(Read Matthew 4:17-25)
Introduction: In this lesson we find Jesus teaching in various places in
Galilee, saying "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at
hand."(v4:17) He called some disciples, who would later be appointed
apostles: Andrew and Peter, James and John. His
promise was to make them “fishers of men.”(v
19) Evidently they were impressed, because they left their fishing and followed Him
immediately (vs. 20, 22).
1. He went into the synagogues, preaching (proclaiming) the same (good) message, the
“gospel” of the kingdom. He demonstrated His power in “healing” all
manner of sickness. This attracted the attention of the people since they were being
restored to good health. However, the basis accomplishment
was proving that He had POWER! His fame spread to Syria. With His demonstrations of
power, great multitudes followed Him and. , He had a great deal of success in teaching
them about the kingdom.
2. Perhaps it was not unexpected that people would often follow Him for the wrong reasons, that is for reasons other than what He intended.
(cf. Jn. 6:26-27). People still do this today, being moved by expected material and physical benefits which they perceive to be
available or offered. Religious people (churches) are inclined to yield to such appeals.
Seeing that this is successful, they offer more and more.
But in doing so, they condition people more toward
materialism instead of spirituality, which is the prime mission of the church. (cf.
Lk. 19:10; Matt. 18:11.) Many churches show movies, provide centers for recreation,
entertainment, food and frolic. How sad!
3. As we examine the different types of sickness which Jesus cured, such as demon
possessed people being cleared of their problems, we see that Jesus had the divine power
and approval from God, just as He claimed. This was the prime purpose of the miracles He
performed. Too many people today often misunderstand the purpose of these miracle,
thinking that they were for the purpose of healing people (cf. Jn. 20:30-31; Acts 2:22).
We need to read what Paul tells us in regard to this. ( Read I Corinthians
13:8-10)
Questions:
1. What
was the basic message Jesus delivered to the people? (Matt 4:17)
2. Where
was Jesus doing His teaching in today’s lesson? (Matt. 4:18ff)?
3. Who
were the first disciples called and what was their occupation? (4:18-22)?
4. How
quickly did these four men decide to follow Jesus?
5. What
did Jesus promise to make of these first four disciples?
6. What
did Jesus do that attracted so many people?
7. Where
did Jesus’ “fame” spread and what did the people do? (4:24)?
8. How did Jesus show His power over Satan?
9. What
did the demonstration of power over sickness REALLY do? What was its BASIC Purpose?