The Way of Jesus

INTRODUCTION:

If somebody were to write a summary of your life, what would it say?

Not what do you hope it would say. What would they actually say if they put pen to paper?

Would they write something positive? (He loved his family well. She was faithful to Christ. He served others sacrificially.)

Or would they say something else? (He was successful but cold. She was busy but distracted. She lived for herself. He chased after comfort.)

Every human I’ve ever known is complicated and nuanced. The thing about summaries is they’re simple and direct.

That’s what makes them so powerful. They strip away the complexity, the nuance and the noise. They get to the essence of a thing.

If you think about it, every obituary or tombstone has a summary statement of some kind.

Here are a few interesting examples.

David Livingstone is buried in Westminster Abbey. His grave is etched with the following words.

“Missionary, Traveller, Philanthropist. For 30 years his life was spent in an unwearied effort to evangelize the native races, to explore the undiscovered secrets, to abolish the desolating slave trade of Central Africa…”

Other’s are more simple or leave the world with a lasting message. The tombstone of John Wesley reads,

“The best of all is, God is with us.”

Sometimes it’s not the gravestone but the summary statement of history.

Abraham Lincoln is remembered as he who “saved the Union and freed the slaves.”

Jonathan Edwards is hailed as a “preacher of righteousness… consumed with the glory of God.”

Every life can have a summary statement because every human being lives a certain way.

Set the Table

How you live right now will shape the legacy you leave behind.

What are you living “for?” What’s your life headed “toward?”

Consider some examples from the Old and New Testament.

“Enoch walked with God; then he was not there because God took him.” (Gen 5:24) A whole life marked by communion with God!

“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries; Noah walked with God.” (Gen 6:9)

“Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, old and contented, and was gathered to his people.” (Gen 25:8)

King David was remembered as a “man after God’s own heart…” (Acts 13:22; 1 Sam 13:14)

Job was “a man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil.” (Job 1:1)

Barnabas and Stephen were “full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 6:5; 11:24)

Dorcas was “always doing good works and acts of charity.” (Acts 9:36)

Read The Text

The Scripture also has a summary statement for Jesus. It’s present in our passage today.

This passage acts like a newspaper headline for the public ministry of Jesus.

Let’s go ahead and read Matthew 4:23-25

Matthew 4:23–25 CSB

23 Now Jesus began to go all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 Then the news about him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics. And he healed them. 25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

This is not the only statement like this in Matthew’s gospel. There’s another one just like it in Matthew 9:35-36. They act as book ends for this entire section: teaching (Matthew 5-6) preaching (Matthew 7), healing (Matthew 8-9). Summary + crowds (Matthew 4:23-25, 9:35-36) .

Like every summary statement, this one focuses on “the core.” It requires our close attention to fully plumb the depths.

This summary also captures our vision as a church. The ministry of Jesus should be our ministry as well.

We envision God using Broadview to connect every person to new life in Jesus.

The enemy comes to kill, steal & destroy. Jesus came to give us life and life abundant.

We live in a world full of terrible brokenness. Every life is different but we share a similar problem. Our lives aren’t flourishing in the way we know they should.

But every broken life, Jesus can renew.

That was the point of the ministry of Jesus. That is the Gospel and promise of the Kingdom. That is the reason, large crowds began to follow.

With the time we have left I want to show you these things. They’re implied in verse 23 and further demonstrated throughout this gospel.

“Now Jesus began to go all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Matthew 4:23

THE TRUTH OF GOD

The ministry of Jesus had three key components: teaching in the synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.

You might think of these as the “words and works” of Jesus.

Matthew begins with a reminder of where it happened. “Jesus began to go all over Galilee…”

Galilee had 204 villages spanning 1,200 square miles (30x40) and housed 3 million or so people. (Cf. Josephus)

The phrase “began to go” is in the imperfect tense which conveys a continual systematic set of actions in the past.

Assuming Jesus hit two villages a day it would’ve taken 3-6 months to do the circuit. The sheer physical drain must have been enormous.

The first ministry Matthew mentions is Jesus’ ministry of teaching. Jesus was a itinerant preacher and teacher.

The Words of Jesus reveal the truth of God.

He taught in every synagogue of every village he would visit.

The town synagogue was the local hub for Scripture, prayer, and spiritual community among the Jews. (like our local church) (PICTURE)

It was common to have the visiting rabbi teach. Most itinerant preachers would repeat the same material but Jesus likely tweaked each message depending on his audience.

