Matthew 4:12-25 > Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry- by Jeff Byerley

The Study Matt 4:12-25 Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry

Outline:

4:12-17 Jesus Moves to Capernaum in Galilee.
4:18-22 Four Fishermen Called as Disciples.
4:23-25 Jesus Heals a Great Multitude.

Our Reflections
1. Why did Jesus move to Galilee (v.12-13)?
2. Why were the people in darkness (v.14-17)?
3. Why did the fisherman suddenly leave their nets(v.18-22)?
4. Can “all kinds of sickness” and disease really be healed (v.13)?


1. Why did Jesus move to Galilee (v.12-13)?

Herod Antipas, son of Herod the great and his wife Malthace, became Tetrach of Galilee and Perea. He imprisoned John the Baptist because John spoke out against Herod's illegal marriage to Herodias, wife of his half brother, Phillip (Matt. 14:1-12). Jesus then departed (lit. 'withdrew') to Galilee. This might suggest that Jesus was fleeing from Herod, but this was not the case. Herod's capital was Tiberius, which was only 8.5 miles from Capernaum. Jesus had miraculously escaped from the Synagogue in Nazareth after the people tried to kill him (Luke 4:16-31). He made his ministry base at Capernaum. Capernaum is the Greek name for this town, (actually “Capharnaum”). `The Hebrew name is “Kefar Nahum” meaning “Village of Comfort”.

2. Why were the people in darkness (v.14-17)?

Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9:1-2. Nazareth was in the region of Zebulun whilst Capernaum was in the Naphtali region. Galilee was largely surrounded by Gentiles. The Hebrew word “galil” means a circle. The Jews here were influenced by the Gentiles and were known for their openness for new ideas. Accordingly the Jews who lived in this northern region were held in suspicion and despised by other Jews for living in darkness. (NB. John 1:46 “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”) It was the grace of God to bring Jesus to minister first in this part of Palestine.

3. Why did the fisherman suddenly leave their nets(v.18-22)?

There seems to have been prior contact with these disciples, such as Andrew bringing Peter to Jesus (John 1:35-42). However, when the call came they responded at once. Indeed their becoming disciples was quite unusual. Someone looking to become a disciple would normally approach a rabbi and make an offer of service. The rabbi might then take this disciple on for a period. If the disciple was found satisfactory, the relationship would continue. But Jesus call was quite different. “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” it was a command with a sure promise.

4. Can “all kinds of sickness” and disease really be healed (v.13)?

Clearly, the people here responded in acceptance of Jesus and believed in him. However, when Jesus later returned to Nazareth, he found that he could not do many works there because of their rejection of him and their unbelief (Mark 6:4-5).