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
Annie’s simple sandwich board—an invitation to a free Wednesday night dinner—has become a living picture of Jesus’ words in Matthew 4:19: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” What began with just four guests that first Wednesday over nineteen years ago, has grown into a weekly gathering that over the years has fed thousands—even during Covid. Some travel by bus from Seattle to Edmonds, drawn not only by a meal but by fellowship, clothing, and the dignity of being seen and welcomed.
In the fellowship hall, a quiet miracle unfolds. The room becomes a shoreline where strangers become neighbors. The sandwich board becomes a call to community. And the people themselves form a net—woven together by compassion, generosity, and hope.
Annie didn’t set out to build a ministry; she simply opened a door. God did the multiplying. Where might God be inviting you to cast a small net of welcome today?
Prayer
God of Radiant Abundance and Welcome, amid our ordinary, messy and very busy lives, you provided the basic of needs by calling us into community through service that fuels heart, compassion and hope. Feed our imaginations with the light of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Interested in digging deeper into today’s text?
Read more here.