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12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 "Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." 17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." 18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. 23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:12-23 NRSV)
Happy Monday, Friend. I pray that your weekend was blessed and wonderful in spite of things that distracted and disappointed. What thing or what person or group did you follow this weekend? Can I ask if you followed Jesus at any time this week? I don't need an answer, I just want your mind thinking.
This passage is about Jesus calling the first disciples according to Matthew. Remember, Matthew wrote his gospel with the Jewish people in mind and the Jewish scriptures backing the story he shares about the Jewish Messiah. He moved from Nazareth and moved to Capernaum by the sea, here comes the reference to the Old Testament, verse 14, "so that what had been spoken through the prophert Isaiah might be fulfilled." And the references about Jesus being the "light" for those "people who sat in darkness, "for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned."
Then Jesus shares His first sermon, "Repent for the kingdom of Heaven has come near." The sermon is simple but powerful and it hit the hearts of people. I would add His sermon is the same as John the Baptist's sermon which drew lines and lines of people to the Jordan River with people wanting their sins washed away.
It was by the Sea of Galilee that Jesus encountered two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew, His brother, busy at their work of fishing and Jesus offers this invitation, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Their response was immediate; they left their nets and followed Him. Jesus then comes to another set of brothers, James and John, sons of Zebedee; they were also called, and they also followed immediately, and they went with Jesus throughout Galilee, teaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
This what Matthew presented is that in the fullness of time, meaning the right time, God acted on our behalf. God sends His only begotten Son. The Son repeats John's sermon on being clean before the Lord, and He calls four disciples to begin His earthly ministry, a ministry not only calling, but providing that which brings the good news, curing and healing every disease and sickness among the people. This shows that God is the leader we need in our lives, now more than ever. Whatever the world may offer may look more attractive, but ultimately we realize that nothing lasts like the things that God offers to us. And the job Jesus asked of Peter, Andrew, James and John is still unfilled; we need to continue to reach people for Jesus; there is no better offer, no better deal. Jesus is the answer!
PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for Jesus and all that HE offers to us. As we pray, we remember what Jesus offers to us; healing and wholeness; the cleansing of our souls and hearts of our sin. Empower us to share Jesus like never before because the world so desperately needs Him. In Christ Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Fish for people, today and all days!
Receive my blessings of peace and love,
Pastor Eradio
PRAYER REQUEST: Please keep the Menking family OF FUMC - Gonzales in your prayers. Ronnie's mom Margie Menking passed away. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7 pm at Seydler-Hill and the funeral Thursday at 2 pm at Monthalia UMC.
