The King’s Constitution: Five Discourses in Matthew

Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King, establishing His right to David’s throne before revealing what life under His rule looks like. At the heart of the Gospel are five great discourses—extended teachings that reveal the character, mission and future of the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew’s five great discourses reveal what life under Jesus’ rule looks like—from inward righteousness and faithful mission to forgiveness, stewardship, and readiness for His return.

1. The Constitution — Matthew 5–7

The Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes, where Jesus overturns worldly ideas of success. The blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek and those who hunger for righteousness.

Jesus declares that He has come not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfil them (Matthew 5:17). True righteousness reaches beyond outward behaviour into the heart. He concludes with the wise builder, reminding us that hearing His words is not enough; we must act on them.

2. The Commission — Matthew 10

Jesus sends the twelve apostles to the lost sheep of Israel. Their mission will involve opposition and suffering, but they are not abandoned. The Father knows and cares for them.

His instruction to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16) reminds us that kingdom service requires both wisdom and faithfulness.

3. The Mysteries — Matthew 13

As opposition grows, Jesus teaches through parables. The kingdom does not unfold according to human expectations. It begins small, grows quietly and exists in a world where good and evil remain together until the final harvest.

The parables invite us to receive the King’s message with humble, receptive hearts.

4. The Community — Matthew 18

Kingdom life is also about how we treat one another. Jesus teaches humility, care for those who stumble, restoration and forgiveness.

When Peter asks how often he should forgive, Jesus answers, “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). The parable of the unforgiving servant makes the lesson unmistakable: those who have received God’s mercy must extend mercy to others.

5. The Consummation — Matthew 24–25

The Olivet Discourse looks towards the destruction of the temple, Christ’s return and the end of the age. Jesus warns of deception and suffering, but His emphasis is not on calculating dates.

Through the parables of the ten virgins and the talents, He calls His followers to readiness, faithful stewardship and accountability.

The King Who Goes to the Cross

After these teachings, Jesus does not move towards an earthly coronation. He moves towards the cross.

The King’s authority is revealed not only in His words, but in His willingness to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

These five discourses are more than a collection of rules. They call us to inward righteousness, faithful mission, radical forgiveness, responsible stewardship and readiness for our returning King.

Written by Brahm van Wyk

For more Biblical teachings, listen to Bible Perspective or read our daily devotional, The Word for Today.

The views expressed herein are those of the presenters and writers, not Radio Pulpit.