Deacon Ken’s Reflection on Sunday’s Gospel reading:
MATTHEW 4:12‑23
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He left Judah and returned home to Nazareth, His hometown. He didn’t stay long because of opposition and apathy of the local hometown people. He began His preaching ministry by going from one small town to another. He left Nazareth and headed for Capernaum which was to become His home base during His ministry in Galilee. Capernaum was a very busy city and Jesus’ message would be heard by many people. He also would be able to have more resources and support for His ministry. Isaiah’s prophecy (9:1‑2) was fulfilled in that Jesus was the light to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, the region of Galilee in which Capernaum was located.
Matthew uses the phrase “kingdom of heaven” out of respect to the Jews because in reverence they did not pronounce God’s name. Jesus probably meant the kingdom of heaven is near because when Jesus is in a man’s heart, the kingdom of God is definitely near. We need to know that we do not have to go out and search the wide world over to find God. He is right here within, and all we need to do is call out His name, confess with our lips and believe in our heart (Romans 10:10‑17). Jesus began His ministry where John the Baptist left off, and the message is the same today, “Turn from sin and turn to God.” When we become followers of Christ, we turn away from our self‑centeredness and self‑control.
Jesus called the brothers to come follow Him and become fishers of men. He is calling us to do the same things. Are you going to fish or cut bait? These men probably had already heard about Jesus through His preaching in the area but after personally experiencing His love, and hearing His call, they immediately responded to the invitation.
Jesus is teaching, preaching, and healing today as much as He was in today’s Gospel. He is teaching us how to bring others to Him and be saved. He is preaching the Good News through His people today, like you and me. He certainly is healing people today, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Jesus preached the Good News to everyone who wanted to hear it. The Good News is that God became man, that God is with us in the Holy Spirit, and that He cares very much for us. Rejoice and be glad that there is no sin or problem too great or too small for Him to handle.
Today, as in the days of Isaiah, Jesus the Messiah is a “Light to the Land.”
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