23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. (Matthew 4:23-25 NIV)
Jesus Ministers to Great Crowds
Jesus Christ preached the gospel of the kingdom—the kingdom of heaven, a kingdom of grace and glory that surpasses all earthly kingdoms. The gospel is the foundation of this kingdom, containing both God’s promises to his people and their call to obedience. Christ himself went around preaching this gospel to confirm its truth and power.
He primarily preached in synagogues because they were places of religious gathering where people were already engaged in worship. The Old Testament scriptures were read there, making it a fitting setting for introducing the gospel of the kingdom.
Christ traveled throughout Galilee, tirelessly teaching and preaching. Instead of summoning people to come to him, he went to them as a sign of humility. He sought out sinners to save them. According to historical accounts, Galilee had over 200 towns and villages, and Christ visited most, if not all, of them. He was an itinerant preacher, constantly on the move, urging people to be reconciled to God. The diligence of Christ in his ministry is an example for ministers—to be diligent, steadfast, and persistent in spreading the word.
Christ was not only a preacher but also a powerful healer who demonstrated divine authority through his miracles. He healed every type of sickness and disease, even those considered incurable. His word alone was enough to restore health. Christ, as the sovereign healer, had authority over all illnesses, whether of the body or soul. Three particular afflictions are highlighted:
• Paralysis – representing the greatest physical weakness.
• Lunacy – symbolizing the deepest mental distress.
• Demonic Possession – showing the greatest spiritual suffering.
Since Christ’s healing was immediate, painless, and free of charge, multitudes flocked to him. People came not only from Galilee but from distant places like Jerusalem, Judea, and even Syria. His fame spread far beyond Jewish communities, preparing many to later receive the gospel.
The widespread reports of his miracles drew people to him, just as the fame of Solomon’s wisdom once attracted the Queen of Sheba. Often, those who sought him for physical healing also received spiritual transformation, as seen in the case of Naaman the Syrian. However, while many rejoiced in his healing power, not all accepted his teaching.
Jesus Christ did many miraculous healings and this is the meaning behind Christ’s Miracles:
1. It was a display of God’s power: The miracles Christ performed were undeniable evidence of divine power. They were public, instantaneous, and complete, proving that he was sent from God. His works aligned with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (Isaiah 35:5-6) and confirmed his teachings to be true.
2. It was a display of God’s mercy: Though Moses also did great miracles, they often brought plagues and judgments. Unlike Moses, Christ’s miracles were acts of healing and blessing. His ministry was one of grace and love, meant to draw people to God rather than drive them away in fear. His miracles showed the kindness of God and demonstrated that true religion is built on love, compassion, and service to others.
3. It was a spiritual message: Christ’s physical healing pointed to his greater mission which is to heal the spiritual sickness of sin. He is the Physician of souls, offering forgiveness and renewal. Just as he cured blindness, lameness, and disease, he came to give spiritual sight to the blind, strength to the weak, and healing to the brokenhearted. The gospel accounts of his miracles serve as literal records of his power and evidence of his work in salvation.
Christ’s ministry combined preaching and healing as proof of his concern for the soul and the body. He tirelessly spread the gospel while demonstrating his divine authority through miracles. Many believed in him for salvation because of his miracle – this included beneficiaries of his miraculous healing, families of the beneficiaries, and eyewitnesses. Yet, not all who experienced his power followed him as disciples. His miracles testify to his identity as the Messiah to whom all are called to come for true and eternal healing.