Jesus calls the disciples and commissions them as apostles. He calls the least of these and brings hope and healing into their lives.
Matthew 4:18-25
SERMON OUTLINE
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:23)
Introducing the Next Section of Matthew’s Gospel
- The new geography: from Nazareth to Capernaum (4:13)
- The beginnings of the Messianic community: Peter, Andrew, James, John (4:18-22)
- The phenomenal growth and reach of Jesus’ ministry (4:23-25)
Jesus and the Call of Discipleship
- The life situation of Peter and Andrew, James and John
- The decisive call of Jesus
- The response of these first disciples
Jesus and the Gathering Crowd
- Jesus’ ministry: teaching, proclaiming, healing
- “The good news of the kingdom”
- The draw of the crowd
- The crowd that followed Him
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Who was one of your childhood heroes or “idols”?
- This week we conclude our series, “Power in Preparation,” with a look at Jesus’ first disciples and a summary of His budding ministry in Matthew 4:18-25. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then, whether you are alone or with a group, read that text aloud.
- Jesus moved from his relatively small hometown of Nazareth to the bustling lakeside town of Capernaum. Shortly after he begins preaching (4:17), he begins to invite others to join Him as disciples. What stands out to you about Jesus’ invitation to Peter and Andrew in verse 19?
- What do you think Jesus meant by saying these men will be sent to “fish for people”?
- In verses 18-22, there is an immediate, decisive shift in Peter, Andrew, James, and John’s response to Jesus. Do you think it was easy or hard for them to leave their nets and follow Jesus?
- How would you translate Jesus’ call of discipleship into contemporary language and setting? In other words, how might Jesus express His call to us today to follow Him?
- With verse 23-25, Matthew depicts the growing ministry and influence of Jesus’ in the broader Galilee area. What sort of things was Jesus doing according to verse 23?
- What do you think “the good news of the kingdom” that Jesus proclaimed is all about?
- Why did people continue to pursue Jesus based on what we read in verses 23-24?
- Do you think there is a difference or no difference in the way that the crowd followed Jesus in comparison to the way Peter, Andrew, James, and John followed Jesus?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study about Jesus and His call to discipleship? If you’re on your own, write that down and pray over that this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 4:19
- Sketch or draw the scene of the disciples following Jesus from Matthew 4:18-22 or the crowds drawing near to Jesus from Matthew 4:23-25
- Set aside some time this week to read Matthew 4:18-22 again. Meditate quietly on these words, asking Jesus what He might be speaking to you to let go of in order to follow Him.
- Consider watching the word study video “Euangelion / Gospel” by the Bible Project.