PREPARING FOR THE SERMON

August 25, 2024

Matthew 4:12-25

Context:

            In Matthew 4:12 Jesus begins a ministry in Galilee. In 2:22-23 Joseph is said to have settled his family in Galilee. In 3:13, Jesus is said to have come from Galilee to the John at the Jordan River. Galilee was located in what was basically the northern kingdom in the inheritance of Napthali, Zebulun, and Issachar. It was separated from Jerusalem by Samaria. Although Jesus will make multiple trips between the two areas, the interaction with Samaritans figures prevalently in Matthew. Jesus begins His ministry where He grew up. Although 60-70 miles depending on which exact locations the journey involved, verse 25 indicates how widespread Jesus’ ministry included even early in His ministry.

           

Structure:

12-16 fulfill what was spoken through the prophet (v 14)

17 Jesus began to preach (v 17)

18-22 Follow me, and I will make you fish for people  (v 19)

23-25 large crowds followed Him (v 25)

 

Key Ideas:   prophecy, Jesus’ message and ministry, follow

 

Some things to think about:

  • How do you describe Jesus’ call on your life to follow Him? What does it entail?
  • Where were you (literally and figuratively) when you heard about Jesus for the first time?
  • What attracts you to Jesus?