Matthew 4:12-22 (ESV)
12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 18 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. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 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. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Questions for Reflection
1. If you could pass on some skill or knowledge to an apprentice, what would you want to pass on?
2. Where did these particular events take place? (4:18)
3. Who did Jesus see as He walked by? (4:18)
4. What exactly did Jesus say to Simon and Andrew? (4:19)
5. What was Simon and Andrew’s response to Jesus’ words? (4:20)
6. How long did Simon and Andrew deliberate over Jesus’ offer? (4:20)
7. In what activity were James and John involved? (4:21)
8. What did Jesus do when He saw the two brothers, James and John? (4:21)
9. How did James and John react to Jesus’ challenge? (4:22)
10. What does it mean to be a "fisher of men"?
11. How risky was it for Peter, Andrew, James, and John to drop everything (jobs and families) to go with Jesus?
12. What are some reasons people make career changes?
13. Why did Jesus handpick blue-collar fishermen to be the leaders of the Christian church?
14. What does it mean for you to follow Jesus?
