Sharper Iron — The Reign of Heaven Stands Near – Matthew 4:23-5:2: The Gospel of the Kingdom

https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/sharper-iron/20260612111537-2026-06-12_SI.mp3
Download Audio File

Even as a transitional text, these few verses reveal a great deal of the character of Jesus’ ministry. His teaching, proclaiming, and healing all bring His reign near as good news for sinners. Such ministry begins to draw crowds to Jesus from far and wide. Although not all the crowds come to saving faith in Christ, they still hear His teaching. As Jesus sits down to teach authoritatively, His disciples come to Him to listen to Him and receive His blessing.

Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 4:23-5:2.

To learn more about Christ Lutheran Church, visit christmarshfield.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.

Matthew 4:23-5:2

Jesus Ministers to Great Crowds

[23] And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. [24] So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. [25] And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. (ESV)

The Sermon on the Mount

5[1] Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

The Beatitudes

[2] And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: