Follow Me

Matthew 4:12-23

All around us are hills. In those hills are bands of rebels. Occasionally, the rebels make a raid. They attack against the occupying army. Then the people of the region flock to join the rebels. The situation continues to escalate over the years.

Whole families are living in the encampments of the rebels. Over time the leaders get caught in the cities. Then the leaders are executed. Soon more leaders arise. The situation continuously gets worse. It is a dark time in the land. We could say that the people of land are sitting in darkness.

History as shown us that the Roman occupation of Galilee and Judea was rough. Just south of Capernaum lays the Roman city of Tiberius. A Roman garrison was stationed in Tiberius. Whenever a rebel, a Zealot, raid occurred, the Romans would respond. Yes, the bands of robbers on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho were also among these rebels.

Now, we see the importance of Jesus coming into the world. We all have a decision to make. We can follow the rebels, give into the occupying force, or follow Jesus. This decision has consequences. When we follow the rebels, a long-life expectancy is not guaranteed. When we give into the occupying force, then our hope for freedom dies. When we follow Jesus, we are put to work!

A. The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light (4:12-17)

1. Herod Antipas has arrested John
2. Jesus goes to Galilee – an area that Herod Antipas rules!
3. Zebulun & Naphtali – the region the Assyrians first attacked in 720 BC
4. Many wars have been fought along this junction of international trade routes
5. Isaiah foresaw light coming to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali (9:1-2)
6. Jesus continues the message spoken by John the Baptizer and prophets before him
   a. Repent
   b. Kingdom of heaven has come near/is at hand
7. Life in the times of Jesus were not pleasant. Life was as dangerous in Jesus’ time as it is today. There is darkness around. We sit in the darkness. We need a great light, just like the people of Zebulun and Naphtali. When that great light comes into our life, we too, can repent. With such a kingdom coming our way, rebelling against the occupying force just doesn’t sound very good! Not only was Jesus calling people to repent, Jesus had something else for people to do.

B. Follow me, and I will make you fish for people. (4:18-23)

1. Jesus saw fishermen on the shore of the Sea of Galilee
   a. Simon Peter
   b. Andrew
2. Jesus told them: “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”
   a. Jeremiah 16:16 – God sends fishermen for fish for his people
   b. Dragging people back to God
3. Simon Peter & Andrew followed Jesus, immediately
4. Jesus called two other brothers, James & John, the sons of Zebedee
5. These brother also immediately followed Jesus
6. Jesus used his words and deeds to let people know how close the kingdom of heaven is!
7. We do not like to bring people to Jesus. The nets the fisherman used in the Sea of Galilee were thrown into the sea. In the middle of the net was a rope. When the net was cast into the sea, the rope was pulled to bring in the net. As the net is pulled back to the shore or the boat, the outer edges close around the fish in the middle of the net. The fish are literally dragged to shore or to the boat. That is how we are to fish for people. We cast a net and drag people to Jesus. When people meet Jesus, his words and his deeds convince them to follow Jesus.

We live in the hills, even mountains. Yet, we do not have rebels marauding around, attacking travelers or the occupying force. We do not even have an occupying force to contest. We do have a choice to make. We can repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

We can turn to God through Jesus. Just as John the Baptizer was calling people to repent, so is Jesus. Jesus is still bringing the kingdom of heaven to this world. Since Jesus is still doing this work, we get to do our work, fishing for people!

Have you heard Jesus say to you, “Follow me”? Then follow Jesus! Go fishing for people. Drag them in with as much love and grace as Christ has given you! Go fishing for people, where the people are. Jesus is already working around us. Let us be found fishing for the people Jesus has given us!