As you can see from the picture, it was essentially a large living room, bathrooms and a place for women/children. They could be as small as 10 people and as large as you could house.

One of my favorite memories in Israel was visiting the synagogue in Capernaum (Jesus’ hometown). We also visited one in Magdala and other towns as well. (PICTURE)

Reframe Your Vision

Coming in, Jesus would select a biblical text, explain it to the people then share why it’s significant.

If that sounds familiar to you it’s because we do the same thing every Sunday morning.

When Jesus taught the Scripture, he would present it in a whole new light. You see this again and again in the Sermon on the Mount.

“You’ve heard it said… but I say to you.” Jesus was reframing the narrative and correcting their worldview.

The religious leaders were blind people leading the blind. Jesus reframed the discussion so people could actually see.

As a teacher, Jesus reframes the way we see.

I choose the word “reframe” and “see” intentionally. Jesus wasn’t just teaching to “educate.” (giving facts to the uninformed)

Jesus presented the facts within the context of a better framework.

People are never as unbiased in their receiving of information. The words that we hear are processed through a certain framework.

You might call this a “worldview.” We have certain core assumptions about truth, goodness and beauty. These assumptions are established early on in our human development.

When those assumptions are inaccurate so is everything else built upon them. We may know “the facts” but interpret/apply them wrongly!

That’s why good teaching will shape their listeners at that level.

Transforming Truth

That’s why Jesus’ teaching included a call to “repent.” To turn away from counterfeits and embrace God’s good design.

Repentance is simply a change in your perspective. It’s reframing how you see so it aligns with what is true.

A good teacher will give you new lenses through which to see. You’ll see AND understand the world as it truly is.

Good teaching doesn’t just inform you of the facts. It connects the many dots so the facts can all make sense.

Which means the ministry of Jesus still happens today. We do that work every Sunday at Broadview Baptist Church.

One of our core values is to teach people biblical truth that transforms lives. If you want to “live well” in this world, you’ve got to first understand how the world works!

Teaching & Preaching

That leads us to the next verb Matthew assigns to Jesus. Jesus was a teacher but he was also a preacher.

Often these words are used interchangeably. When used together, there’s a subtle but important difference.

“Teaching” (διδάσκω) means to explain a truth so that you understand it.

“Preaching” (κηρύσσω) means to proclaim a truth so that you live beneath it.

Teaching has the aim of explaining what is true. Preaching has the aim of proclaiming what to do. Teaching appeals to the mind. Preaching appeals to the heart.

It’s not always a difference of style or even substance. The difference seems to be on the intention of the speaker.

Teaching is “truth delivered” for the sake of comprehension. Preaching is “truth delivered” for the sake of the hearers commitment.

In that way, teaching and preaching have a synergistic relationship.

Good preaching includes some teaching. Taught truths should shape the way we live.

You cannot preach a truth unless it’s understood.

Even truth you understand can be difficult to apply.

Teaching without preaching = informed but uninspired.

Preaching without teaching = excited but undeveloped.

Jesus refused both distortions. He was a teacher and a preacher who revealed the truth of God.

Reform Your Life

What made the words of Jesus unique from other teachers, is the way he spoke his words with absolute authority.

People were amazed that he spoke with such authority unlike the men who taught within the synagogues.

Jesus spoke with authority because he was sent from God.

He wasn’t lecturing on the laws of physics but the path to human flourishing.

True flourishing requires putting truth into practice. Sometimes we need a little nudge from a higher place!

Which leads to the next ministry of Jesus’ words. He taught people what was true but then told them “what to do!”

Jesus reframes the way you see.

Jesus reforms the way you live.

We also see this dynamic in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

When Jesus finishes the sermon on the mount he closes with an invitation. The truth wasn’t just “to hear” but to “put it into practice.”

“You have heard it said…but I say to you…” was always followed by specific commands to change the way you live. “Don’t do this… do this instead.”

If you understand the truth but refuse to live it out, the consequences are greater than living in total ignorance. “Every tree that does not bear fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Mat 7:19)

“Not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven. Only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

Only those who hear the words and PUT THEM TO PRACTICE will receive the blessings of wisdom. The fool may know the truth but never put it into practice. That life, when tested, will not survive the storm. (Matthew 7:24-27)

Gospel of the Kingdom

Which leads to the question of what Jesus came to preach. Matthew describes it as “The Gospel of the Kingdom.”

People throw around the word Gospel pretty loosely today. But the meaning of a word is determined by the context.

