Matthew 4:23-25
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Before you read today’s passage, read and meditate on these words from the prophet Isaiah:
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come…” Isaiah 61:1-2”
Now read Matthew 4:23-25 with these words in mind.
Everywhere Jesus goes he spreads shalom declaring and demonstrating that the Kingdom of Heaven has burst into the present age. He brings hope to the poor, comfort to the brokenhearted and freedom to people caught in the grip of physical, mental, or spiritual illness. Jesus’ presence among people is Good News.
Reread the words of the prophet Isaiah above and see if you fit into any of the categories of people mentioned: the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the prisoners, those in mourning.
What do you need from Jesus today? Share this with him and then get quiet and listen for a moment.
Read Matthew 4:23-25 again noticing the different towns and regions from which the people come to Jesus.
Matthew doesn’t explicitly say, but we can assume that there were many non-Jews among the people flocking to Jesus. It makes sense that Matthew would notice this because he, himself, had been an outsider among his own people because of his previous profession. But this rabbi, Jesus, looked beyond the surface of Matthew’s life right into Matthew’s inner self and considered him worthy of his presence.
It’s interesting to note that the crowds of people longing to be in the presence of Jesus share a common quality with Matthew – they are in need.
Think back to the needs Isaiah identified. Did any of them resonate with you? How keenly do you feel the need for Jesus right now? Talk to him about this and then listen to him.
As you listen, you might sense Jesus prompting you toward an action of some kind. If so, be sure to write it down and take a first step today.
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