Memorize & Ponder for April 6
The Course of the Public Ministry
Matthew 4:23-25 (NRSV)
Jesus went throughout Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues
and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom
and curing every disease and every sickness
among the people.
So his fame spread throughout Syria,
and they brought him all the sick,
those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains,
demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics,
and he cured them.
And great crowds followed him from Galilee,
the Decropolis, Jurusalem, Judea,
and from beyond the Jordan.
Throughout 2014, the Christian community at Brentwood Presbyterian Church is getting to know Jesus, the Christ, in a refreshing and transformative way. We invite you to listen for what the Spirit is saying in the text, then question how those insights might change the ways you see things and act in the world. Share your thoughts during the week on the meaning the Spirit creates for you in this text by posting a comment here.
A Provocative Ponder
Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us provoke one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together … (Hebrews 10:23-25a)
It’s basically a public ministry of teaching and healing. That’s what this text suggests.
From those activities arise fame and following.
Matthew is quite detailed in this text about the kinds of healings that took place and the various locales from which the followers came – every kind of disease and every locale imaginable.
Consider these questions this week:
• What kind of diseases need healing in our day?
• Where are the people who need healing?
• How do we, as the church, best witness to the healing power of Jesus Christ?
And a reminder to invite your friends and neighbours to contribute suitcases and diapers to our community service projects.