Scripture: 23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and He healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed Him.
Observation: Now that Jesus’ public ministry has begun, Matthew gives us a general introductory statement about the nature of his ministry. We’re about to get into His teaching ministry in the Sermon on the Mount (Chs 5-7). His kingdom preaching was basically announcing the nearness of God’s kingdom and calling people to repent in response. There are more detailed healing stories to come, but what may we observe in this summary introduction?
First, “news about Him spread.” Jesus was remarkable—in the literal breakdown of the word. His teaching, preaching, and healing got people remarking to one another about Him.
Second, the emphasis on Jesus’ healing ministry is on the breadth of His healing capabilities: “who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed.” This is quite a list. Jesus is not some one-trick pony. His authority over the realm of sickness is expansive.
These elements of Jesus’ ministry carry forward, in fact. Churches have been major players in building hospitals, schools, and churches, where the work of healing, teaching, and preaching can continue today.
Application:
What do you find most remarkable that you have experienced from Jesus — His teaching? His proclamation about the good news of God’s kingdom and call to repentance? His healing and miracle working?
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, show me to whom I can spread your news, whether fellow disciples to build up or curious bystanders to draw in. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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It was remarkable that Jesus, in such a short period, was able to draw in disciples, Jews and gentiles, to spread his teachings and the Good News. These few multiplied and grew into a worldwide movement. Really astounding.