S – Now Jesus began to go all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people

 Matthew  4:23 CSB

O – Commentary:

The work of the Lord was not limited to preaching. His deeds were as important as His words, for a great question in the minds of the Jews would be, “Can this One claiming to be Messiah perform the works of Messiah?” Matthew 4:23 is an important summary statement crucial to Matthew’s theme (cf. 9:35, almost identical to 4:23). Several important elements are included in this verse. (1) Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues. The ministry of this One who claimed to be King of the Jews was conducted among the Jews. He ministered in synagogues, places of Jewish gatherings for worship. (2) This One was involved in “teaching” and preaching. He thus was involved in a prophetic ministry for He is “the Prophet” announced in Deuteronomy 18:15–19. (3) He was proclaiming the good news of the kingdom. His message was that God was moving to fulfill His covenantal program with Israel and to establish His kingdom on the earth. (4) He was healing every disease and sickness among the people (cf. “teaching,” “preaching,” and “healing” in Matt. 9:35). This authenticated that He is indeed the Prophet, for His words were backed up by authenticating signs. All these actions should have convinced the Jewish people that God was moving in history to accomplish His purposes. They were responsible to get ready by repenting from their sins and acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah.

“Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – There was a “practical, hands-on” aspect in Jesus’ life.  Knowing he was speaking to the Jewish nation as their Messiah, these elements are tremendously important.  We must recognize his “hands-on” approach to us, which is in reading and learning his Word.  His promises and character are revealed to us in understanding His Word and spending time in a relationship with Him.  As it is revealed, we grow more like him.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and exalt you today.  Please reveal more of your promises and character to us.  Please give us the capacity to grasp and understand the mysteries of your word and who you are.  As we do this, give us the courage to align our lives with these principles and promises.