544. MAT 4:23, MAT 4:24. MIRACLES PERFORMED IN GALILEE

Mat_4:23, Mat_4:24. Miracles Performed in Galilee

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people: and his fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those who were possessed with devils, and those who were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them’97Mat_4:23, Mat_4:24.

The blessed Jesus went about doing good. Thus he began the work of his ministry. Thus he continued, until he could say, "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." It was necessary that he should establish his claim to the Messiahship, by the signs and wondrous works which he should perform. With miraculous performances he therefore began the publication of the great truths of his kingdom. The idea given of Christ in this striking passage, is that of great diligence. He "went about all Galilee." Itinerating through the whole district’97not waiting for the multitudes to come to him, he went forth to seek them, that they might become acquainted with the glad tidings of salvation, and become the subjects of his gracious kingdom. Observe, then,

I. The Saviour’s ministry.

II. The confirmation of that ministry.

III. The results which accompanied it. Observe,

I. The Saviour’s ministry.

1. It was personal. He preached and taught. Not by his servants and ambassadors only, but in his own person. Hence it has been quaintly remarked, "that God had only one son, and he made a preacher of him." It was distinctly predicted that he should be a teacher, and proclaim the good news. As the great antitype of Moses, the people were to hearken to him. "Grace," says the Psalmist’97speaking predictively’97"is poured into thy lips." Psa_45:2, &c.

2. It was gracious. He "preached the gospel of the kingdom." The good news of that spiritual kingdom of love and mercy, which he came to set up in the world. A kingdom of mercy and grace to be established on earth, for the salvation of guilty, perishing sinners. The reign of infinite compassion and pity among a rebellious race of transgressors. A kingdom in which the sceptre was one of mercy, and one which every traitor was invited to come and touch, and live. No news ever reached the ear of man so joyous and blessed, as that of the gospel of the kingdom: "The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."

3. His ministry was instructive. "Teaching in their synagogues." In the places erected for Jewish worship. Here he went, and met with the pious companies who repaired thither, and instructed them in the doctrines of the new dispensation. Opened to their understandings the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

4. His ministry was arduous and aggressive. "He went about all Galilee." It was his one great concern’97his meat and his drink. He labored incessantly’97diligently. He worked while it was day. He never faltered’97nor wearied’97nor turned aside. And he pushed his doctrines even into the synagogues. He knew that Judaism must be superseded, and therefore he urged the great truths of his kingdom, and endeavored to overturn, by his powerful declarations and arguments, all impeding principles and systems. Yet he did this in the spirit of meekness and love.

II. The confirmation of his ministry. "Healing all manner of sickness, and all manner of diseases," &c.

1. He supernaturally removed diseases. Not by any system of medicine; but by his word’97by the power of his omnific voice. He spake sickness and disease away from those who were afflicted. At his bidding, pain and disorders fled’97and health and vigor were bestowed. Thus too does he remove the disease of the soul, and imparts spiritual health to all who come to him.

2. He expelled devils. Those who were under the direct power of the devil. In whom evil spirits dwelt bodily. These were cast out by his word. Devils trembled and fled before him.

The human heart in its carnal state is under the power of Satan, and none but Christ can expel the strong one from the soul. He does this in every case where he exerts his converting power. All such are turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. He came that he might destroy the works of the devil.

3. He restored the insane. Those afflicted with lunacy. A kind of insanity which was supposed to be greatly influenced by the changes of the moon. These were restored to soundness of mind, and the enjoyment of perfect reason. All sin is madness. Men only come to themselves when they repent and believe the gospel, and are made the subjects of the Saviour’s renewing grace. And,

4. He recovered those afflicted with paralysis. The withered limbs had vitality and action conveyed to them. Hence, at his word the lame leaped as the hart, and the paralytic and apoplectic danced for joy. To the wasted paralyzed powers of the soul Christ imparts strength,’97and to the feeble and lame he gives ability to run in the way of his commandments. Observe in reference to Christ’s ministry,

III. The results which accompanied it. "And his fame went throughout all Syria," &c.

1. The power and grace of Jesus were celebrated. The people beheld and experienced his miraculous power, and they talked of it’97extolled it, and spread it far and wide. This ought to be done by all who have experienced his saving power. Every converted soul should spread abroad his mighty and gracious doings. "Come all ye that fear God, and I will tell you what the Lord hath done for my soul."

2. Multitudes were brought to Jesus. This was the result of his gracious fame being spread abroad. And this will be the effect when the people of God are faithful witnesses for Christ. It is the province of the Christian to bring others to Christ. Just as Philip brought Nathaniel, and as the woman of Samaria brought her neighbors to see the man who had told her all that ever she had done.

3. Much sickness and misery was removed. For it would appear that all were healed who came unto him. That no case was too desperate for his Divine skill and power. Hence health and joy were spread abroad, and disease and sorrow blotted out. Just so is it when sinners are brought to experience the healing influences of the grace of the gospel. Then the painful maladies of the mind are healed; and then the joys of salvation fill the believing soul. Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound.

Learn from this subject,

1. The divine dignity and power of the Lord Jesus. His miraculous works not only evinced his real Messiahship, but also were bright evidences of his power and Godhead.

2. The gracious and merciful character of the gospel.

3. The necessity of constant faithfulness, and diligence in the Christian ministry. And,

4. That the way to obtain spiritual healing and happiness, is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS