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
There it was perched on a rock, standing calm, patient, and majestic amid the anxious and mighty waves. The crown on its head stood proud and stoic. Its movement was ever so slight and steady. A determined look on its face suggested that something was about to happen. I stood only a few feet from this kingfisher bird, staring at it in amazement and awe!
Only one other time did something else catch my attention with such drive and excitement as did this kingfisher bird, and that was coming face to face with the one and only King Fisher, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I wonder if Simon, Andrew, James, and John were also mesmerized by Jesus’ presence. What was it about Jesus that caught their attention? What was it about Jesus that made them drop everything to follow him?
Prayer
O God, how awesome it is to be in your presence! You have caught our attention! Help us share your contagious presence with others, always knowing that our words and actions are rooted in you. Bless our fishing and our following. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.