DAY 13 - MATTHEW 5:33-48

What does Jesus teach about oaths (v33-37)?

What does Jesus teach in verses 38-48?

Why does Jesus tell Christians to love their enemies?

How does this command fit with the start of Jesus’ sermon (Matthew 5:1-16)?

Practically, what might it look like to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”?

1. Thank God for His perfect love that calls us to love even our enemies. Pray for strength to live out Jesus’ radical commands.

2. Josh & Bethany Fraser: Pray for growth in their understanding of the Slovenian language and culture.

3. Community Outreach: Pray for ongoing efforts to serve the broader Brisbane community, sharing the love of Jesus through practical means. Pray for the Fishers of Men Teams.

DAY 12 - MATTHEW 5:27-32

Warning mature content

What does Jesus teach in verses 27-28?

What do verses 29-30 teach you about the seriousness of sin?

Sexual desire for someone who is not your spouse is something that Jesus identifies as sinful. This is applicable not just to people who are married, but also to those who are single, and is an all-encompassing call to sexual holiness. How are you going with sexual sin? (including adultery, porn, masturbation, sexual fantasies, etc.)

These areas of sin can feel very private, personal and shameful. But that’s not our reality! Jesus knows everything about us. God has forgiven us and made us clean and righteous in Jesus’ blood. Even in those moments when we don’t feel righteous, the Spirit is working in us and helping us to live holy lives. 1 John 1:8-10.

These can be hard areas to deal with alone. Please seek help from a trusted friend or your Growth Group leader.

What does Jesus teach in verses 31-32?

You can read other accounts of Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce in Matthew 19:1-11, Mark 10:2-12 and Luke 16:18. Another helpful passage is 1 Corinthians 7:10-14.

What is God’s view of marriage?

How does this shape your view of marriage?

We should uphold marriages as God designed them. However, we know that we live in a broken world - full of unexpected pain, disappointment and hurt. In our varied situations at church (single, married, widowed, divorced, remarried), we should seek to love each other in Christ, showing each other the grace and kindness that God has shown us.

Some helpful resources:

Purity is Possible by Helen Thorne

Captured by a Better Vision by Tim Chester

A Better Story by Glynn Harrison

Married for God by Christopher Ash

Birds and the Bees by the Book by Patricia Weerakoon

1. Pray for purity and holiness in thoughts and actions. Thank Jesus for His cleansing power and the Spirit’s help in overcoming sin.

2. Jared & Verena Bradley: Pray for smooth transitions to European Christian Mission.

3. Multicultural Ministry: Pray for unity in diversity within the church’s multi-generational and multicultural community.

DAY 11 - MATTHEW 5:21-26

What’s the OT law that Jesus is teaching about? What are the consequences of breaking this law?

Murder is an outward action. Jesus teaches that God’s law also sets a standard for our hearts and thoughts/emotions. What heart attitude/thought/ emotion does Jesus teach about in this passage?

How do you feel about the fact that your anger is a sin against God?

Verses 23-26 teach about pursuing reconciliation if somebody is angry with you. What does “reconciliation” mean?

Is there somebody that you’re angry with at the moment? Is there somebody who is angry with you? What would it look like to pursue reconciliation?

Reconciliation and forgiveness can be really hard. Thanks be to God, we are completely forgiven for our anger! God shows us that we can admit when we’re wrong and seek forgiveness (from Him and from others). In cases where we’ve been wronged, forgiveness can feel costly. God teaches us how to forgive - to put away our right to be angry and hold no grudges; just as God did when He forgave us (Ephesians 4:32-5:2).

In serious cases of abuse, reconciliation might not look like the restoration of relationships. Please talk to your Growth Group leader if this passage has raised past trauma that you’d like to talk through - they’re not counsellors, but they can talk to you about how to be godly in your unique situation.

1. Ask for God's help to pursue peace and reconciliation in your relationships. Praise Him for His forgiveness that frees us to forgive others.

