The Pattern of the King  

Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:23-25

  Jesus' pattern was to walk through the region of Galilee teaching in the synagogues. The hub of every Jewish community was the synagogue. It was the meeting place for prayer, study, and community activities. The synagogue's importance rose during the Babylonian exile. It is widely recognized that the synagogue system was one of the superb educational systems in history. The early church used the synagogue pattern for its worship services.
  Wherever there was a Jewish community there was a synagogue. Inasmuch as the temple existed for ritual sacrifice, the synagogue was the place for preaching, teaching, religious studies and new ideas to share.
  The pattern of service gave an open avenue to the ministry of the King. There were times of prayer, readings from the five books of Moses and the prophets, sermons and discussions. The synagogue was an open door.
  Besides teaching and preaching, Jesus also restored people to wholeness, bringing divine healing into their lives. The King released and empowered people to be their best. The Spirit of the Lord anointed Him to bring release and the realization of the Lord alive among them.
  We are also told that the King's ministry spread throughout the region, and the surrounding nations. Matthew is laying the groundwork for the next section of scripture. The next section teaches us the way, the lifestyle of this new community.

Discussion:

1. After reading Matthew 4:23-25 discuss the pattern of ministry of your local body; in your worship, in evangelism, etc. . . .

2. Are there open-doors in your community to minister to? What are they? If a plan of ministry in not in place, pray for one.

3. Jesus touched people at their point of need. Relate how preaching is effectual in our lives. 2 Chronicles 15:1-15; Jonah 3; Acts 2:14-41; Acts 8:5-12, 27-38; Acts 13:16-43.

4. Describe the consequences of proper teaching. Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 34:11; 78:5-8; Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 3:14-17.

5. Verbalize the persuading effect of the miraculous works of the Lord. Exodus 4:28-31; 14:25-31; Daniel 3:28,29; 4:2,3; John 4:48-53; 20:30,31; Acts 9:32-42; 19:11-18; Romans 15:18,19.

6. The local body of believers should be effectual in preaching, teaching, and healing. What would happen among us?

Discovery Section

  Who is this King? After studying the first four chapters of Matthew what have we discovered? I know in my own life there is a greater desire to know my King and His character so I can be a better example of who He is. To know Him better would effect every aspect of life. My home, church, and comunity would be affected in a positive manner.
  Matthew has brought forth our King in the wonderfully precise manner of a Jewish tax accountant inspired by the Holy Spirit. What has also been birthed in my life is a greater desire to read the word of God and for that word not to stop with me but to continue forward to those I can reach with this Good News according to Matthew. I pray you have discovered Good News!