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Jesus called His disciples to leave the comfort of their jobs and homes, to follow Him and further His good news, and the same is true today. Are you following Jesus and furthering His good news? 

Capernaum is the Greek form of the Hebrew Kefar Nahum, meaning the “village of Nahum” (Nahum was an Old Testament prophet from around 620 BC). Capernaum is on the North of the lake, typically known as the “Sea of Galilee” - surrounded by mountains & hills. The lake is known by several names including the Hebrew term “Chinnereth” meaning “harp” - describing the shape of the lake. 

Around 1400 BC, Zebulun and Naphtali (2 of the 12 tribes of Israel) had been given this land. About 550 BC, the Persians captured many of the Jews and took them away. Many Gentiles (non-Jews) moved to this area and by the time of Jesus, a large group of Gentiles lived in and near this region.

Jesus living in the Galilee and living close to the sea of Galilee was fulfillment of yet another 700 year old prophecy from Isaiah 9:1-2. This is the 6th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled by Jesus within the first 4 chapters of Matthew’s text. 

To repent is to turn from sin and return to the God who made you. The King of the Kingdom was standing in their midst and now His ministry begins.

This isn’t the first time these men have ever seen or talked to Jesus. Andrew had been a disciple of John the Baptist, who followed Jesus for the day. Andrew returned to tell Simon about meeting the Messiah and brought him to meet Jesus, who then nicknamed him Peter (Jn 1:35-42).

Dr. Luke gives us more info than Matthew’s shortened version. Go read the story here: Luke 5:1-11.

Jesus could have chosen any men he wanted to be his disciples & follow his ways. But instead of going to Jerusalem to choose from the most educated, Jesus approaches fishermen. “Come, follow me” is an unexpected invite to fish for people. 

• They didn’t ask a bunch of questions. Instead, they left their nets and followed Jesus.

1. The first followers of Jesus were astonished with more than His miracles. They were astonished that Jesus had come to earth to SAVE them from their sin. 
2. The first followers of Jesus understood early on that the good news that Jesus preached wasn’t just for them; Jesus expected them to take His good news to others. 

1. Jesus saves us. Do you remember when the Lord called you by the power of His spirit?
2. Then Jesus sends us to tell others where to find hope, forgiveness, purpose, & eternal life!

• Have you been fishing lately? Who are you praying for, serving, sharing the good news with?
• We want to put you in touch with Christians who will help you GROW in your faith and learn how to SHARE JESUS with your life & your lips. 

A synagogue could be formed in any town with 10 married Jewish men. The synagogue was the primary place for community worship, teaching & training, and settling of legal disputes. 

• Visiting rabbis were often asked to read & explain the Scriptures, as Jesus did (Lk 4:16-21).
• Jesus was healing every person who approached Him with sickness.

People are hearing about this from over 60 miles away (Jerusalem) are traveling to see and hear Jesus for themselves!

• What Jesus DID would transform bodies temporarily. Those healed would eventually die.
• But what Jesus SAID would transform souls forever! His message was powerful, but difficult - LEAVE YOUR NETS and follow Me! And that’s what disciples of Jesus did. Jesus was worth the cost and the comfort.

› LEAVE YOUR NETS. It will cost you time, money, comfort, & effort. It might cost you some friendships and fame. But when Jesus returns or when death comes knocking at your door....nothing else will matter.

discussionquestions

Take some time to discuss these questions with your family, friends, or group.

1. What challenged or encouraged you most from today’s teaching? (You might need to look back in your notes to help explain your answer.) 
2. Read Matthew 4:12-16 & Isaiah 9:1-2. Why does Jesus’ move to Capernaum, on the Sea of Galilee, matter? (Note: Isaiah’s prophecy is 700 years before the ministry of Jesus on earth)
3. Read Matthew 4:18-22. You likely read this and think, “Is that the only conversation Jesus had with them that caused them to leave everything?” Now read John 1:35-42 & Luke 5:1-10. What extra insight do these other gospels give us about why they were so willing to leave their jobs and follow Jesus? Discuss these passages and what stands out to you.
4. Discuss our BIG TRUTH: Jesus saves us to send us. Who did God send to share the good news of Jesus with YOU? Share what they said or did to influence you to respond to the good news of Jesus. Why is it that people can claim to be saved yet have little concern about being sent to tell others about Jesus?
5. Sometimes Christians take the miracles & message of Jesus for granted, being calloused because we have heard it so often. Take a moment to read Matthew 4:23-25. If you heard the words and saw the works of Jesus, along with the response of the crowds, what would YOU be thinking?  
6. WHO is a person that you are sharing the good news of Jesus with? Share some tactics, acts of service, or other ways that you are trying to be a fisher of people. (This is not meant to be a time to brag, but to encourage one another to keep sharing the Gospel with others. In fact, this might be a moment to be honest that you haven’t been purposeful to look for & take opportunities to share with others.)
7. Share prayer needs and pray for one another.