Matthew 4:12-23 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 4:12-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. Verse 13He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, Verse 14so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: Verse 15"Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles- Verse 16the 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." Verse 17From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
Verse 18As 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. Verse 19And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Verse 20Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Verse 21As 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. Verse 22Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Verse 23Jesus 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.
Devotion
I remember baptizing Jon in 9th grade. He was a star on the basketball team in Marshall, Minnesota. His friends invited him to come to confirmation and in his confirmation essay he wrote, "If it wasn't for a few of my friends, I wouldn't have learned that God loves me. I'm thankful that they did this for me. They did this because they love and care for me like God does." Just days before he was confirmed he was baptized and the confirmation class had a great celebration. He now is a dad, bringing his own children to church and raising them in faith. His life was changed all because of a simple invitation from friends to follow Jesus.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you see us as we are doing our daily work as Peter and Andrew and James and John. You call us to follow you and you send us out to tell the good news of your love and invite others to follow too. Amen.