Tested and Triumphant
Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. Matthew 4:25 · Berean Standard Bible
Huge crowds followed Jesus from every direction: Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. People from everywhere were drawn to Him.
These weren't all Jewish followers. People from Greek cities and foreign territories came too. Jesus's appeal transcended every boundary.
Matthew describes the massive, diverse crowds following Jesus.
The movement is exploding. People from every background are drawn to Jesus, setting the scene for His most famous teaching.
The crowds come from five regions: Galilee, the Decapolis (ten Hellenistic cities east of the Jordan), Jerusalem, Judea, and Transjordan. This geographic breadth indicates Jesus's appeal crossed ethnic, cultural, and political boundaries.
The Decapolis was predominantly Gentile territory. The inclusion of these followers alongside Judean crowds foreshadows the universal scope of Jesus's mission to all nations.
Matthew, describing the extent of Jesus's following.
The growing multitudes from every direction set the stage for the Sermon on the Mount, which Jesus delivers to this diverse assembly.
23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
24News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them.
25Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.
Read all of Matthew 4 — Forty days of hunger, three devastating temptations, and the devil's best offer — Jesus refuses every shortcut to power.
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