Jan 28, 2026

BEGINNING OF JESUS’ MINISTRY

Passage: Matthew 4:12-25

Key verse: 23

NIV

chapter 4

12. When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee.

13. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali -

14. to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:

15. "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles -

16. the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."

17. From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

18. As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

19. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people."

20. At once they left their nets and followed him.

21. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,

22. and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

23. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

24. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.

25. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.


Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
This passage marks the transition from John to Jesus. Echoing John’s message, Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (17). However, unlike John, who was the messenger and pointed to the time that was to come, Jesus was the fulfillment of that promise and proclaimed the kingdom he brought with Him.
Jesus also called his first disciples. Peter, Andrew, and Zebedee’s sons were fishermen. They were ordinary people who provided for themselves and their families through painful toil and sweat of the brow (Gen 3:17-19). However, Jesus called them to be his followers and to participate in the salvation work to bring people back to God (19). And they responded by following him immediately.
Jesus then continued his ministry by teaching, preaching, and healing the sick. His compassion for those who suffer and his power to heal authenticated his words, and those who came to him experienced the kingdom. Would you invite Jesus into your heart today and experience the heavenly peace in your heart through his words?

Prayer: Father, thank you for bringing heaven to me through Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Please dwell in me and help me to follow Jesus’ way today.

One Word: The Kingdom of Heaven is here