12When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee.
13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—
14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
15"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
17From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
- P102
23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
24News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. - P103
When Jesus hears that John the Baptist has been imprisoned, He withdraws from Judea back to the region of Galilee. However, Jesus moves from His hometown of Nazareth to Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee, fulfilling the prophecy spoken through the prophet Isaiah. Then, Jesus begins His preaching ministry, continuing on from what John the Baptist proclaimed: a message of repentance and announcing that the kingdom of heaven has come near. - P104
Jesus is not introducing something new but calling people back to the central message of Scripture. Centuries later, even as believers reap the blessings of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, the central message of His Word remains: We are to call hearts to turn toward God because His kingdom has come near. - P104
Jesus calls four fishermen to be His first disciples, and they follow Himthroughout the region of Galilee as He teaches, preaches, and heals. Hispopularity grows quickly, and large crowds from every region begin to fol-low Him, bringing along their suffering, sick, and demon-possessed. - P104
Peopleare drawn to Jesus for different reasons, but He is not prideful or concernedabout becoming more popular. He is focused on proclaiming the truth.
Ministry today should likewise reflect this kingdom-centered approach.
- P104
As we proclaim the good news of God‘s kingdom and minister to others,
may we model Jesus, letting go of pride and earthly concerns and using ourGod-given gifts to bless people and speak the truth with love and grace. - P104
Dear God, thank You for calling me to serve others and proclaim Your word. Help me to recognize the opportunities You place before me to love my neighbors and share Your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P105
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