2. J & R: Pray for the effectiveness of their preaching seminars and mentoring.

3. Pastoral Care: Pray for those providing care and support to members facing challenges, bringing comfort and hope through Christ.

DAY 10 - MATTHEW 5:17-20

Verses 17-20 are important in setting the context for Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5-7. Although you’ll be reading a small section of this sermon each day for the next few days, it’s important to remember that it is a whole, cohesive section of teaching. Remember that Jesus has begun his sermon by teaching on the distinctiveness of the people of the kingdom of heaven. He now begins to talk about Old Testament law (which his disciples would have been familiar with).

When Jesus is talking about “the Law”, he is referring to the Old Testament law received by Israel and recorded in the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). “The Prophets” that Jesus refers to are the prophetic writings recorded in the Old Testament. However, rather than differentiating between “the Law” and “the prophetic” sections of the OT (or indeed the “wisdom” writings), it is likely that when Jesus refers to “the Law”, he is referring to the way God has told His people to live, given in His Word (the OT).

Read v17-18. Perhaps the disciples thought that their Messiah (Jesus) would give them brand new teaching. What does Jesus say about the OT law?

What does this passage tell us about entering the kingdom of heaven?

Verse 20 can be confusing if you’re familiar with the gospel accounts. You might be thinking “Hang on, the Pharisees and teachers of the Law are the ‘bad guys’ of the gospel accounts! How could Jesus ask us to be like them to get into heaven?” In fact, Jesus often rebukes the Pharisees and teachers of the Law because they have made their relationship with God all about following the rules! If you were to judge outwardly only - it would be an extremely high standard of living righteously. But entering God’s kingdom is not only about outward actions, but our heart attitude as well. In the context of the rest of the Bible, the likely effect of Jesus’ words are to make people go “but it’s impossible to enter the kingdom of God by our own righteousness!” (Romans 3:20)

How does Jesus fulfill the Law? What effect does that have on our righteousness? (See Galatians 3:10-14 and Romans 8:1-4)

We are saved by God’s amazing grace to us in Jesus. However, God still calls us to live a certain way as His people. What does verse 19 teach us about how we should respond to God’s Word?

What is your attitude to the OT? How does this passage shape how we value and read the OT?

1. Thank God for Jesus, who fulfills the law and makes us righteous. Pray for a heart that treasures God's Word and seeks to live by it.

2. Peter & Katharine Yock: Thank God for students sharing the Gospel and stepping into leadership.

3. Music Ministry: Pray for those involved in leading worship through music, that they may lead us in authentic praise and focus on God’s glory.

DAY 9 - MATTHEW 5:1-16

From yesterday’s passage, why might such large crowds have gathered?

Who is Jesus teaching? (verse 1)

What picture does Jesus paint of what it looks like to be “blessed”? (verses 3-12)

How does this teaching build our understanding of the kingdom of heaven?

Jesus then teaches that God’s people are to be distinct from the world (v13- 16). Why might this teaching on distinctiveness as Christians flow out of his teaching on blessing and the kingdom of heaven?

In what ways are you distinct from the world? In what ways does this passage challenge you to continue in/begin to embrace distinctiveness for the sake of God’s glory?

1. Pray for grace to live as salt and light, reflecting God's kingdom in the world. Thank Jesus for His blessing on those who seek Him.

2. Liz Maher: Pray for God to raise up new workers for QUT ministry.

3. Elders: Give thanks for our elders. Pray for humility and grace as they serve our church family.

DAY 8 - MATTHEW 4:18-25

Who are you introduced to in verses 18-22?

What do you think it means when Jesus says “Come, follow me and I will send you out to fish for people” (v19)?

What strikes you about the story of Jesus’ call and people’s response?

What does Jesus do in verses 23-25?

Where is Jesus preaching in these verses? How far does news of Him spread? See if you can spot some of the regions mentioned in the passage in the map below.

Acts 4:13 describes Peter and John as “unschooled, ordinary men”. They weren’t special or part of the top tier of society. And largely, neither are we - we’re just ordinary people, like the apostles were when Jesus called them.

