Matthew 4:23-25 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The ministry of Jesus.

Though he had called out workers he did not cease himself to work. In all holy ministries Jesus is the Worker. He exercised his personal ministry chiefly in "Galilee." This was in pursuance of prophecy ( Isaiah 9:1-7 ).

I. HIS GOSPEL CAME IN WORD . "Teaching … preaching."

1 . He taught in synagogues.

2 . He preached in the open air.

(a) "The kingdom." That with which no earthly kingdom can compare. Supreme in splendour. Destined to survive all others.

(b) The kingdom of grace. "Gospel"— glad tidings. The original name for our religion. Whoever receives it proves it to be so. "The gospel is the charter of that kingdom, containing the King's coronation oath, by which he graciously obliges himself to pardon, protect, and save his subjects. It contains also their oath of allegiance, by which they oblige themselves to observe his statutes and seek his honour" (Henry).

(c) The passage through the kingdom of grace into the kingdom of glory.

II. HIS GOSPEL CAME WITH POWER .

1 . He healed all that he met with.

2 . He healed all that were brought to him.

3 . Even the devils were subject to him.

III. HIS GOSPEL WAS WITH MUCH ASSURANCE .

1 . His miracles were demonstrative.

2 . Hence the spreading of his fame.