The Beginning of the King's Mission 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:12-17

  There is the clear-cut shift now made from John the Immerser to the declaration of the King Himself, and His mission. John's bold preaching and his righteous character in holding humanity accountable led to his arrest and murder. The arrest of John brought Jesus' message to the forefront of the Hebrew nation. This new teacher of righteousness was now in the forefront.
  Matthew's focus in these six verses are two fold. Firstly, Matthew gives us the locale of the beginning of the mission. The location is Galilee. Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee. The move set Jesus in both the commercial and religious center of Galilee. The Galilee region was densely populated for its dimensions. There were about 204 villages with approximately 15,000 people. The people of Galilee were known for their courage, and their openness to new thought and movements. The move of the King brought Him out from His home and community. There had to be the breaking of ties and also the fulfillment of scripture.
  Secondly, Matthew points to the purpose of the King's mission. The purpose stated in verse 17 of this section is the message that John had told the nation to prepare for. The Kingdom message is the clarion call of Jesus' mission and purpose. As we know, the Kingdom will come in it's future complete glory. The purpose of the King was to proclaim it now, breaking into our midst.
  Location and purpose are Matthew's focus in these transitional verses. In our own lives, the King's rule and reign, should be evident both in where we live and who we are.

Discussion:

1. After reading Matthew 4:12-17 discuss what it means to hold others accountable. Read Mark 6:14-32 for some more background on John. How are we held accountable?

2. Read Luke 4:14-32 as it relates to Jesus' locale and mission.

3. Have you had to break ties or move for the sake of mission? Share your experience and explanation of your move to family and community.

4. The Hebrew word Capernaum means "the village of comfort". How does the King's purpose statement in Matthew 4:17 bring about a sense of comfort in you? Mark 11:9,10.

5. What does the Kingdom rule and reign of Jesus mean for your life as it relates to your everyday experience? Romans 14:16-19.

6. Read these scriptures on the nature of the Kingdom; Luke 17:20-24; 2 Corinthians 5:16,17; 10:3-5. How do they impact our nature?

Discovery Section

  At one time or another in our lives we discover how the King rules in every aspect of our relationship with Him. He is in every move we make and every mission we undertake if we are obedient to His word. As He promised Moses, "My presence will go with you . . . .". It takes a people who cry out for His presence to distinguish them among the nations, to show the rule of Messiah Jesus in their lives.
  Have we cried out, "Here am I", to the call of Jesus? To really let Jesus be the King of our lives we have to be servants. To live the Kingdom out now, is the doing of God's will on earth. We discover daily what sharing His mission with others is like. We discover we are the visible expression of His Kingdom here on earth. "Lord God, King of the Universe, we pray your rule in every move and in every mission"!