Becoming a Disciple of the King

“Jonathan Pennington has spent decades studying the Gospels and writing clear and compelling books for the church. His skills are evident in this concise yet sophisticated introduction to the person of Jesus the Christ and the nature of discipleship according to the Gospel of Matthew. Becoming a Disciple of the King is an excellent book for all who want to hear the distinct message of Matthew.”

Dan Doriani

“Jonathan Pennington serves as a skilled and trustworthy guide through the rich gallery of Matthew’s Gospel. Like a seasoned docent, he draws our attention to the artistry and depth of Matthew’s portrait of Jesus. He rightly shows that this Gospel is, above all, a work of Christology—an unveiling of who Jesus is—and that this vision inevitably leads to discipleship. To see Jesus clearly, Matthew insists, is to be drawn into the way of Jesus. Pennington helps readers do just that: to behold the Teacher-Savior-King so that they might become more like him.”

Patrick Schreiner

“Jonathan Pennington brings the depth of a seasoned scholar together with the warmth and clarity of a pastor, making Becoming a Disciple of the King both rigorous and refreshingly accessible. With rich theological insight and a literary eye, he guides readers through Matthew like a wise docent, opening Scripture in ways that are both intellectually satisfying and spiritually formative. This is a superb resource for pastors, teachers, and students who want to think deeply and live faithfully as disciples of King Jesus. Highly recommended!”

Todd Wilson

“We follow Jesus because of who he is and what he has accomplished. I’ve benefited from Jonathan Pennington’s teaching on discipleship in Matthew for well over a decade, and I am thrilled to see so much of it distilled in this beautiful volume. I am praying that many take up this book as they take up the call to follow Jesus.”

J. T. English

“Matthew’s Gospel offers such a gripping story and robust theological message about Jesus and his followers that students and pastors need the help of a skilled tutor to navigate both its forest and its trees. Under Pennington’s wise tutelage, readers receive a Matthean symphony of exegesis, literary analysis, and biblical theology that prepares them to engage properly with the particular and panoptic presentation of the First Gospel. With rich insights into Matthew’s central themes of Christology and discipleship, Pennington gives readers a beautiful portrait of Jesus the King and a holistic view of the Christian life. I highly recommend Becoming a Disciple of the King for pastors, students, and anyone committed to a biblical vision of Christian discipleship.”

Edward W. Klink III

“This book distills decades of scholarly research and popular teaching focused on Matthew’s Gospel. It draws generously from other great names in the field like France, Allison, and Hurtado. Pennington skillfully leads the reader on a guided tour showcasing Matthew’s artistry at presenting Christ, his teaching, his saving work, and his disciple-making message. A splendid addition to a distinguished series, this book deserves a wide readership among students, pastors, and scholars looking for a concise, profound, and at points prophetic analysis of this Gospel.”

Robert W. Yarbrough

“What a remarkable gift! Pennington’s Becoming a Disciple of the King bears all the marks of the best and kindest biblical teaching. This book reflects Pennington’s decades-long careful and devoted scholarship on Matthew. More than this, it comes from the pen of one devoted to Matthew’s principle subject matter and graciously serves the reader’s pursuit of Jesus Christ. Becoming a Disciple of the King is absent jargon, marked by the author’s own verve, and shimmering with an energy fitting to the Gospel itself. Pennington’s new gem of a book ranks as a first stop for anyone seeking to come to terms with Matthew for the sake of growing in worship and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew remains a remarkable museum of Christological painting, and Pennington serves as a first-rate docent. I for one am grateful. Give this book to the people you love!”

Mark Gignilliat