The Greek word translated Gospel just means “good news.” It’s a positive declaration meant for all to hear.

The “good news” Jesus preached was the arrival of “God’s Kingdom.” For a Jewish reader this phrase had a very particular meaning.

In God’s covenant promise to David, he promised an eternal throne. From David’s line would come a King who would be enthroned forever. (2 Sam 7:16)

The prophet Isaiah said of this child that “the government would be on his shoulders… he would be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6)

From desolation and death dry bones would live again. This Davidic King would be their prince forever. (Ezekiel 37:21-28)

The ruins would be restored and never fall again. (Amos 9:11-15)

Wolf and sheep would live together while toddlers played safely next to snakes. (Isa 11:1-9)

This Kingdom would crush all opposition and never be destroyed. (Dan 2:44)

God true and righteous king would rule with justice over all the earth. (Zech 14:9)

The Kingdom of Heaven would rule over all the earth. (Ps 103:19)

When most of us hear the word “Gospel” we hear “four spiritual laws.”

(God is holy, man is sinful, Christ died for sin, we must repent/believe)

That perspective on the Gospel is very focused on the individual. But the Gospel of the Kingdom brings redemption at a larger level.

Jesus preaches both perspectives but the language of “Kingdom” is cosmic. We are individuals citizens that belong to a greater whole.

This “kingdom of heaven” would one day swallow the earth. That’s what Matthew’s audience would’ve attached to this “good news.”

Which makes the preaching of Jesus all the more significant. It wasn’t a self-help manual. It was a royal announcement from God. Ready or not, the Kingdom is here and this is the way to receive it.

Personal Application

Taylor said last week, “The kingdom to which we belong is marked by the king that we follow.”

The preaching ministry of Jesus was bringing people into God’s promised Kingdom.

But entry into that kingdom would require a different way of thinking/living.

That’s what we’ll be focused on in the Sermon on the Mount. But before we get to that sermon, to which kingdom do you belong?

You’ll never receive the kingdom of God outside the Words of Jesus.

We need the teaching ministry of Jesus to show how to see. We need the preaching ministry of Jesus to show us how to live. We need knowledge of God’s truth and encouragement to live it out. .

That’s why Sunday worship is so important for your life as a Christian. Worship is the vehicle that enables King Jesus to reframe our vision and reform our lifestyle.

But it’s more than mere attendance. Some of you have been around Jesus’ teaching for years. You know the “content.”

But your life has not changed because you have never treated his Word like the Words of a King.

You’ve treated it like advice. And the kingdom does not come through advice. It comes through submission to King.

The question is not, “Did I learn something, today?” The question is always, “Will I do what Jesus says?”

Where is King Jesus calling you to repent? (Sinful habit? Harmful relationship? Spirit of Bitterness? Personal Compromise? Spiritual apathy?)

Let the teaching of Jesus reframe how you see. Let the preaching of Jesus reform how you live.

THE POWER OF GOD

But Jesus wasn’t just a teacher and preacher of God’s Word. Jesus was also a healer of suffering and affliction.

Matthew 4:23–24 CSB

23 Now Jesus began to go all over Galilee… healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 Then the news about him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics. And he healed them.

If the Words of the King reveal the truth of God…

The Works of the King release the power of God.

Notice Matthew’s emphasis on the universal language. Jesus healed “EVERY disease and sickness… they brought to him ALL.”

This doesn’t mean that Jesus healed every person but it does convey healing of every type of sickness.

Jesus met the need of every person brought before him. He didn’t heal every problem but he cared for every person.

As a result, the news of Jesus spread throughout the region. The Syrian boundary lines extended beyond Palestine. The popularity of Jesus became larger than they could imagine.

According to Mark, Jesus got so popular he couldn’t openly enter a city. He had to post up outside city limits so people come through word of mouth. (Mark 1:45)

The Miracles of Jesus

That Jesus performed miracles isn’t debated. It’s historically acknowledge by even unfriendly sources.

The question to answer about the miracles of Jesus is WHY Jesus did them at all.

The primary mission wasn’t the miracles but teaching and preaching the Gospel. The miracles were performed in service of the message. It was preaching that mattered most to the Lord.

He says this explicitly in Mark 1:38-39 and Luke 4:43.

