Matthew 19:2

Monday, 20 April 2026   And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there. Matthew 19:2   “And they followed Him, great crowds, and He cured them there.” (CG)   In the previous verse, Jesus is said to have departed from the area of the Galilee and went to Judea, but this was done by going there on the other side of the Jordan. Luke complicates things because he speaks of being in Samaria on His way to Judea. Though nothing is said of it, that may have been a temporary diversion that precedes the travel on the eastern side of the Jordan.   As for the narrative in Matthew, Jesus is on the eastern side of the Jordan, where it next says, “And they followed Him, great crowds.”   This agrees with Mark, where it says that multitudes gathered to Him again. He had been in this area before. The zeal for following Jesus had not diminished, and the people readily sought Him out. Matthew continues, saying, “and He cured them there.”   As with everywhere Jesus went, people flooded Him with their needs. Matthew focuses on the physical aspect of Jesus’ dealings with them. On the other hand, Mark says, “He taught them again.”   There is no contradiction. Jesus taught and healed at the same time. Mark will focus on the teaching aspect, whereas Matthew currently highlights the healing. However, in the next verse, Jesus will begin teaching with many of the same accounts reflected in Mark. It is certain that many of the people came for healing and stayed for the teaching.   Life application: There is no need to assume that the accounts of Matthew and Mark are irreconcilable with Luke. However, Luke presents things not recorded in Matthew and Mark. Each of the gospels gives highlights of Jesus’ life and ministry in its own unique way.   Each author is focusing on what he feels his individual account will best be suited to convey. Where the gospels are perfectly in line with one another, people claim they are copied from one another. Where they diverge, people say there is an impossible-to-reconcile error.   It doesn’t matter which way they are presented. There will be people there to tear apart the word instead of trusting that it is sufficiently reconcilable when thought through. Remembering that accounts are not always chronological is also important. Quite often, things are presented categorically. This may further confuse the matter unless the point is remembered.   Think about what you read, mentally catalog things, and making notes and charts can help too. Keep in the word and let it transform your mind from the things of the world to the things of God.   Lord God, what an exciting adventure it is to read and contemplate Your word. It is such a treasure and a delight to seek out the secrets found there. Praises to You, O God, for this wonderful word that tells us about what You are doing to bring us back to You through Jesus! Amen.