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
Sometimes crisis spurs us into action. Chest pains lead to a visit to the doctor. A DWI prompts a commitment to AA. The fight over finances brings a couple to a marriage counselor. Times like these are never welcome, but with God’s help they just might turn our lives around.
Jesus is shaken by John’s arrest. This is not only his cousin, it’s his – thus far – biggest supporter. At first, Jesus withdraws. Then, he looks for a change of scenery. But finally, he takes up John’s mantle and begins to publicly call people to change their ways. It leads him to reach out to some Galilean fishermen, and eventually to the whole world.
At times of testing, it may take everything we’ve got to keep moving forward. But God promises not to leave us alone. God’s help may be found in the listening ear of a friend, in a favorite verse of scripture, in the reminder that with Jesus, the kingdom of heaven comes near. And it just might turn our lives around.
Prayer
O Lord, when I am facing challenges that seem to great to overcome alone, remind me that you are with me every step of the way. Amen.