Who is Jesus like? V. 1 After Jesus told his disciples to preach the good news, he himself taught and preached in many towns in order to bring more people to the kingdom of God. Jesus’ ministry produced the fruit that is our community. Let us remember this and give thanks to God.
Vv. 3-6 The work of the Messiah promised by God was fulfilled through Jesus’ teaching and healing ministry. Thanks to the work of Jesus, the blind received sight, the lame walked, those who had leprosy were healed, the deaf were able to hear, the dead were raised to life, and the good news was preached to the poor. This is the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation that was given to the prophet Isaiah (Isa 26:19; 29:18; 35:5,6; 61:1). Many Jews in those days did not receive Jesus because of their flawed expectations of the Messiah. In fact, they stumbled because of Jesus’ ministry. What is our expectation from Jesus?
What lesson is God teaching me? V. 2 John the Baptist, who was put into prison because he exposed King Herod, was sure that Jesus was the Messiah (3:11,12). However, now he doubts Jesus’ ministry. He expected that Jesus would judge sinners and build a new nation, but instead Jesus performed miracles and forgave sinners. How do you understand the ministry of Jesus?
Lord! Let me not reject the kingdom of God that Jesus builds, but receive it with joy.
