The Healing Messiah Of Matthew in Matt 4:23-25

Abstract

The article examines a key passage from the gospel of Matthew that showcases Jesus as a healing messiah. Focusing on the first summary statement of Matthew and through the preliminary, exegetical, and theological analysis of the pericope (Mt 4: 23-25), it explores Matthew’s uses of 0cpa7t8uwv along with didaoKcov and Kripuoocov. Though the verb 0epa7t£ua) is used by Mark and Luke in their parallels to Mt 4: 24 (Mk 3:10 and Lk 6:18), Matthew develops the description of the healing ministry in considerable detail. Matthew redacts Markan material to depict Jesus primarily as a healer. The article highlights the comprehensive nature of Jesus’ healing ministries as it presents Jesus as the Messiah of the word and deed. According to Matthew the whole activity of Jesus’ teaching, preaching, exorcisms, and healing is messianic. In this way, the significance of healing messiah who heals all diseases and infirmities is concerned with the desire to see scripture fulfilled. The article not only sheds new light on the miraculous nature of Jesus’ healing ministry, but also underscores its profound spiritual and physical significance for those who witnessed and experienced his transformative power. It invites us to put our trust in the Matthean Healing Messiah.