Opening: When was the last time you went to a doctor or the
emergency room? Why did you go? Did you expect to get relief?
Scripture: Sunday’s message is our text today. Read Matthew 4:23-25.
Insights:
- Here is another passage about God’s healing power. Note that in verse 18-22, Peter, Andrew, James and John begin to follow Jesus; they witnessed Jesus’ healing ministry, which became part of their ministry in Acts.
- Verse 23 lists the three-fold ministry of Jesus. What are they?
- Most towns that had 10 or more Jewish families had a synagogue. The building served as a religious gathering place on the Sabbath and as a school during the week. The leader of the synagogue was not a preacher as much as an administrator. His job was to find and invite rabbis to teach and preach. It was customary to invite visiting rabbis like Jesus to speak.
Life Questions:
- If you were in the crowds around Jesus, what would you ask Him to heal? Why don’t you ask Him now?
- Are you uncomfortable being around sick people? It might depend what the problem is.
Prayer Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration, that we
would hear the Good News about the Kingdom, and that we see the needs of people
as Jesus saw them.
Tomorrow’s Message Title:
“The Church is like a… Hospital”
