Jesus Begins His Ministry
May 26, 2021
Commentary
A widespread persecution of the followers of John and Jesus took place at this time. When Jesus heard about John’s imprisonment, He went from Nazareth to live in Capernaum (v. 12-13). Luke explains the reason for Jesus leaving Nazareth was an attempt on his life (Luke 4:16-31). From this point on, Capernaum became the headquarters of Jesus’ ministry. John had been arrested by Herod Antipas and was thrown in prison. He had condemned Herod for his wickedness in taking his half-brother’s wife, Herodias, for himself. John’s boldness cost him his freedom and eventually his life. Preaching is the proclamation of certainties and not the suggestion of possibilities (v. 17).
The Sea of Galilee is an oval shaped body of water approximately eight miles wide and thirteen miles long. In the first century some 240 boats regularly fished in its waters. It was here that Jesus publicly called His first two disciples Peter and Andrew (v. 18). He said, “follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (v. 19). At once they left their nets and followed Him (v. 20). Soon after this he also called James and John (vv. 21-22) who were also fishermen.
Jesus’s early ministry was based out of the local synagogues (v. 23). The synagogue was not only the primary place of worship, but it was also a place of study, community fellowship, and where legal activity took place. Worship took place in the synagogue every Sabbath which began at sundown on Friday and ended at sundown on Saturday. This also served as a public school for boys. Often visiting dignitaries would be given an opportunity to speak. In the early part of Jesus’ ministry, He was welcomed in most of the synagogues.
Application
Is it easy to speak up against sin today? Is it necessary for me to speak out against sin? I need to be able to give an answer for the hope that is in me in every situation that I may face in this life.
Matthew 4:12– 25 (NET)
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, he went into Galilee. 13 While in Galilee, he moved from Nazareth to make his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah would be fulfilled:
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way by the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, and on those who sit in the region and shadow of death a light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach this message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!”
18 As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon (called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishermen). 19 He said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people!” 20 They left their nets immediately and followed him. 21 Going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Then he called them. 22 They immediately left the boat and their father and followed him.
23 Jesus went throughout all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness among the people. 24 So a report about him spread throughout Syria. People brought to him all who suffered with various illnesses and afflictions, those who had seizures, paralytics, and those possessed by demons, and he healed them. 25 And large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan River.