The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand

This morning we continue in our study through the gospel according to Matthew as we consider Matthew 4:12-25. Matthew describes Jesus beginning his ministry in Capernaum, calling the first disciples, and ministering to large crowds all through Galilee. Matthew tells us, "From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17). The gospel of the kingdom of heaven is the good news that the dominion of peace and justice is at hand in the arrival of Jesus.

Jesus calls his first disciples as he says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). The call to follow Jesus is relational, transformational, and commissional. A disciple is a person who is abiding in Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and commissioned by Jesus to make disciples. Jesus goes throughout Galilee teaching, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and affliction among the people. Healing is a sign that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and a foretaste of what life will be like when the kingdom is fully and finally established in the New Creation. We pray that as we follow Jesus and seek first the kingdom, that Jesus would make us more like him and send us out as agents of healing.