Matthew 4:23-25

Introduction

Movements that impact society are staples in our timeline of history. If I uttered names such as Nelson Mandela, James Baldwin, Martin Luther King Jr., Nikki Giovanni, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and Joan Mulholland our mind would instantly go to the impact they had to the rights of humans and the justice they fought for. We often celebrate the successes of those who fought for marginalized people but let us not forget the pains that coupled the success. The fact that it’s not commonplace for society to treat every human being with the adequate decency needed to live made space for efforts of Justice.

The gospels account of the ministry of Jesus begins in a very impactful way. In Matthew chapter 4 we are introduced to a number of individuals that impact the efforts that we are a part of today.

Jesus begins his ministry on the heels of temptation in the wilderness of Satan, and the fact that in verse 12 of Matthew 4, we see that John had been put in prison which we know that eventually leads to him being beheaded and becoming one of the first martyrs in this movement of following Christ. A lot of sacrifices had to be made, Peter, Andrew, James and John leave their family and their jobs in effort to follow Jesus. As we approach verse 23, we see that Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching and preaching and more importantly healing people that were marginalized in society. Many of the diseases and illnesses that people faced such as paralysis and epilepsy could not be treated effectively which pushed people to homelessness and begging. Jesus sets the example of us today. We have a responsibility, better yet and obligation to stand in the gap for those who are marginalized by the ills of society such as classism, racism, and capitalism which infringe on the rights and liberties that every human should experience regardless of what your skin color is, income bracket or physical ability is.

Impact Begins with Effective Preaching

We live in an era of innovation. Everyone is trying to come up with something that is innovative. In some regard it’s pushed us to try to use gimmicks in effort that people would be attracted to connecting to the local ministry. There is nothing wrong with innovation. Nonetheless nothing should supersede the importance of healthy, expository preaching and teaching to change the hearts and minds of men and women in the community.

Matthew 4:23 “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.”

Yes, it is phenomenal that Jesus healed people of all kinds of sicknesses, but beyond sickness there is an expectation of encouraging people to live a life that is pleasing unto the Lord. Regardless of the innovative nature of the ministry, it has to begin with sound preaching and teaching. That is what sustains the church. Each and everyone of us are called to teach and preach accordingly. Regardless of your specific call in ministry, we should all be able to share the gospel with somebody.

There were plenty of cultural implications that came along with ministry in this area. This being a very diverse area suggest the nature of Jesus’ ministry. The gospel is for everyone. Matthew 4:15–17 ““The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.””

Regardless of the region, regardless of the people Jews or Gentiles they were urged by Jesus to Repent, because the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. It does not matter who walks through these doors, the gospel is available for all.

Charity Begins At Home

The efforts begin with Jesus’ effectiveness in one community. I know that the challenges of this life as it pertains to equality and justice are a worldwide issue, but if we can’t help the people on our block what sense does it make to go to another side of town, or even across the world.

Jesus went throughout all of Galilee but his fame spread through Syria. When we are doing right by the people in our backyard, impact will spread the way it is supposed to.

Be mindful that before they brought people to Jesus, Jesus went out to help those who were in need.

Remember the great commission - Go ye therefore! We have to go out first.

There are people dealing with addictions on this block, there are people dealing with heartbreak on this block, there are people dealing with mental health issues, abuse, marriage problems, unemployment, incarceration, and starvation. There are enough issues on this block that if we focus on our backyard, we won’t have time to miss the people right next to us because we are too focuses on other places. Don’t get me wrong, I’m concerned with what is going on 1600 Pennsylvania, but that is not going to stop me from helping the person who is afflicted right here on the 1800 block of Genessee Avenue.

I’m concerned with what is going on at 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio 43215, but if I can’t help people in 43211 it doesn’t matter how many city council meetings I sit in, how many city council forums I go to. People right here in my backyard need help. I’m certain that in the capital city of Syria there were a lot of problems but as Jesus walked along Galilee there were people who were afflicted with various diseases right in front of His face.

The challenge is we let the idea of popularity push us to neglect the people right next to us for some sort of platform that we think we need. Regardless of the problem, we have enough resources right here in this sanctuary to lead people to Jesus.

Afflictions are different that just a simple problem. An affliction is a state or condition. This isn’t something that passes like a cold, this is something that impacts the way we live life. It was quite different that what we experience today. There was no American Disability Association. There were no handicap placards and accessibility ramps and parking spots. Disabilities thrust you into a place of oppression. Similar to a widow, these people were not able to seek a thriving life due to their condition and unfortunately many people in power took advantage of these individuals.

2 Samuel 19:24–30 “Now Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. And he had not cared for his feet, nor trimmed his mustache, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he returned in peace. So it was, when he had come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” And he answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. For your servant said, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go to the king,’ because your servant is lame. And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king, but my lord the king is like the angel of God. Therefore do what is good in your eyes. For all my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the king. Yet you set your servant among those who eat at your own table. Therefore what right have I still to cry out anymore to the king?” So the king said to him, “Why do you speak anymore of your matters? I have said, ‘You and Ziba divide the land.’ ” Then…”

Justice put David in a peculiar place, essentially they had taken this man’s land. A rightful heir needed his land restored to it’s rightful owner. Beyond that David granting this man who was crippled a permanent place at the royal table.

This is what the healing of Jesus does! Regardless of the affliction, salvation in Jesus Christ gives us a seat at the royal table! Jesus healed them and they followed Him. Regardless of what the affliction was Jesus heals them so that they have a chance just like everyone else!