jesus’ divine nature is revealed, and His disciples are called to a deeper faith. Jesus also offers profound lessons on forgiveness, warning against unforgiveness and teaching that true greatness is found in servanthood. Through His interactions with the rich young man, His blessing of children, and His parables, Jesus challenges His followers to prioritize God’s Kingdom over earthly attachments. As we read about His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His cleansing of the temple, we are reminded of the call to honor God above all else. This week’s readings invite us to consider how we can live with greater humility, compassion, and dedication to God’s Kingdom.

Matthew 17

Matthew 17:19-20 (ESV): Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17 recounts the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals His glory to Peter, James, and John, alongside Moses and Elijah. Jesus then heals a demon-possessed boy after the disciples’ inability to do so, teaching about faith. He also predicts His death a second time and pays the temple tax through a miraculous provision.

Matthew 18

Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV): Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

In Matthew 18, Jesus teaches about humility, forgiveness, and community within the Kingdom. He explains that we must become like little children to enter the Kingdom, warns about causing others to stumble, and teaches about restoring those who sin. Jesus also emphasizes forgiveness with the parable of the unforgiving servant.

Matthew 19

Matthew 19:13-14 (ESV): Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

In Matthew 19, Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce, blesses children, and talks with a rich young man about eternal life. He clarifies that marriage is intended to be lasting and that entering the Kingdom requires childlike faith. Jesus challenges the rich man to give up his wealth, highlighting the difficulty for the wealthy to prioritize the Kingdom over possessions.

Matthew 20

Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV): It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20 presents the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, teaching about God’s generosity. Jesus predicts His suffering a third time, contrasts worldly greatness with servanthood, and heals two blind men. He reminds His disciples that the first shall be last, and the last shall be first, highlighting humility and grace.

Matthew 21

Matthew 21:9 (ESV): And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

In Matthew 21, Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and being hailed as King. He cleanses the temple, rebuking those who had turned it into a marketplace. Jesus then curses a fig tree, symbolizing judgment, and teaches the parables of the two sons and the tenants, illustrating the rejection and accountability of Israel’s leaders.

Week 42: New Testament Reading Assignment

Each week, we will read 5 chapters of the New Testament. Some people may prefer to read during the weekdays, while others might enjoy doing most of their reading on the weekends. Choose the method that works best for you!

Printable Resource:

Reading Plan: New Testament in 1 Year

Week 42: Reflection Questions for Matthew 17-21

Consider the following reflection questions:

Matthew 17: The Glory of Jesus and the Power of Faith

  1. How does the Transfiguration confirm Jesus’ identity, and how can we draw close to His divine presence in our lives?
  2. What does Jesus’ rebuke about the disciples’ lack of faith teach us about spiritual strength, and how can we nurture even small faith?
  3. How does Jesus’ second prediction of His death prepare His followers, and how does it impact our understanding of His mission?
  4. How does the miracle of the temple tax reveal God’s provision, and how can we trust Him in our practical needs?
  5. What does Jesus’ healing of the boy show about His compassion and power, and in what areas can we bring our needs to Him with faith?

Matthew 18: Humility, Accountability, and Forgiveness

  1. How does Jesus’ call to become like children reflect Kingdom values, and how can we cultivate humility in our own lives?
  2. What does Jesus’ warning about causing others to stumble teach us about responsibility, and how can we support others in their faith journey?
  3. How does the process for restoring someone who sins encourage accountability, and in what ways can we approach conflict with grace?
  4. How does the parable of the unforgiving servant challenge our views on forgiveness, and how can we embody Jesus’ call to forgive?
  5. What does this chapter reveal about life within a community of believers, and how can we apply these principles in our relationships?

Matthew 19: Marriage, Wealth, and Childlike Faith

  1. How does Jesus’ teaching on marriage affirm its commitment, and what can we learn about honoring relationships?
  2. What does Jesus’ blessing of children reveal about who is welcome in God’s Kingdom, and how can we approach Him with childlike faith?
  3. How does Jesus’ conversation with the rich young man highlight the challenges of material wealth, and in what ways can we evaluate our attachments?
  4. How does Jesus’ teaching on wealth encourage a reordering of priorities, and how can we focus more on eternal values?
  5. What does this chapter show about the rewards of following Jesus, and how can we embrace His invitation to live differently?