Do you resonate with the way the apostles dropped everything and immediately followed Jesus? Why/why not? How might it impact your life if you were to follow Jesus as immediately, radically and unashamedly as the apostles?

1. Praise Jesus for calling ordinary people to follow Him and share His mission. Ask for boldness to leave behind distractions and obey His call.

2. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: Pray for wisdom and strength for Dan in ministry challenges and for Rachel caring for their foster child.

3. Church Leadership: Pray for the staff and ministry leaders as they serve the congregation. Pray for wisdom and faithfulness.

DAY 7 - MATTHEW 4:12-17

What happens in this passage?

Jesus’ residence in Capernaum fulfils Isaiah 9. Read Isaiah 9:1-7. What does Isaiah 9 teach us about Jesus?

Jesus preaches “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17)

“The kingdom of heaven” is not a phrase that specifically appears in the OT. There are plenty of allusions, however, to God’s rule (‘kingdom’) and the reign of God’s promised king (e.g., Daniel 2:44, Psalm 45:6). Jesus teaches about the kingdom of heaven at length during his ministry (we’ll get to some of these parables in Matthew 13).

What is your understanding of the kingdom of heaven? What do you think Jesus means when he says that it has “come near”?

What is repentance? Why would the approach of the kingdom of heaven require repentance?

What are some areas of your life that do not fit in God’s kingdom?

1. Thank God for the light of Jesus that shines in the darkness. Pray for a heart ready to repent and live for His kingdom.

2. Mark & Anne Osborne: Pray for safety for their team amidst tension and for Anne’s health as she awaits surgery.

3. Serving Opportunities: Pray for church members to find joy in using their gifts to serve in various ministries, strengthening the church community.

DAY 6 - MATTHEW 4:1-11

Read Matthew 4:1-11 and fill in the below table.

Why do you think Jesus answers the devil with so many quotes from the Old Testament?

Understanding the context of each of the OT references helps us to understand what Jesus was saying.

In Deuteronomy 8:3, Jesus is referring to Israel’s time spent in the desert immediately after God has saved them from slavery in Egypt (it is interesting that in Matthew’s narrative, Jesus comes out of Egypt in chapter 2 and then faces temptation in the desert in chapter 3!) During this time, the Israelites are completely dependent on God’s provision of food in the desert, in the form of manna. You can read about this in Numbers 11. Jesus responds to his hunger by remembering His dependence on God’s provision, just as the Israelites were completely dependent on God’s provision in the desert.

In Jesus’ second test, He quotes Deuteronomy 6:16, which in turn is referring to Exodus 17:1-7. In the Exodus passage, the Israelites are complaining about their thirst in the desert after God has saved them from Egypt. They grumble against God, who then miraculously provides them with water from a rock. The Deuteronomy passage exhorts God’s people not to grumble and test God’s provision for them, but to be faithful to God and obey Him. Jesus rebukes the devil’s test of God’s care for Him by alluding to these stories.

Finally, in Jesus’ last test, He quotes Deuteronomy 6:13-15. Jesus recalls God’s command to His people to be faithful to the LORD and not worship other gods. If you look at the Deuteronomy reference, you’ll see a warning there - that God is a jealous God and will be angry with those who worship another god.

There’s a big warning in Jesus’ final words to the devil - there will be destruction for those who worship other gods. Jesus also demonstrates serious obedience to God’s commands, even in the face of big temptations. What is tempting you to sin at the moment?

Read Hebrews 2:17-18. Jesus helps us as we face temptation! He has both faced and overcome it. What are some ways you might seek Jesus’ help when you are next tempted to sin?

1. Thank God for the light of Jesus that shines in the darkness. Pray for a heart ready to repent and live for His kingdom.

2. Mark & Anne Osborne: Pray for safety for their team amidst tension and for Anne’s health as she awaits surgery.

3. Serving Opportunities: Pray for church members to find joy in using their gifts to serve in various ministries, strengthening the church community.

