A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

JESUS WENT TO THE PEOPLE  

Matthew 4:23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”  

Should we be taking Jesus to where the people are? This is actually a serious question because, at least in the United States, most Christians would say the way to “proclaim the good news of the Kingdom” is to build a beautiful church building and the people will come. Jesus never built a church. Instead, He went to where the people were. He did not wait for them to come to Him. He went to where they were and told them God’s plan of salvation.   

Jesus’ Great Commission says that while we are going, where we are going, we should make disciples. (Matthew 28:19) In these words of Jesus He tells us the way disciples are made. The making of disciples occurs through teaching the Gospel and baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  

Going begins at the home next to yours. It is something Jesus wants you and your fellow Christians to do in the community in which you live. People in your state need to hear about God’s love for them through Jesus His Son. This is true for the citizens of the United States and all people scattered throughout the 195 nations that make up the world. 

There is a pastor and his members in St. Louis who take Jesus to the Streets. In the seasons when the temperature is warm enough, rather than invite the neighborhoods to come to their church, they take the message of the Gospel to the local city parks where the people are. They conduct a V.B.S. for the children with them sitting on the grass.   

Jesus took the Gospel out into rural areas, villages, towns, and cities. Wherever there were people Jesus went calling them to repentance and telling them the good news of God’s plan of Salvation. He ministered to all ages telling His disciples to “suffer the little children to come to Me for of such is the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:14) 

Prayer: Jesus, create in me and my fellow followers of You a passion to spread the Good News of Salvation to people wherever they live. In Your holy name. Amen. 

Refrain:  Listen, listen, God is calling Through the Word inviting,
Offering forgiveness, Comfort, and joy. 

Jesus gave His mandate: Share the good news
That He came to save us. . . . And set us free Refrain: 

Let none be forgotten Throughout the world.
In the triune name of God Go and baptize. Refrain: 

Help us to be faithful. Standing steadfast.
Walking in your precepts. . . Led by Your Word. Refrain:  (LSB 833)