Scripture: Matthew
4:12-25
Teaching
Life
Prayer
Teaching
Life
Prayer
This reading takes places at the very beginning of Jesus’
ministry. He has been baptized, and he has fasted and been tempted by Satan in
the wilderness. Now he begins preaching – proclaiming God’s Word. He also calls
his first disciples to follow him. In this passage we see Jesus proclaiming the
reign of heaven – a reign that continue to this day – as he goes about his work
as the savior of mankind.
When reading the Gospel of Matthew we will find Jesus
speaking of the kingdom of heaven when some regularity. What is this kingdom?
Throughout the Gospel, Jesus tells parables that help us understand it. In a
nut shell, it is this: that God comes to sinners to give them forgiveness,
life, and salvation through faith in the One he sent; Jesus. So as Jesus
proclaims, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” it is a call to
experience his salvation from sin and death. This reign is still seen in action
in the Church as we proclaim the Gospel and live in Jesus’ forgiveness
together.
The other phrase that might jump out at us in this reading
is Jesus’ call, “Follow me.” This is an appropriate response to Jesus’ reign in
our lives. It is not merely that Jesus is God and we should obey him. As true
as that statement is, the call to follow is Jesus is also rooted in grace. As
those who live under Jesus’ reign, we are recipients of his mercy, love,
forgiveness, and salvation. We follow Jesus not from fear or demand, but from
joy, gratitude, and love, empowered by the Holy Spirit who gives us faith and
changes us to live within Jesus’ reign by faith in him.
Sometimes we sing that, “Our God reigns.” In light of today’s
reading what does that mean for you? How do you live under that reign of
heaven? Does knowing that the reign of heaven is about God’s grace change your
attitude about the call to repent and turn from sin? Where do you experience
heaven’s reign? How might you be used to extend the reign of heaven?
There is also a sense in which Jesus’ summons to the early
disciples, “Follow me,” is extended to us. How might seeing the call to follow
Jesus rooted in the joy of his salvation change the way we feel about following
his ways? How might it impact how we feel about being, “fishers of men,” or at
least being those who live as a testimony of the reign of God in our lives and
in the world?
Instruction, Thanksgiving,
Confession, Petition
Lord Jesus, when you came you called all people
to repentance because you brought the reign of heaven to earth. You also called
disciples who would carry the message of repentance to the world drawing all
people to you. Thank you for their ministry and for making us part of your
reign. We do not always repent as we ought or follow you for the joy of your salvation,
nevertheless we ask for your forgiveness and trust in your mercy. Grant us your
Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith, teach us your ways, and empower us to
follow you. Make us among those who joyfully point to Jesus’ reign as the hope
for all people. In your holy name we pray. Amen.
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