DAY 5 - MATTHEW 3:1-17

What was John the Baptist there to do (see v1-6)?

What does John say about Jesus’ identity (v3, v11) and mission (v12)?

This is our first encounter with the Pharisees and Sadducees (Jewish religious leaders). They are prominent characters in the gospel narrative. What do we learn about them? (See verses 7-10)

What do you think it means to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (v8)?

Why do you think there was such an obvious display of the Spirit and God the Father’s words at Jesus’ baptism?

What reassurance does this give you as to Jesus’ identity as God?

1. Pray for a heart of true repentance and fruitfulness in your walk with God. Thank God for confirming Jesus as His beloved Son and our Savior.

2. UQ Evangelical Students: Pray for the Spirit to work in the hearts of non-Christians engaging with God’s Word.

3. New City Playtime: Pray for the program supporting families with preschool-aged children, fostering community and early spiritual development.

DAY 4 - MATTHEW 2:13-23

13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

18 “A voice is heard in Ramah,
    weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
    and refusing to be comforted,
    because they are no more.”

19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Jesus’ family moves a lot in this passage! What events lead to their movements? Where do they go?

What kind of associations do you have with Egypt from the Old Testament?

The passage refers to Hosea 11:1 which reads “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew applies this verse directly to Jesus, referring to the way in which Jesus went into Egypt to escape death (at the end of Genesis, Israel and his sons end up in Egypt due to a famine in their land). Then, at God’s direction, Jesus is brought out of Egypt again (Exodus details the way God rescues His people from slavery in Egypt). Jesus is the true Israel.

Verses 16-18 have another OT parallel. In Exodus 1, Pharaoh in Egypt is threatened by the growth of Israel and orders all the baby boys be killed. Moses is the miracle baby of Exodus who is saved from the slaughter by God and later goes on to lead God’s people out of slavery.

How does this narrative foreshadow Jesus?

Often it is easier to spot hints of Jesus in OT prophecy. But this passage shows us that OT narratives also prepare us for Jesus! How does this shape the way you read Old Testament narratives?

1. Thank God for protecting His Son, ensuring the fulfillment of prophecy. Ask for trust in God's sovereignty during life's challenges.

2. Linda McKerrell: Pray for wisdom in planning the QTC/OMF Taiwan Mission Exposure Trip.

3. New City Youth: Pray that our high school students would grow in their relationship with Jesus and build lasting friendships as they navigate life. Pray for our excellent leaders. Thank God for their ministry!

DAY 3 - MATTHEW 2:1-12

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’[b]”

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

The location of Bethlehem as Jesus’ birthplace is significant in fulfilling OT prophecy. Read Micah 5:2-5.


What do these passages add to our understanding of Jesus the Messiah (long awaited king, “King of the Jews”)?


In this passage, how does God display His sovereignty in intervening and ensuring His plans continue to unfold?


How do King Herod and the Magi respond to the news of Jesus’ birth? Compare and contrast using the prompts below.


King Herod’s response







Magi’s response




1. Praise God for revealing Jesus as King and guiding seekers to Him. Pray for the humility to worship Jesus wholeheartedly, as the Magi did.

2. Josh & Bethany Fraser: Thank God for His provision for their move to Slovenia.

3. New City Kids: Pray for the children's ministry to teach young hearts about Jesus. Pray that our families would be able to discuss God's word in good ways through the week.

DAY 2 - MATTHEW 1:18-25

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

In this passage we encounter a very familiar story! It can be easy to glaze over, but this passage offers us so much insight into who Jesus is.


What events occur in this passage?


Why was it important that Joseph accepted Jesus as his son and didn’t divorce Mary? (Refer back to Matthew 1:16)


Why do you think it was important that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, rather than by natural means between Joseph and Mary?


What does Jesus’ name (Jesus = “The LORD saves”) tell us about his identity?

