Sermon for the Watford church of Christ
“Jesus at his core – Part 2”, Matt 4.23-25
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 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 paralysed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.” (Matthew 4:23–25 NIV11)
1. Jesus the Proclaimer, v23
Acts 10.38
A. Teaching
B. Proclaiming
“God’s kingdom — God’s sovereign, saving rule — was at last being unleashed upon Israel and the world, through him. How could this not bring healing in its wake?” Wright, N. T. Matthew for Everyone Part 1
C. Healing: Isaiah 35.5-6.
This is what it looks like when Jesus takes over the world.
2. Jesus the Healer, v24
A. News spreads
B. People bring those in need to Jesus
QUESTION: “How can we bring ‘healing’ to people today?”
What opportunities can we see?
What methods can we use?
What authenticates us? Activities of Jesus and his followers:
- Preached (engaging the will, disturbed the status quo)
- Called (engaging the life, disturbing priorities)
- Taught (engaging the mind, disturbed preconceived ideas)
- Healed (engaging the need, disturbing the hold of the devil over creation)
Pray to be alert to when you can engage in these……
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John
