John was arrested. We’ll learn more about this in Matthew 11 and 14, but it was because he stood for truth even against the worldly powers.
Jesus went to Galilee and made His headquarters the city of Capernaum, on the Sea of Galilee. This was the old territory of the Israelite tribes Zebulun and Naphtali. Jesus’ ministry there fulfilled a prophecy God made through Isaiah (9:1-2). Galilee was on the northern edge of Palestine. They had long been considered on the margins spiritually and culturally of Israel and were often influenced by the nations. Though they were in darkness, they got to see a great light. Jesus did much of His preaching and miracle work there.
Jesus’ message is summarized as “Repent because the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” God’s new rule was arriving in the promised King. They needed to turn their allegiance to Him.
Jesus began to call disciples (students, apprentices). The fishermen, Peter, Andrew, James, and John were called first. I take it to be that these men had already been introduced to Jesus (see Jn. 1:35-42), but now they are committing to “full-time” discipleship. They left their work and their family and followed Him. That was the right reaction given who Jesus is!
Jesus taught all over Galilee. His message was the good news of God’s kingdom. He healed the full range of diseases and sicknesses. The news spread. People came from every direction.
Lessons to Learn:
God is concerned about those in darkness. Jesus did a great deal of His work in a place that many of the Jews would have written off as hopeless. We live in a dark world. You may be in dark places. Through the gospel, you have an opportunity to see a great Light. Consider Jesus.
Jesus doesn’t want you to stay where you are. In the darkness of Galilee, Jesus called for repentance. Being in the dark is bad. Staying in the dark is worse.
When Jesus calls, don’t let anything hold you back. Jesus calls us to be His disciples. You may think that you can’t afford to follow Him. Perhaps it will fracture relationships. Given who Jesus is, nothing should keep us from leaving it behind to follow Him.
We’re thankful to share these considerations of God’s word. It’s best if you have a Bible close to evaluate what we say. We want to go “back to the Bible” for all we teach.
Reach out with your questions, comments, or requests for personal Bible study at backtothebiblepodcast.com or at #1155cc;">info@backtothebiblepodcast.com
