Matthew, chapter four, because chapter 5 is coming on quickly! In verses 12-25 Matthew covers six significant things that hallmark Jesus' fruitful ministry:
1) Matthew points out again the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus choosing to minister in despised Galilee. Galilee was described at this time in history as consisting of just over 200 small villages, each about 15,000 inhabitants. It was looked down on by the Jerusalem inhabitants because of a larger Gentile population. But Matthew continues to demonstrate to his Jewish audience that Jesus is the Christ for all people.
2) Jesus' message is "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." The fact that His message is the same as His forerunner's, John the Baptist, shows the consistency of the Gospel. A convicting point to realize with His message is that by saying, "Repent" Jesus communicates His knowledge that everyone is a sinner. In other words, He doesn't say, "Let me see how you're living and then we'll just work out the kinks." Instead He confronts head on that a head and heart change is necessary to live in the kingdom of heaven. Repent!
3) Jesus calls His first disciples. Reading the background on this one really confirmed some things for me in considering how exactly God sovereignly works. More than one commentary pointed out specifically that while in Judaism the tradition held that the disciple chose his rabbi, Jesus turns man's choice on its head by demonstrating that He chooses His disciples. And when He chooses them He gives an ironclad promise that He will make them fishers of men. Jesus chooses us and makes us His servants. Wow! No wonder humility is needed to be a true believer--you have to accept your place and your calling under His sovereignty. All us control freaks cringe. Praise the Lord!
4) Jesus preaches the good news of the kingdom. He is here. He has specific principles for those who wish to live in His kingdom.
5) Jesus teaches in the synagogues. He explains His principles. The next chapters of 5-7 are the explanation of this point.
6) Jesus heals every disease and sickness among the people. It was a real light coming on in a dark room for me to realize that physical healing points to the greater spiritual reality. It was a lesson hard learned after my son's death and brought great comfort in the learning curve of grief that teaches eternal over temporal. One day I'll more specifically blog about that part of it, but for this post, see that as Jesus preaches the good news and teaches how to live in it, He gives the visible illustration of wholeness through physical healing.
There's tons more in this chapter because the Living Word is inexhaustible in fullness, and I hope that if this study has been helpful to you that you will pursue even more of His precious truth. may God bless your pursuit.
Elle, I am enjoying your excellent posts in this series. My lack of comments reflects lack of time to write a thoughtful comment, not interest. I read thru Matthew a few weeks ago, but have gone back to read and think along with you. What a glorious gospel!
ReplyDeletewhile in Judaism the tradition held that the disciple chose his rabbi, Jesus turns man's choice on its head by demonstrating that He chooses His disciples. And when He chooses them He gives an ironclad promise that He will make them fishers of men. Jesus chooses us and makes us His servants. Wow! No wonder humility is needed to be a true believer--you have to accept your place and your calling under His sovereignty. All us control freaks cringe. Praise the Lord!
ReplyDeleteLove it!
Coming up for air to tell you that your posts are always a blessing!