Matthew 4: 12-25 Devotional
Devotional: The Call to Follow
Would you take the chance? This is like the calling of the first disciples in Matthew 4:12-25, where Jesus invites ordinary men to follow Him on an incredible journey.
Matthew 4:12-25 (CSB)
12 When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
along the road by the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles.
16 The people who live in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those living in the land of the shadow of death,
a light has dawned.
17 From then on Jesus began to preach,“Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
THE FIRST DISCIPLES
18 As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea — for they were fishermen. 19 “Follow me,” he told them,“and I will make you fish for people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
TEACHING, PREACHING, AND HEALING
23 Now Jesus began to go all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 Then the news about him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics. And he healed them. 25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.
Devotional
In verses 12-17, Jesus initiates His public ministry following the imprisonment of John the Baptist. Relocating to Capernaum fulfills Isaiah's prophecy, representing the coming of a significant light to those living in darkness. The essence of Jesus' message is straightforward but life-changing: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum, a town on the Sea of Galilee, where we will learn later that Peter lived. Interestingly, Jesus chose not to go to Jerusalem or Judea to live or find his disciples. But Jesus knew exactly who the Father had given him; many were in Galilee.
In verses 18-21, Jesus chose His first disciples, everyday fishermen, to become His initial disciples. These hardworking, uneducated individuals likely smelled of fish when Jesus asked them to follow Him, and he pledged to transform them into "fishers of men. Their prompt and committed reaction demonstrates their strong motivation and willingness to leave behind their familiar lives for a greater purpose.
This passage of scripture encourages us to respond to Jesus' call in our lives. Just as the disciples left their nets without hesitation, we are invited to let go of anything that holds us back from fully committing to Jesus. Whether it be our fears, doubts, or worldly attachments, we are called to trust in His promise and follow Him wholeheartedly. The disciples left everything to follow Jesus. What areas of your life require a deeper level of commitment to Christ? How can you take steps to strengthen your devotion?
Closing Prayer
Gracious Father, we thank You for inviting us to follow You and become part of Your kingdom. Help us to respond quickly and with full dedication, just as the original disciples did. Grant us the bravery to let go of anything that hinders us and to spread Your light in a world that urgently needs it. Fortify our devotion to You and steer us along the path of righteousness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.