Matthew 4.23, “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.”
Matthew 7. This chapter begins (7.1-6) by defining instructions and potential dangers for those in the kingdom of Christ. Here we also see a picture of what the ministry of the kingdom will look like, as it in some ways foreshadows Matthew 10. In these verses it becomes apparent that partakers of the kingdom must implement discernment in their ministries and desires as they take on the mind of Christ. They ask, seek, knock not for their own desires but in hopes that this kingdom may come to fruition. Therefore, we must fight prevalent practice of eisegesis in our current culture that seeks to take this text to support health/wealth gospels, social agendas, and the like, in favor of a pursuit of a kingdom. These traits separate a member of Christ’s kingdom from those who seek to enter by way of deception. Thus we see a dichotomy made between the way of wisdom and the way of destruction, mirroring passages from the Proverbs and Psalm 1.
Matthew 8. Matthew 8 begins by following the pronouncement of Matthew 7.28-29, “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” In the healing of the Leper Matthew provides a practical application of Matthew 5.17-21 where Jesus is described as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. He derives his authority from his divinity, and shows himself to be the messiah spoken of in the Old Testament. Christ serves as the embodiment of Isaiah 61 as he brings a transformation to the Leper making him clean. In his next miracle Jesus is approached by the Roman Centurion, a man who himself has great authority but stands subject to the authority of Caesar. Despite this, he immediately addresses Jesus recognizing that he represents a far greater authority as he heals the soldier’s servant. As Jesus is identified as one with the authority of God, he seeks to make it known that the cost of following him and his kingdom is of great consequence. In seeking to follow Jesus, a man must be willing to abandon all else, for nothing else can compare with this kingdom. As a fulfillment of the messianic expectation of the Old Testament, Jesus shows himself as the promised seed of Genesis 3, and the man of Isaiah 53. Jesus is not healing for healing sake but pointing those who might follow to the need of the crucifixion where Christ will deal with sin. Finally, as Matthew 8 draws to a close with the story of Jesus healing the demon-possessed men, he directs our focus to those who will neglect the authority of Christ, and do not believe. Many of those who should most easily recognize Jesus as the messiah often fail to rightly see that this messiah has come.
Matthew 9. The predominant theme presented in Matthew 9 is that Jesus takes on the prerogative of God. Through these various testimonies it becomes clear that the messiah has come and that Jesus has brought about the new covenant of Jeremiah 31. This exercise of authority shows Christ to be equal with God himself and picks up the idea of Ezekiel 34 that Jesus has come to Shepherd his people (John 10). Those who reject this notion show themselves to be partakers of another kingdom. However, as Jesus performs these miracles that have never been seen before it becomes apparent that he is the messiah that has come to establish his kingdom under the authority of his father.
Matthew 10. As we look forward to the message of Matthew 10 we do so knowing the good news of the kingdom. We will be afforded a glimpse into how Jesus commissions the disciples to take this command forward, as they seek to promote Christ’s kingdom.
From the overview of these chapters may we be challenged by the radical nature of Christ and his kingdom. As we long to see the fullness of this kingdom realized might we press on in our endeavors to fulfill the Great Commission. And finally may we evermore realize the praise and adoration due to this divine messiah who comes in full authority to establish his kingdom. May his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
~MES