Part Three
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Matthew 4:18-22
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
After all, to invite others to follow Jesus, we must first know Him well ourselves. There’s always more to learn about our Savior; the more we discover, the closer we walk with Him and the more effectively we can guide others on this path.
In his book, Matthew invites us to explore the depth and richness of Jesus’ life, teachings, and mission. This Gospel acts as a field guide to making disciples, revealing layers of Jesus’ character and kingship that we might not grasp without a closer look. These revelations enable a more intimate walk with Him and equip us to share His message more truly and effectively.
Matthew introduces us to Jesus not just as a figure from history but as the fulfillment of God’s promises, the King in David’s lineage. This theme of kingship is woven throughout the Gospel, starting with Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1, highlighting His royal lineage, and continuing with the visit of the magi in Matthew 2, acknowledging Him as the “king of the Jews.” Jesus’ birthplace, Bethlehem, the “city of David,” further ties Him to David. Matthew guides us to realize that Jesus is the promised Son of David whose kingdom will be established forever (2 Samuel 7).
But Jesus’ kingship is not of this world. He inaugurates His kingdom through humility and sacrifice, a stark contrast to earthly power. This understanding of Jesus as King reshapes our approach to the Great Commission and discipleship. It’s a call to follow a King whose authority is expressed in loving service and whose kingdom is built on principles of mercy, justice, and humility.
As we reflect on Jesus’ kingship, let’s consider how this impacts our role in the Great Commission. How does this influence our understanding of being His disciples? It challenges us to embody the values of His kingdom in our daily lives, to serve others as He did, and to spread the good news of His love and salvation.
Matthew’s presentation of Jesus not only informs our intellect but invites a transformation of our hearts and actions. It calls us to embrace leadership marked by humility and service, mirroring Jesus’ own approach.
It urges us to grow as disciples of Jesus in a manner deeply rooted in His life and teachings rather than relying solely on pragmatic principles. Jesus’ example teaches us to value and love people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. It underscores the importance of extending compassion toward those in need. Instead of seeing ourselves as mere volunteers, we should view our mission as a direct command from our King.
Furthermore, Jesus’ example also prepares us for the inevitable rejection and suffering that comes with living out this mission, equipping us with the resilience needed to continue in obedience.
This Gospel does not merely inform us about Jesus but shapes us to reflect His image in the world, pushing us toward a life of impactful discipleship, unwavering commitment to Him, and making Him known.
It acts as a field guide for making disciples, anchored in a deep, personal knowledge of Jesus as the long-awaited Davidic King.
This Gospel doesn’t just narrate events; it reveals the essence of Jesus’ kingship—His mission, values, and the radical nature of His reign. To follow His command to make disciples, we must first immerse ourselves in knowing Jesus and allow Him to shape our understanding and our lives.
Only by doing so are we equipped to guide others in truly knowing and following Him, ensuring that our approach to discipleship is rooted in the authentic character and teachings of Jesus.
As we move forward together, let’s allow Matthew’s Gospel to lead us to live faithful lives that reflect the example of our King as we endeavor to lead others into the transformative journey of walking with Him.
Reflect
Jesus continues to invite believers to leave things behind and walk more closely with Him. For those of His followers that He leads to serve overseas, that might mean parting with family, friends, and a familiar way of life. For all of us, it means leaving behind old habits, practices, or ways of thinking to grow into new ways of grace.
Jesus invites us to grow in spiritual maturity and intimacy with God and to share our stories of transformation so that others may encounter our Savior, too.
Is there anything you sense the Lord may be asking you to leave behind to grow in your walk with Him?
Pray
As you continue to reflect on the new ways Jesus is inviting you to trust and surrender to Him, we hope you will join us as we ask the Holy Spirit to give us a greater desire to seek and obey the Father’s will.
If you feel led, would you also pray for American churches? Please join us as we ask the Spirit to embolden and encourage God’s people in this country. Pray for congregations and leaders as they seek to mobilize more believers into local and international ministry.
Finally, pray that God would send more workers into His harvest!
Respond
Do you sense the Lord stirring your heart toward deeper engagement in global mission?