Matthew 20: Generosity, Servanthood, and Healing

  1. How does the parable of the laborers teach us about God’s grace, and in what ways can we cultivate gratitude for His generosity?
  2. What does Jesus’ prediction of His suffering reveal about His mission, and how does this impact our understanding of sacrifice?
  3. How does Jesus’ teaching on servanthood challenge worldly ideas of greatness, and how can we embrace a heart of service?
  4. What does the healing of the blind men reveal about faith and compassion, and how can we follow Jesus’ example in helping others?
  5. How does Jesus’ statement about being “last” challenge our attitudes, and how can we seek to serve humbly?

Matthew 21: Triumph, Judgment, and Accountability

  1. How does Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem fulfill prophecy, and what does it reveal about His kingship?
  2. What does Jesus’ cleansing of the temple teach us about holiness, and how can we prioritize worship in our lives?
  3. How does the withered fig tree symbolize judgment, and how can we examine the “fruit” we bear for God?
  4. What lesson can we learn from the parable of the two sons about obedience, and how can we align our actions with our words?
  5. How does the parable of the tenants warn us about rejecting God’s message, and in what ways can we ensure we remain receptive to His call?
Reflection Questions Matthew 17 How does the Transfiguration confirm Jesus’ identity, and how can we draw close to His divine presence in our lives? What does Jesus’ rebuke about the disciples’ lack of faith teach us about spiritual strength, and how can we nurture even small faith? How does Jesus’ second prediction of His death prepare His followers, and how does it impact our understanding of His mission? How does the miracle of the temple tax reveal God’s provision, and how can we trust Him in our practical needs? What does Jesus’ healing of the boy show about His compassion and power, and in what areas can we bring our needs to Him with faith?
Reflection Questions Matthew 18 How does Jesus’ call to become like children reflect Kingdom values, and how can we cultivate humility in our own lives? What does Jesus’ warning about causing others to stumble teach us about responsibility, and how can we support others in their faith journey? How does the process for restoring someone who sins encourage accountability, and in what ways can we approach conflict with grace? How does the parable of the unforgiving servant challenge our views on forgiveness, and how can we embody Jesus' call to forgive? What does this chapter reveal about life within a community of believers, and how can we apply these principles in our relationships?
Reflection Questions Matthew 19 How does Jesus’ teaching on marriage affirm its commitment, and what can we learn about honoring relationships? What does Jesus’ blessing of children reveal about who is welcome in God’s Kingdom, and how can we approach Him with childlike faith? How does Jesus’ conversation with the rich young man highlight the challenges of material wealth, and in what ways can we evaluate our attachments? How does Jesus’ teaching on wealth encourage a reordering of priorities, and how can we focus more on eternal values? What does this chapter show about the rewards of following Jesus, and how can we embrace His invitation to live differently?
Reflection Questions Matthew 20 How does the parable of the laborers teach us about God’s grace, and in what ways can we cultivate gratitude for His generosity? What does Jesus’ prediction of His suffering reveal about His mission, and how does this impact our understanding of sacrifice? How does Jesus’ teaching on servanthood challenge worldly ideas of greatness, and how can we embrace a heart of service? What does the healing of the blind men reveal about faith and compassion, and how can we follow Jesus’ example in helping others? How does Jesus’ statement about being “last” challenge our attitudes, and how can we seek to serve humbly?
Reflection Questions Matthew 21 How does Jesus' entry into Jerusalem fulfill prophecy, and what does it reveal about His kingship? What does Jesus’ cleansing of the temple teach us about holiness, and how can we prioritize worship in our lives? How does the withered fig tree symbolize judgment, and how can we examine the "fruit" we bear for God? What lesson can we learn from the parable of the two sons about obedience, and how can we align our actions with our words? How does the parable of the tenants warn us about rejecting God’s message, and in what ways can we ensure we remain receptive to His call?

Reflective Prayer

Choose a few verses or topics from these chapters and pray over them. Consider using the ACTS method — Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication:

  • Adoration: Praise God. What specific characteristics of God do these readings bring to mind?
  • Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. What specific sins do these readings bring to mind?
  • Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. What in these readings inspires gratitude?
  • Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. What in these readings inspires a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 42 - Matthew 17-21
Matthew 17:19-20 (ESV): Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV): Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Matthew 19:13-14 (ESV): Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV): It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 21:9 (ESV): And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Other Reading Plans

Old Testament in 3 Years
Whole Bible: Daily
Whole Bible: 5 Day/Week
Whole Bible: Weekly

Online Resources

Read the Bible in a Year: Blog Series

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

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