God’s Saving Word: Love
Introduction
Matthew 4:12-25: Jesus moves north to Capernaum and begins his public ministry in Galilee. He calls his first four disciples and travels throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing the sick.
Scripture Reading
Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee
12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he went away to Galilee. 13 He did not stay in Nazareth, but went to live in Capernaum, a town by Lake Galilee, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This was done to make come true what the prophet Isaiah had said,
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
on the road to the sea, on the other side of the Jordan,
Galilee, land of the Gentiles!
16 The people who live in darkness
will see a great light.
On those who live in the dark land of death
the light will shine.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach his message: “Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”
Jesus Calls Four Fishermen
18 As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two brothers who were fishermen, Simon (called Peter) and his brother Andrew, catching fish in the lake with a net. 19 Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people.” 20 At once they left their nets and went with him.
21 He went on and saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat with their father Zebedee, getting their nets ready. Jesus called them, 22 and at once they left the boat and their father, and went with him.
Jesus Teaches, Preaches, and Heals
23 Jesus went all over Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the Good News about the Kingdom, and healing people who had all kinds of disease and sickness. 24 The news about him spread through the whole country of Syria, so that people brought to him all those who were sick, suffering from all kinds of diseases and disorders: people with demons, and epileptics, and paralytics—and Jesus healed them all. 25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee and the Ten Towns, from Jerusalem, Judea, and the land on the other side of the Jordan.
Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach his message: “Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”
Reflect
What invitation did Jesus extend to Simon Peter and Andrew (verse 19)? What did James and John do when Jesus called them (verses 21, 22)? In what ways does your community of faith invite and welcome people? Reread verses 23-25. How is Jesus’s ministry described? What did you learn about Jesus from these verses?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you have called me to follow you. Guide me each day and empower me to share the Good News and extend your Kingdom so that all may know of your love and salvation. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 23: The LORD is our shepherd.