The Gospel of Matthew has long been regarded as the “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments. It is the Gospel of the Messiah, the record of the King, and the manual for the Kingdom of Heaven. In his insightful work, “Matthew’s Gospel – Jesus is King,” Dr. Samuel Lee provides a comprehensive, verse-by-verse exploration of this foundational text, stripping away academic density to reveal the heartbeat of Jesus’s mission.
This blog serves as a definitive summary and review of Dr. Lee’s work, breaking down the 51 essential lessons he extracts from the life of Christ and exploring the central message that defines this literary and spiritual masterpiece.
The Core Message: Why “Jesus is King”?
Before diving into the specific lessons, it is vital to understand the “Why” behind Dr. Samuel Lee’s writing. The author’s primary objective is to shift the reader’s perspective from seeing Jesus merely as a “moral teacher” or a “historical figure” to recognizing Him as the Rightful Monarch of the Universe.
Dr. Lee argues that Matthew’s Gospel was written primarily for a Jewish audience to prove that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled every Messianic prophecy. By emphasizing the “Kingdom of Heaven,” the author conveys that Christianity is not just a religion, but a citizenship. The message is clear: If Jesus is King, then our lives must reflect a total allegiance to His decrees, His character, and His mission.
51 Transformative Lessons from Matthew’s Gospel
Dr. Samuel Lee categorizes the life of Jesus into 51 distinct “Life Lessons.” Here is a detailed breakdown of the wisdom found within these pages:
Phase 1: The Arrival of the King (Lessons 1-4)
- The Importance of Heritage: Jesus’s genealogy proves God keeps His promises over thousands of years.
- Divine Intervention in the Ordinary: Joseph’s obedience shows how God uses quiet, faithful men.
- Worship Requires Effort: The Magi traveled great distances; true worship costs us something.
- God’s Protection in Crisis: The flight to Egypt reminds us that God provides a way out of tyranny.
- Preparation Precedes Promotion: John the Baptist’s wilderness ministry was the necessary “red carpet” for Christ.
- The Necessity of Baptism: Even the Sinless One submitted to the Father’s requirements.
- Victory Over Temptation: Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan, teaching us that the Word is our primary weapon.
- The Call to Leave Everything: The first disciples left their nets immediately. Kingly authority demands an immediate response.
- The Power of Healing: Jesus didn’t just preach; He touched the broken.
Phase 2: The Manifesto of the Kingdom (Lessons 5-7)
- The Beatitudes: True happiness (blessedness) is found in spiritual poverty and humility, not worldly gain.
- Salt and Light: Believers are preserved for a purpose; we must influence the culture around us.
- Internal Righteousness: It’s not just about not killing; it’s about not harboring anger.
- Purity of Heart: Lust is a heart issue, not just a physical act.
- Integrity of Speech: Let your “Yes” be “Yes.” A citizen of the Kingdom is a person of their word.
- The Extra Mile: We are called to respond to evil with radical, disarming love.
- Secret Piety: Give, pray, and fast for God’s eyes, not for human applause.
- The Lord’s Prayer: A template for communication with the King, focusing on His will before our needs.
- The Danger of Materialism: You cannot serve both God and Money.
- Anxiety as a Lack of Trust: If God clothes the lilies, He will surely clothe His children.
- The Golden Rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated—the simplest summary of the Law.
- The Narrow Gate: The path to life is difficult and few find it; the King demands discipline.
Phase 3: Authority and Miracles
- Authority Over Disease: Jesus heals the leper and the centurion’s servant, proving His power over the physical realm.
- The Cost of Discipleship: Following the King means having no “place to lay your head.”
- Authority Over Nature: Even the winds and the waves obey Him.
- Authority Over the Demonic: Christ liberates the oppressed, showing His Kingdom is spiritual warfare.
- The Power to Forgive: Healing the paralytic was secondary to forgiving his sins.
- Mercy Over Sacrifice: Jesus eating with tax collectors shows that the King seeks the lost, not the self-righteous.
- New Wine in New Wineskins: The Gospel cannot be contained by old, rigid legalism.
- The Harvest is Plentiful: The King needs laborers; our primary prayer should be for more workers.
Phase 4: Conflict and Parables
- Handling Doubt: Even John the Baptist doubted; Jesus responds with evidence of His works.
- The Easy Yoke: The King’s burden is light compared to the heavy weight of religious tradition.
- Lord of the Sabbath: Mercy is always more important than ritualistic rule-following.
