Teach and Preach in the Towns of Galilee
Date: May 2, 2024
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse (Matthew 11:1, NIV): "After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee."
L - Listen for God's Voice and Pray: "Lord, help me to discern your voice clearly amidst the noise of life, and give me the courage to follow wherever you lead."
E - Explore the History and Meaning: Matthew's Gospel, including Chapter 11, was likely written between AD 80 and 90, by Matthew the tax collector, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. It was addressed to a Jewish-Christian audience, possibly in the city of Antioch, Syria, or in Palestine. The purpose was to present Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and as the Messiah promised to the Jewish people.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"Finished instructing": Indicates the completion of a specific teaching or training phase for Jesus' disciples.
"Went on": Highlights Jesus' proactive movement and ministry beyond his immediate disciples, spreading his message to broader audiences.
"Towns of Galilee": Refers to the region where Jesus focused much of his ministry, particularly among the Jewish population.
S - Summarize and Share:
In Matthew 11:1, we witness a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. It's a scene where he transitions from instructing his disciples to actively spreading the message of the kingdom throughout Galilee. This transition reminds me of moments in my own life where I've felt a sense of calling or a shift in direction. Just as Jesus moved from one phase of his ministry to the next, there are times when I've sensed God leading me into new opportunities or seasons of growth.
As I reflect on this verse, I'm reminded of the importance of embracing change and following God's leading, even when it takes me out of my comfort zone. Like Jesus, I want to be obedient to the Father's will and willing to step out in faith, trusting that He will guide me every step of the way. It's not always easy to leave behind the familiar and venture into the unknown, but I find comfort in knowing that Jesus himself experienced similar transitions in his ministry.
This verse encourages me to be open to God's leading in my life and to be willing to go wherever He calls me. Whether it's teaching, preaching, or simply being a witness for Christ in my daily interactions, I want to follow Jesus' example and share the message of the kingdom with those around me. As I do, I trust that God will use me to impact lives and further His kingdom here on earth.
4 Bible Cross References:
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."
Mark 1:14-15 - "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'"
Luke 4:43 - "But he said, 'I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.'"
Acts 10:38 - "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God was with him."