Sermon for the Watford church of Christ
Introduction, vv12
“When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfil what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” (Matthew 4:12–22 NIV11)
1. Jesus’s core message, vv12-17
QUESTION: “What is at the core of his message?”
2. Jesus’s core method, vv18-22
QUESTION: “What was it about fishermen that made them suitable?”
QUESTION: “What do you think they understood him to mean?”
QUESTION: “What were they leaving?”
For reflection…..
- What is at the core of our ‘message’?
- How can we communicate a message of good news to those in darkness around us?
- What is it about you which makes you suitable to be a disciple? What experiences, strengths, personality has God given you that contribute to making you an effective follower of Jesus?
- What do you understand Jesus to mean when he called you to follow?
- How can you best express the core of Jesus in your life this week?
- See also Isaiah 9.1-2; Mark 1.15; Luke 5.1-11.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John