- The Unpardonable Sin: Persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit’s witness leads to spiritual death.
- The Power of Parables: Truth is hidden in plain sight for those with “ears to hear.”
- The Sower and the Soil: The effectiveness of the Word depends on the condition of the listener’s heart.
- Wheat and Tares: God allows the wicked and righteous to grow together until the final judgment.
- The Pearl of Great Price: The Kingdom is worth selling everything you own to possess.
Phase 5: The Identity of the King
- Miraculous Provision: Feeding the 5,000 shows that with Christ, “little” is always “enough.”
- Walking on Water: Faith is keeping your eyes on the King, not the storm.
- Tradition vs. Truth: Human traditions should never supersede the commands of God.
- The Great Confession: Peter’s declaration (“You are the Christ”) is the rock upon which the Church is built.
- The Transfiguration: A glimpse of Jesus’s pre-incarnate glory, confirming His divine nature.
- Childlike Faith: To be greatest in the Kingdom, one must become as humble as a child.
- The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: Since the King forgave our massive debt, we must forgive the small debts of others.
- The Danger of Riches: The Rich Young Ruler shows that idols prevent us from following the King.
Phase 6: The Final Week and Victory
- The Triumphal Entry: Jesus enters Jerusalem as a humble King on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy.
- Cleansing the Temple: God’s house is for prayer, not for personal profit.
- The Greatest Commandment: Love God totally and love your neighbor as yourself.
- The Signs of the End: The King warns us to be watchful and ready for His return.
- The Ultimate Sacrifice: The Cross was not a defeat, but the King’s “enthronement” in the hearts of men.
- The Great Commission: The King’s final order: “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
Review: Dr. Samuel Lee’s Literary Style
Dr. Samuel Lee’s writing is remarkably accessible. Unlike many biblical commentaries that get bogged down in Greek syntax and historical minutiae, “Matthew’s Gospel – Jesus is King” reads like a conversation with a wise mentor.
What Makes This Book Unique?
- The Jewish Context: Lee excels at explaining why certain events mattered to a first-century Jew. He connects Old Testament prophecies to New Testament fulfillments seamlessly.
- Practical Application: Each of the 51 lessons ends with a “Kingdom Application,” challenging the reader to change a specific behavior or thought pattern.
- Focus on Sovereignty: Many modern books focus on Jesus as a “friend.” While Lee acknowledges this, he never lets the reader forget that Jesus is first and foremost Lord.
What Does the Author Want to Convey?
If we were to distill Dr. Samuel Lee’s 51 lessons into one singular message, it would be this: The Kingdom of Heaven is a present reality, not just a future destination.
Dr. Lee wants readers to understand that when Jesus said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” He was announcing a new way of being human. The author conveys that:
- Jesus is the promised Davidic King.
- The “Laws” of His Kingdom (The Sermon on the Mount) are the only way to find true peace.
- The Church is the embassy of this Kingdom on Earth.
By the end of the book, the reader is left with a choice. You cannot simply “admire” the King; you must either submit to Him or reject Him. Dr. Lee’s passionate prose leans heavily toward the former, urging readers to find their identity in Christ’s sovereignty.
Why You Should Read This Book
Whether you are a lifelong believer or a skeptic curious about the historical Jesus, Dr. Lee’s work is a valuable asset. It organizes the sprawling narrative of Matthew into digestible, actionable points.
The way Dr. Lee structures “Jesus is King” is a masterclass in storytelling and branding. He takes an ancient “brand” (The Messiah) and re-contextualizes it for a modern audience by focusing on core values (The 51 Lessons) and a central USP (The Sovereignty of Christ).
Conclusion
“Matthew’s Gospel – Jesus is King” by Dr. Samuel Lee is more than a book summary; it is a call to action. Through 51 lessons, we see a Savior who is powerful enough to calm storms, yet humble enough to wash feet.
The author’s message is a timeless reminder that in a world of shifting political powers and personal uncertainty, there is a King whose throne is unshakable.
FAQs
Q1. Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes, it explains complex ideas in simple language.
Q2. Does the book cover all of Matthew’s Gospel?
Yes, through 51 structured lessons.
Q3. Is this a devotional or academic book?
It blends both beautifully.
Q4. Can this be used for group study?
Absolutely, each lesson sparks discussion.
Q5. What makes this book unique?
Its focus on Jesus’ kingship, not just His teachings.