Jesus had been teaching in the synagogue when a man demon-possessed interrupted. In response to the man, Jesus rebuked the man and cast out the demon leaving everyone in awe of his spiritual power. (Mark 1:27-28; Luke 4:36-37)

As they left the synagogue they went to Peter’s house where Jesus miraculously healed his Mother-in-law. (Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-39) Afterwards, every need in Capernaum was gathered outside on the porch. Jesus healed many people all through the night. (Mark 1:32-34)

Before the sun came up, Jesus got away to pray. Everybody in town was looking for him. When they finally find him they’re super excited because they know what could happen through this power.

But Jesus responds “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. THIS is why I have come.” (Mark 1:38; Luke 4:43)

Luke 4:43 CSB

43 But he said to them, “It is necessary for me to proclaim the good news about the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because I was sent for this purpose.”

Truth > Power

Jesus prioritized preaching OVER the miracles because that was his purpose from the Father. .

The miracles were signs in service of his message. They were evidence his Gospel was relevant and true.

Matthew makes this clear shortly after the sermon on the mount. He also records the healings at Capernaum. (Matthew 8:16-17)

“He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: He himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases.”

The prophet Isaiah said the servant of the Lord would be proven through signs and wonders.

Isaiah 35:5–6 CSB

5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy, for water will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;

This is why Jesus points to his miracles when John the Baptist starts to doubt. The evidence from God that Jesus was the Christ was because he fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy. (Matthew 11:4-6)

Jesus makes the same point when speaking to Phillip, addressing his doubt and insecurity. (John 14:11)

Restore Brokenness

The healings of Jesus were public verification that his Gospel had come down from heaven. (its why Jesus still heals us today)

The emphasis of Matthew isn’t that Jesus heals but what that healing demonstrates.

As healer, Jesus restores what sin has broken.

It was common then and now to assume sickness is punishment from God. According to Scriptures, that’s not always the case.

While affliction isn’t always a consequence of YOUR sin. The affliction we do experience only happens in a fallen world. It may not be our sin, but human sinfulness has broken our world.

The miracles of Jesus show his power OVER sin. He takes what sin has broken and he puts it back together. This is why physical healings are often accompanied by “forgiveness.”

Jesus is making clear that our affliction and sin are linked. If not through our choices than the choices of those around us.

Notice that Jesus heals from EVERY kind of affliction. Matthew clearly distinguishes the physical and the spiritual.

“They brought to him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics. And he healed them.” (Matthew 4:24)

The word translated affliction is the Greek word “kakos.” (reminds me of a Spanish word)

It an umbrella term for bad, wrong, evil, harmful etc. Every word that follows has a more specific connotations.

Various Diseases: (nosos) a basic term for any kind of physiological impairment. It’s prefaced by an adjective that conveys diversity and variety.

Intense pains: (Basanos) The best we have in English to get at this word is the idea of “torture.” It’s great suffering and distress due to adversity.

Demon-possession: (daimonizomai) This is a single Greek word that means “demonized.” To be under the power and influence of a dark spirit. These spirits are very real and still active among us today.

Epileptics: (Seleniazomai) This Greek word actually means “moonstruck.” The ancients made a connection between moon phases and craziness. (cf. Latin Lunatics/lunar) CSB uses “epileptics” because of the irrational movements of those afflicted with seizures.

Paralytics: (paralytikos) You can hear our English word in the Greek. It means a person disabled in the feet or legs. (lame)

Rules Over All

Matthew is being nuanced and comprehensive in his description of human brokenness.

Against the backdrop of all of that brokenness is the nature of Jesus’ ministry: “And he healed them.”

The word translated “healed” is where we get our English word “therapy.” (Therapeuo)

It’s not just just a word for miracles. It conveys the idea of making someone well, or giving someone a cure.

We use the word therapy in a broad sense still today. We have physical therapy, speech therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and more. Within every field, the goal is to bring a cure.

In a similar way, Jesus puts things back as they were meant to be. Within your body, within your mind, within your soul, within society.

The reason that Jesus can heal every kind of sickness is because Jesus rules over every power.

One of the things that stands out when Jesus casts out demons is the recognition and submission of demons to his power.

Jesus rules over spiritual darkness.

Matthew has been emphasizing Jesus as the King. But he’s not just kind of Israel he’s King over all the earth.

Principalities and powers in heaven and on earth, all of those things are under the sovereign reign of Jesus.

As Martin Luther likes to say, “Even the devil is God’s Devil.” There’s nothing that happens to a child of God that does not first pass through his sovereign hand.

Though God is never the cause of our sin and brokekenness. He is always able to work good within and through it. There is no human suffering our Lord cannot redeem.

THE WILL OF THE KING

Matthew closes with a description of the growth of Jesus’ ministry.

