Read: Matthew 4.12-25
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: In this passage, Matthew reveals important aspects of the early ministry of Jesus. First of all, Jesus made the town of Capernaum His home base and the surrounding region of Galilee His primary "mission field." While He was born in Bethlehem, near the capital city of Jerusalem in the southern region, Joseph and Mary raised Jesus in Nazareth, a town in the northern region near the Sea of Galilee. Jesus clearly knew this region well. It appears there was more freedom to preach and do ministry in this area, since John the Baptist, who preached in the region of Judea surrounding Jerusalem, had been put in prison as a result of his ministry. Luke 4 tells us that His hometown of Nazareth did not particularly welcome His ministry, but that the town of Capernaum responded positively to Him; as a result, Jesus concentrated on where He was welcome. Matthew wants us to know, however, that all of this was in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the promised Savior/Messiah. Secondly, Matthew tells us the primary them of Jesus' preaching: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" (verse 17). Finally, we see that that calling and making disciples was His first priority after the beginning of His preaching ministry. Large crowds soon followed as His ministry of teaching and healing began, but the emphasis on Jesus' training of His disciples will continue throughout Matthew's Gospel. Jesus intends to train and send these fishermen out "to fish for people" (verse 19), just as He continues to do through His church today.
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