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
Matthew 4:12–23 invites us into the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, a moment filled with purpose and promise. After John the Baptist is imprisoned, Jesus moves into Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy and proclaiming a message that still stirs hearts today: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In a region overshadowed by spiritual darkness, Jesus brings light, reminding us that God often begins transformative work in the most unlikely places.
As Jesus walks along the Sea of Galilee, he calls four ordinary fishermen—Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Without hesitation, they leave their nets, their routines, and their security to follow him. Their bold obedience challenges us. When Jesus calls, do we cling to what feels safe, or do we trust his leading enough to step into something new?
Where do you sense his voice most clearly? What new venture might he be inviting you to begin? His call still echoes—how will you respond?
Prayer
God of Radiant Invitation, open our eyes, unplug our ears and unarm our hearts to respond to your never-ending invitation to walk into the unexpected places to discover God’s kin-dom anew. Amen.
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