Matthew 4:12-25

Matthew 4:12-25

1. Let us notice the way in which our Lord commenced His mighty work.
2. Let us notice the first doctrine which the Lord Jesus proclaimed to the world.
3. Let us notice the class of men whom the Lord Jesus chose to be His disciples.
4. Let us notice the general character of the miracles by which our Lord confirmed His mission.

"The brightest days of the Church have been those when preaching has been honored. The darkest days of the Church have been those when it has been lightly esteemed."

"No Christian teaching can be called sound, which does not constantly bring forward "repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.""

"Is a man humble? Does he feel his sins? Is he willing to hear Christ's voice and follow Him? If this be so, he may be the poorest of the poor, but he shall be found as high as any in the kingdom of heaven. Intellect and money are worth nothing without grace."

"He rejected no one who came to Him. He refused no one, however loathsome and diseased. He had an ear to hear all, and a hand to help all, and a heart to feel for all. There is no kindness like His. His compassions fail not."

Questions:

1. These verses tell us of the beginning of Jesus' ministry, and we learn that the office Jesus fulfilled was that of preacher. In fact, if we just read through the gospels, we might sometimes think that Jesus is primarily a healer, but here and in Mark 1:38 we learn he is primarily a preacher who stops to heal as he goes. Does this surprise you? Ryle highlights the importance of preaching from this as well. He tells us to use the means of worship reverently but never to place them above preaching. Do we value preaching like this?
2. We see, also, that the first doctrine Christ proclaimed was that of repentance. Ryle says that repentance lies at the bottom of Christianity, that it is essential for salvation, and that no Christian teaching can be healthy without it. So much preaching in the West today sadly cares more about one's self-esteem and feeling good about ourselves instead of calling us to repentance (which can then lead to a God-esteem). In the list of doctrines you know, does repentance have the same importance to you as it does to Jesus?
3. Ryle points out three general characteristics of his miracles. First, he says that they were meant to teach us His power, which should encourage us in his ability. Second, he says the are types and emblems of his skill as a spiritual physician. If no physical ailment was too difficult for Jesus, then clearly our broken hearts, wounded consciences, and sin-infected lives are not too hard for him to heal either. And third, they also show us his heart of compassion. Ryle says, "He had an ear to hear all, and a hand to help all, and a heart to feel for all." Which of these is new to you? Which one will you take some time to consider more about our Savior?