When you think of the ministry of Jesus, what comes to your mind?
Matthew introduces us to Jesus’ ministry that included preaching, teaching, calling the first disciples and bringing healing to many (Matthew 4:12-25).
First, the beginning of preaching ministry of Jesus is introduced (vs.12-17). It appears that Jesus returns to Galilee because of John the Baptist’s imprisonment in Jerusalem. “Capernaum” could possibly be “village of Nahum” with a strong fishing business and possibly a tax collectors booth near the area for fisherman to pay their taxes (wink to Matthew). Peter’s home was here too (8:14).
Matthew points out the connection to the Gentile world of Zebulun and Naphtali. Jesus’ move to ministry in this area is a fulfillment of more Prophecy (Isaiah 9:1-2) which is all part of Immanuel’s coming. In despised Galilee, the place where people live in darkness (i.e. no religious system like Jerusalem), the land of the shadow of death the Light has dawned. Jesus has come to call sinners, not the righteous (9:13). This is a major turning point in the Gospel of Matthew, like 16:21 and 26:16 using the phrase “from this time on.”
John the Baptist and Jesus have the same message, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” When John says these words it is in the OT context of a coming Messiah. When Jesus says these words it is fulfillment of the OT prophecy that he is the Messiah shine the Light of the Good News on the whole world.
Second, Jesus calls the first disciples to come follow him in discipleship (vs.18-22). There might have been some time lapse between events. The Sea of Galilee was 12 by 8 miles in size and 682 feet below sea level. This was good fishing! Peter and Andrew were casting their net. They were fishermen. Jesus is calling these men to “follow me” – a physical following. “Come follow me around and learn from me as students.” Jesus wanted to make them “Fishers of Men” – to help me catch men for the Kingdom of God. This provides a straight line to Matthew 28:18-20 – to make disciples. Jesus’ message has been the same all the way through his ministry. Next, he would call James and John who were “mending their nets.” Jesus “calls them” and immediately they obey! It is assumed they left to become traveling students with Jesus to help others “repent” to come into relationship with Jesus and his Kingdom.
Third, Jesus begins to spread the good news of the kingdom (vs.23-25). These verses look like Matthew 9:35-38, although there are distinctive features. First, the geographical extent and varied activity of Jesus’ ministry. Second, this prepares for future ministry and shows just a sampling of Jesus’ ministry. Third, there is much theological substance. Some see verses 23-25 as a first traveling circuit of Galilee and Matthew 9:35-38 as a second circuit, but it could just be summary of ministry.
Jesus’ ministry included teaching, preaching and healing. The Galilean ministry is small at around 70 by 40 miles. Interestingly, Josephus a generation after Jesus said that Galilee had 204 cities and villages with no fewer than 15,000 persons totaling about 3 Million people. It would have taken Jesus and his followers three months at a rate of 2 villages per day to visit them all. No time off for the Sabbath. This would have been a big physical drain. He would have been repeating “Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is near” hundreds of times. He would have faced illnesses, problems, and the same needs over and over again.
Another one of his ministries would have been “Teaching in the Synagogue” (9:35 and 13:54). Visiting Jews could ask to teach in the Synagogue. The Message was “good news” (euangelion or “the gospel of the kingdom”). It shows up again in 9:35 and 24:14, but becomes the “Gospel” in 26:13. The ‘good news’ concerns ‘the Kingdom.’ The ‘nearness’ has been announced. This is central to the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7). The gospel of the Kingdom is all about the inbreaking of Jesus’ saving reign as Messiah. The “healing” was an authentication of the Messenger. This attests to the nearness of the Kingdom and it’s advance. This shows that the Kingdom has come, but is still coming in Davidic Reign (Revelation 21:3-5). Jesus is saying, “Let me say this about the Gospel of the Kingdom and back it up with healing the miraculous.”
Word spread to “Syria” to the north of Galilee, a Roman Providence (vs.24). News is spreading and excitement about Jesus is increasing. Jesus’ reputation is extending far beyond Galilee, even though this is where the Light of the World dawned. Many followed after him to see what this man was all about as he kicked off this ministry of the Kingdom.
Conclusion:
1. The Gospel of the Kingdom in Jesus has begun to bust into the world.
2. Being part of Jesus’ Kingdom involves repenting or believing in Jesus.
3. This Involves calling Disciples to learn from the King and to experience the Kingdom.
4. The Kingdom spread quickly and to a great distance.
5. In order to authenticate Himself as Messiah, Jesus healed people showing the world will be fully healed one day when the Kingdom is fully realized.
6. You too can receive the Gospel, follow Jesus and share this good news with others helping them be part of the Kingdom.
What do you think?