The reference to Isaiah 7 is very interesting. It is very clearly fulfilled in the unique circumstances of Jesus’ birth. However, when looking back at Isaiah 7, the immediate context does not make it clear what the original significance of this prophecy might have been. Isaiah 7 details God’s word to Ahaz, a king of Judah. 1 Kings 16 tells us that Ahaz was not a good king - he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, participating in child sacrifices and offerings to idols, even disassembling parts of God’s temple to use in his idolatry! During his reign, he was besieged by neighboring nations and made an alliance with Assyria (who later went on to destroy the kingdom of Israel for good) to secure Judah from enemies. In Isaiah 7, there are glimpses of a hope of reprieve from attack by these neighboring nations (Isa 7:7, 7:16) alongside this mysterious promise of a boy born of a virgin called “Immanuel” (God with us). Although the OT fulfilment of this prophecy seems vague, we see the reinforcement of Jesus’ identity, predicted long ago through Isaiah - God with His people, saving His people.

What hope does Jesus, God with us, give you?

1. Thank God for sending Jesus as 'God with us' to bring salvation. Pray for faith to trust in the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in your life.

2. Jared & Verena Bradley: Pray for wisdom in supporting struggling refugees and for Noah’s smooth adjustment to kindergarten.

3. Growth Groups: Pray for meaningful discipleship and deepening connections as members gather to study God’s Word, pray, and share life together.

DAY 1 - MATTHEW 1:1-17

1 This is the genealogy[a] of Jesus the Messiah[b] the son of David, the son of Abraham:

2 Abraham was the father of Isaac,

Isaac the father of Jacob,

Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,

3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,

Perez the father of Hezron,

Hezron the father of Ram,

4 Ram the father of Amminadab,

Amminadab the father of Nahshon,

Nahshon the father of Salmon,

5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,

Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,

Obed the father of Jesse,

6 and Jesse the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,

7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam,

Rehoboam the father of Abijah,

Abijah the father of Asa,

8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,

Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,

Jehoram the father of Uzziah,

9 Uzziah the father of Jotham,

Jotham the father of Ahaz,

Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,

10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,

Manasseh the father of Amon,

Amon the father of Josiah,

11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah[c] and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

12 After the exile to Babylon:

Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,

Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,

13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud,

Abihud the father of Eliakim,

Eliakim the father of Azor,

14 Azor the father of Zadok,

Zadok the father of Akim,

Akim the father of Elihud,

15 Elihud the father of Eleazar,

Eleazar the father of Matthan,

Matthan the father of Jacob,

16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.

17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.

What names stand out to you from Jesus’ genealogy (family tree)?

Verse 1 outlines two particular ancestors of Jesus. What do the following passages tell us about these men?

1. Abraham (called Abram in the passage) - Genesis 12:2-3

2. David - 2 Samuel 7:8-16

How do God’s promises to these men shape our understanding of Jesus’ identity and ministry?

Jesus’ genealogy is split into three sections (Abraham to David, David to the exile and the exile to Jesus). The exile to Babylon (approx 586 BC) was a result of the persistent sin of God’s people, Judah. At their lack of repentance, God scattered His people and destroyed the temple; signifying the removal of His blessing and presence with them. However, God did eventually bring them back to their land. At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Jewish people were still waiting for the Messiah (the anointed one). The Messiah was to be God’s chosen one, who would bring salvation for Israel the nation and judgement on God’s enemies. In these 17 verses, Matthew uses the word “Messiah” three times (verses 1, 16 and 17). Why do you think Matthew chooses to do this? What kind of expectation does it set for the rest of the book?

  1. Pray that we would marvel at how God fulfills His promises through Jesus and trust in His faithfulness. Ask for a deeper appreciation of God's redemptive plan through history.

  2. J & R: Pray for confidence in God's promises and perseverance in their ministry in East Asia

  3. Church on Sunday: Pray for our four congregations (8am, 9:30am, 11am, and 5pm), that they remain welcoming. That when we meet, we know real worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth.