Matthew 4:23-25, Jesus Ministers to Great Crowds

23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

Comments

This is a summation of Jesus’ early teaching, preaching, and healing ministry that Matthew will later expound. Matthew was concerned with geography, telling us the extent of Jesus’ influence in a short period of time.

The Decapolis was a Gentile confederacy to the northeast of Jerusalem, dominated by high Greek culture. Even though Matthew is often referred to as the “Jewish Gospel,” Jesus lived and ministered among Gentiles all his life.

Application/Reflection

Has someone ever said to you, “You have to meet so and so. I think you’ll really like them”? Sunday after Sunday, we gather at SJD to know Jesus better. Have you thought about introducing him to your friends? Think about who you can invite to worship with you on Sunday or perhaps join a small group.

Prayer

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you, bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 257)