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This Weeks Readings:
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1-10
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Gospel according to Matthew 4:12-25
Matthew 4:12-25 describes Jesus beginning His public ministry in Galilee, moving to Capernaum after John the Baptist's arrest, proclaiming the "kingdom of heaven is near," calling fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John to be his disciples ("fishers of men"), and demonstrating the kingdom's power through teaching, preaching, and miraculous healings across Galilee, attracting huge crowds.
Key Events in the Passage:
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Relocation to Galilee (v. 12-13): Jesus hears of John the Baptist's imprisonment and moves to Galilee, settling in Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee.
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Fulfillment of Prophecy (v. 14-16): His presence in Galilee fulfills Isaiah's prophecy about a great light dawning on the people dwelling in darkness.
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Proclamation of the Kingdom (v. 17): Jesus begins His core message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!".
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Calling the First Disciples (v. 18-22):
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He calls Simon (Peter) and Andrew, who immediately leave their nets to follow Him.
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He calls James and John, who leave their boat and father to follow Him.
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Widespread Ministry in Galilee (v. 23-25):
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Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, preaching the gospel, and healing all kinds of sickness and disease.
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His fame spreads to Syria, and people bring the sick, demon-possessed, and paralyzed to Him for healing.
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Great crowds follow Him from surrounding regions like Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.
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