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
Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow him in his ministry, offering them opportunities to learn from him along the way. They were willing to follow Jesus, to move in a new direction with him, without knowing where they were going, what they would be doing, and what would be the end result. Were they scared? Probably. But their fear was overcome by the presence of the holy, their days became sacred as in their following they became more and more aware of what they could be and do with Jesus’ presence in them. And just think of all we can be and do with Jesus’ presence in us as we follow their example of being a disciple of this Jesus!
Prayer
O God, we thank you for calling us to be your followers, and for giving us a myriad of opportunities to learn and serve in your name. Help us by turning those scary moments into sacred moments, knowing that you are always with us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.