Christian Quest
Lesson 8
Early Ministry Miracles and Teaching
Part 1 of 2 - Matthew's View

Reading:
Matthew chapters 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

As we have seen in the previous studies, Jesus' early ministry was focused on gaining credibility for his divine appointment from God through performing healings and other miracles in conjunction with his teaching. By curing the sick and lame in conjunction with compelling exhortative discourses, his renown as a healer spread fast, like a grassfire in wind. The strategic location of Capernaum, the seat of his early ministry, on the main trade route between the world's major empires, served his reputation to spread by the traffic of merchant caravans and travelers who passed through on their way to far places. Multitudes began to follow him wherever he went for him to teach them. People began to come from everywhere for healing. He would teach them on hillsides, beside the Sea, and in synagogues. He clarified the teachings of the Law with authority that the religious Jews were not accustomed to which offended their leaders. As his fame and the numbers of his disciples grew, it became no small concern of the Jewish religious hierarchy and Herodian government in Judea, who very quickly began to plot his demise.

Jesus chose the twelve apostles to teach them and to have them serve with Him during His ministry so that they could carry on the mission of spreading the good news about Him after this death and ascension. They were chosen after Jesus prayed all night (Luke 6:12-16), and included two pairs of fishermen brothers, a tax collector, and a traitor. Among them, Peter, James, and John were especially close to Jesus. As they were both from among the disciples and chosen as apostles, the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably in reference to these men. However, disciple carries a broader meaning of pupil or follower, whereas apostle generally refers to a person sent with a special message or commission (John 13:16). When Jesus appointed the twelve, He definitely had the specific mission in mind for them to carry on His work after He ended His earthly ministry.

The Apostles did not have a full understanding of Jesus' mission and the necessity for His death (Matt. 15:16) during his brief sojourn with them (less than 3-1/2 years). The full realization of their commission did not become clear until after His ascension, on Pentecost, when they were empowered by holy Spirit and filled with new boldness and understanding. They eventually would become powerful witnesses in Jerusalem and surrounding regions in spite of harsh persecution and even martyrdom of some for their faith.

Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees

Scribes were the copyists, translators and interpreters of religious Jewish Law for the Priests and Pharisees in Palestine. Pharisees and Sadducees were the two major sects or special-interest groups among the Jews in New Testament times. Although the two groups were diverse in various ways, Jesus would have confrontation with both parties at different times during His ministry.

The word "pharisee" means separated. The word aptly applied to these religious leaders who felt compelled to segregate themselves from people who did not observe the laws of tithing and ritual purity. The Pharisees exerted a powerful influence over the Jewish people in Jesus' time. They supported the scribes and rabbis in their interpretation of Moses' Law, which by then had become more authoritative and binding than the law itself. Jesus often challenged the traditional interpretations and magnified rules for minute points that were imposed on the people in every aspect of their conduct.

Jesus association with the down-trodden and people regarded with low esteem, and his sensitivity to the needs and pain of individuals, often brought Him into conflict with the sanctimonious Pharisees. Seeing the growing numbers from their flock turning to follow this maverick descendent of King David, they grew alarmed and sought to have him executed. They tried to trick him into saying things that would be taken as heretical or disloyal to Rome and Caesar. Yet there were some Pharisees who were not as strict for legalism as others, and showed favor toward Jesus; Nicodemus (John 3:1-2), Joseph of Arimathea (Luke 23:50-53), and Gamaliel (Acts 5:34-39). And eventually, the conversion of Saul who became the Apostle Paul to the Gentiles.

The Sadducees were the elite of Jewish society. They were priests, merchants, and aristocrats who supported the Roman authorities and therefore enjoyed a privileged status under Roman rule. In contrast to the teachings of the Pharisees, the Sadducees adhered to the pure Law of Moses and rejected the interpretations of the scribes and rabbis. Also unlike the Pharisees, they did not believe in a resurrection from the dead nor life in the hereafter, a belief that was challenged by Jesus on at least one occasion (Mark 12:18-27). They too felt threatened by the growing popularity of Jesus among the Jewish people.

Our study continues with Matthew's account of the early ministry and miracles and discipleship of Jesus.

Synopsis

Matthew chapter 8:
The Leper is cleansed (Also Mark 1:40-44; Luke 5:12-14)
The servant of a Roman centurion (soldier) healed. (Also Luke 7:1-10)
Peter's mother-in-law healed (Also Mark 1:29-34; Luke 4:38-41)
Importance of discipleship (Also Luke 9:57-62)
Jesus calm's the storm (Also Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25)
Healing the demon-possessed, to swine in Gadara (Also Mark 5:1-17; Luke 8:26-37)

Matthew chapter 9:
Paralytic forgiven and healed (Also Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26)
Matthew (Levi) is called to be a disciple (Also Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27, 28)
Disciples eat with sinners (Also Mark 2:15-17; Luke 5:29-32)
Disciples questioned for not fasting (Also Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39)
Life restored to a girl and a woman healed (Also Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56)
Jesus heals two blind men and a mute
Harvest is great, the laborers are few

Matthew chapter 10:
The twelve Apostles' commission and instruction. (Also Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6 and 12:2-10)

Matthew chapter 11:
Messengers from John the Baptist (Also Luke 7:19-30)
Woes to unrepentant Cities (Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum) (Also Luke 10:12-15)
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden"

Matthew chapter 12:
Picking grain to eat on the Sabbath (Also Mark 3:23-28; Luke 6:1-5)
Jesus heals man with the withered hand on the Sabbath (Also Mark 3:1-5; Luke 6:6-10)
Pharisees began to plot to kill Jesus (Also Mark 3:6-12; Luke 6:11)
The unpardonable sin against holy Spirit (Mark 3:22-29; Luke 11:17-23)
Pharisees demand a sign - None but the sign of Jonah (Luke 11:24-32)
The true kinship of spiritual family

Optional research:

Review questions:

Optional discussion: What did Jesus mean that his disciples were his true family? Was he rejecting his mother and brothers?

Next study: Early Ministry Miracles and Teaching - Part 2 of 2, Luke's views