Matthew 4:17-22

Matthew 4:17-22
The essence of Jesus’ preaching was the same as that of John’s: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The phrase “at hand” indicates the kingdom was ready to begin. Many today believe and teach that Jesus later had to rescind this promise because of the rejection of the Jews who would not allow Him to establish a physical kingdom. Such a position misses the point that Jesus came to establish a heavenly not an earthly kingdom. Besides, how is it that the Son of God cannot fulfill the promises of God made since before time began (Titus 1:1-3)? The Jews of Jesus’ day had the same mistaken idea of the kingdom. It is the reason that Matthew used the phrase kingdom of heaven 37 times to indicate the spiritual nature of the kingdom of Christ.The call of Peter, Andrew, James, and John is instructional. Notice the kind of person Jesus calls to follow Him and to whom He entrusts to do His work. These are not great, talented, impressive men by the world’s view. They are fishermen, ignorant and unlearned (Acts 4:13). But through these men, God turned the world upside down. It is God’s modus operandi. Throughout history, God has always used the men and women that the world has rejected to show His glory and His greatness. This should give us hope. While the world rejects the Christian because he accepts biblical truths that are contrary to worldviews, God establishes His kingdom through us while the world and its lusts pass away. We need not be great or talented to be useful to the Lord. We simply need to be submissive to His will. He will take care of the rest.

Think of the contrast between fishing for fish and fishing for men. The first is for that which is temporary and fleeting. It fills only for the moment and then passes away. But fishing for men is a work that fills one eternally. It is a work that lays up treasure in heaven and gives another soul the opportunity of eternal salvation. Is there a greater work that one can do on this earth? Jesus said that one soul is worth more than the entire world (Mt. 16:26). Every Christian needs to use what talents they have to be fishers of men!
Berry Kercheville