Chronological progression of Jesus's ministry based on major changes in location, beginning after his childhood (Matthew 3:1).
(Matthew 3:1 – 4:11)
Jesus's ministry is inaugurated. John's message is the imminence of the Kingdom of Heaven and the need for repentance ("Bear fruit in keeping with repentance"). Jesus's baptism validates his ministry and fulfills righteousness. In the temptation, Jesus asserts his complete obedience to God's Word and rejects the Devil's worldly offers and challenges.
(Matthew 4:12 – 18:35)
The core of Jesus's Galilean ministry. His initial message is, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." This includes the Sermon on the Mount (ch. 5-7), which defines the righteousness required for the Kingdom: a righteousness that surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees, focusing on the heart's attitude, not just external actions. He sends out the disciples to preach this message. He teaches through many parables (ch. 13), explaining the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven to the crowds, and later explains their meaning to his disciples. He also repeatedly teaches his disciples about his coming suffering, death, and resurrection (ch. 16, 17) and the humility and servanthood required of a follower.
(Matthew 19:1 – 20:34)
Jesus reasserts the original, strict nature of God's Law on marriage and divorce. He teaches about the difficulty of wealth in entering the Kingdom, reassuring his disciples that with God, all things are possible, and promising them great reward. He tells the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, emphasizing that reward in the Kingdom is a matter of grace (God's goodness), not merely merit based on time spent.
(Matthew 21:1 – 25:46)
Jesus dramatically cleanses the Temple, asserting its proper function as a house of prayer and condemning its corruption. He engages in intense conflict with the religious leaders, silencing them through sharp parables (Two Sons, Wicked Tenants, Wedding Feast) which expose their rejection of God and predict their judgment. He delivers the Olivet Discourse (ch. 24-25) to his disciples, speaking on the destruction of the Temple, his Second Coming, and the need for constant readiness (Parables of the Ten Virgins and the Talents) and compassionate action (The Final Judgment).
(Matthew 26:1 – 27:66)
The emphasis shifts from teaching to redemptive action. Jesus speaks of the new covenant in his blood at the Last Supper. Before the Council and Pilate, his message is one of sovereign silence and a simple, powerful affirmation of his identity: "You have said so," acknowledging he is the King of the Jews and the Son of God. His ultimate "message" in this section is the atoning work of his death, fulfilling prophecy and opening the way to God (symbolized by the torn Temple veil).
(Matthew 28:16 – 28:20)
Following his resurrection, Jesus delivers the Great Commission. His final message is one of universal authority ("All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me") and global mission. He commands his disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them to observe everything he has commanded, with the promise of his constant presence ("I am with you always, to the end of the age").