Matthew began to go into all of Galilee… (v 23)

News about him spread throughout all of Syria… (v 24)

Matthew 4:25 CSB

25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

All of these regions can be seen on this map. Jesus’ reputation at this point had extended far beyond Galilee.

The mentioning of the Decapolis and Galilee next to Jerusalem & Judea conveys the inclusion of many Gentiles into the movement.

Jesus came to fulfill God’s promise to his people Israel. But part of fulfilling that promise was to be a light for every nation.

Even regions “beyond the Jordan” began to follow Jesus. Typically the word “beyond” conveys “the east” in Christian Scripture. So most assume is the region of Perea.

Jesus came from heaven to seek and save the lost. Not just the lost from the nation of Israel but every tribe and people and language.

The will of the king realizes God’s Purpose.

I chose the “will of the King” because of verse 23. The word translated “began to go” is imperfect in the original language.

An imperfect tense verb means an action in the past that kept on happening again and again.

The reason the news about Jesus kept spreading is because Jesus refused to give up on his mission.

Can you imagine how easy that would’ve been?

Dealing with broken people while covering 1,200 miles on foot? The opposition, spiritual darkness and ministry care would’ve been exhausting.

But Jesus never gave up because Jesus cared for people. Jesus had compassion for the people.

Responds to Human Need

The word most used to describe Jesus’ heart for people is translated compassion in Matthew’s Gospel.

Matthew includes this word in his summary statement at the end of this major section.

Matthew 9:36 CSB

36 When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.

It’s one of my favorite Greek words. The meaning can be felt in the pronunciation: splagchnizomai.

It comes from the root “splagchna” meaning “inner organs.” Think heart, lungs, liver, intestines - the stuff you can’t lose without dying.

We have a saying today, “My heart goes out to you” that comes from this idea. But it’s not a trite saying it’s a deeply rooted mercy that can make you sick in your stomach because of the misery you see and desire to alleviate.

Jesus was moved with compassion in THAT WAY for people. And not just an “individual.” He felt compassion for the “crowds.”

Notice the progress. Jesus saw. Jesus felt. Jesus acts.

Jesus didn’t just see a crowd. He saw individuals - made in God’s image - with pain and brokenness he alone could solve.

Jesus responds to human need no matter what it is.

He loved people. And he loved people because the FATHER loves people.

God SO LOVED the world that he gave his one and only son. It was the love of God that sent Jesus into the world to be our savior.

Are you distressed and dejected like the crowds that Jesus saw? If so, he sees you too. He has compassion on your pain more than you can know.

Those words are so descriptive. Distressed means torn & flayed like a old pair of jeans. Dejected means to be thrown down, cast aside and abandoned. So many people in our world are feeling that way.

Used and abused and then tossed out in the trash. They’ve been crushed by life and abandoned by those who were supposed to lead them. Sheep without a Shepherd.

Requires Total Allegiance

Jesus would be your shepherd, he would lead you into something better.

But in order to get God’s Kingdom, you must be willing to follow his lead. You must submit to his authority.

That’s why Jesus puts the call of the disciples before the description of the crowds. The crowds are the reason Jesus goes to the mountain, but he turns aside to teach his disciples.

There’s a difference between the crowds and those we call disciples.

The crowd is driven by their appetite. Disciples give their allegiance.

Following Jesus requires our total allegiance.

Jesus didn’t come to earth to supplement your life. Jesus came to earth, to save you from your sin.

He inaugrated God’s Kingdom that will one day rule this earth. His invitation is open but requires your full submission.

The King to whom you bow will shape the kingdom in which you dwell. Have you bowed the knee to Jesus? If not, why not?

CONCLUSION

In the coming weeks we’ll keep exploring the Sermon on the Mount.

It’s the greatest sermon ever preached, and a blueprint for human flourishing.

I truly believe that every person can find new life in Jesus. Not just a different life. Not just a better life. The best life - life as it was meant to be.

Through Jesus every person can recover God’s Design.

Because of sin, our inclination is to deviate from God’s design. We end up loving the counterfeit, instead of God’s good design.

The beautiful thing about Christianity is way in which we’re “saved.”

It’s not something that we must do.

It’s not some test that we must pass.

It doesn’t require intelligence or superior moral effort.

The only thing required is humility to know your need.

Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek (surrender) for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.

Jesus has promised the blessing of God by grace through faith in his Gospel.

What would keep you from turning from sin and receiving this gift of God’s grace?