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At first glance, our reading doesn’t seem very eventful. John is arrested. Jesus begins his proclamation. The first disciples are gathered. Jesus preaches and heals throughout the Galilee. It’s all rudimentary stuff—almost an introduction to more important things to come. In fact, it’s an extremely rich launch pad for Jesus’ public ministry, from which important lessons for modern Christians can still be found. Let’s take a look!

  • The word translated “repent” means something closer to “change your perspective” than anything to do with feeling sorry for something you did. How might this change how you interpret the first thing Jesus says at the very beginning of his ministry? How might this change your understanding of repentance in general?

  • What do you make of Jesus’ calling of the first disciples as a communal undertaking? He doesn’t recruit them one by one. Matthew tells us Jesus’ invitation is to ‘them.’ What implications does this have for how we conduct ministry?

  • Jesus’ ministry includes both proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. In what ways are these things related? Part of the same redeeming message? What implications might this have for our modern ministry?

Next step: When, if ever, have you changed your perspective on something? What did you learn in the process? How can the insights gained be used in your faith life today?

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