Matthew 4:18-25
Q.1. What was unique about the first disciples of Jesus? What did He call them to do? How did they respond? – (Mt.4:18-22 c.f. Lk.5:1-11; Jn.1:35-42)
The Gospels of John and Luke fill in the details of the contact Jesus had previously had with these men. Matthew and Mark give us a summary statement of the call Jesus gave to Peter, Andrew, James, and John (Mt.4:18-22 c.f. Lk.5:1-11; Jn.1:35-42). They were two sets of brothers. It is interesting that one third of the Twelve were related. This indicates that God often works with family groupings, as He did in Old Testament days. Interestingly, Peter, James, and John would be the ‘inner circle’ of the Twelve. They were often exposed to additional experiences, such as the raising of Jairus’ daughter, and the Transfiguration (c.f. Mt.17:11; Mk.5:37). All these disciples were previously fishermen. However, Jesus called them to – Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men (Mt.4:19). Matthew recorded that they didn’t think twice – Immediately they left their nets and followed Him (Mt.4:20). In the case of the sons of Zebedee – they Immediately left the boat and their father and followed Him (Mt.4:22). This reveals the genuineness of their conversion, and their conviction that Jesus was Whom John the Baptizer had announced (c.f. Jn.1:29, 35-37).
Q.2. Where did Jesus begin His ministry? What was His message? How else did He gain a following? How great was Christ’s authority and impact? (Mt.4:23-25)
Jesus began His public ministry with teaching and – proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom (Mt.4:23). His ministry started in the synagogues throughout Galilee, amongst the people who at least had a basic knowledge and acceptance of the Scriptures. They would have had an understanding of the Old Testament promises regarding a future kingdom. They would also be aware that the Messiah would come bringing healing. Jesus authenticated His ministry by – … healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people (Mt.4:23 c.f. Isa.35:4-6; 61:1-2). News of Jesus spread as far as Syria. People flocked to Him for healing and deliverance – Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan (Mt.4:25).