Sunday School Lesson
November 14
Lesson 11 (KJV)
GOD OF POWER
DEVOTIONAL READING: Revelation 11:11–19
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Revelation 11
REVELATION 11:15–19
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
KEY TEXT
The seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.—Revelation 11:15
CELEBRATING GOD
Unit 3:
Visions of Praise
LESSONS 10–13
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify the purpose of the heavenly scene.
2. Relate a biblical perspective on the meaning of eternity.
3. Identify and correct a habit in light of the future described in Revelation.
HOW TO SAY IT
apocalyptic uh-paw-kuh-lip-tik.
cherubims chair-uh-bims.
Domitian Duh-mish-un.
Habakkuk Huh-back-kuk.
Isaiah Eye-zay-uh.
Jerusalem Juh-roo-suh-lem.
Messiah Meh-sigh-uh.
Nero Nee-row.
Zephaniah Zef-uh-nye-uh.
Introduction
A. Hallelujah Chorus j
The Introduction for lesson 9 mentioned the “Hallelujah Chorus” as sung by a flash mob. That’s intriguing in and of itself, but digging into the nature of the actual composition reveals some hidden treasures.
The “Hallelujah Chorus” is part of a much larger musical composition—an oratorio—titled The Messiah, by G. F. Händel (1685–1759). The composition as a whole falls into three main parts, which are further subdivided into some 16 scenes and 53 movements, depending on which arrangement is in view. A full performance can easily exceed two hours’ duration—something quite foreign to the short attention spans of twenty-first century culture!
By one count, the oratorio includes some 60 references to Scripture, depending on how duplicates are counted. This fact should intrigue the Christian and make The Messiah worthy of devotional consideration. Among the Scripture references are Revelation 5:12–13; 11:15; and 19:6, 16. The “Hallelujah Chorus” is the movement that draws on the latter two—passages under consideration in this week’s lesson and next’s, respectively.
B. Lesson Context
Revelation has been traditionally understood to have been received by the churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) during the last decade of the first century AD. This likely dates its reception during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian (reigned AD 81–96). While scholars differ as to whether he persecuted Christians, it is widely accepted that one of his predecessors, Nero (reigned AD 54–68), instituted vast persecution of Christians across the empire. The audience of the apostle John (author of the book of Revelation) would have been familiar with such persecutions.
The key to understanding Revelation lies in recognizing the type of literature it is, known as “apocalyptic”; this type of writing can be found in other parts of Scripture (see the Lesson Context of lesson 10; compare and contrast Isaiah 13:10; 34:4; Daniel 8:9–10; Matthew 24:29–31; Mark 13:24–27; and Luke 21:25–28).
Apocalyptic literature features unveiling of a big-picture reality by a heavenly being (God or angels) to a human recipient. The reality that is revealed includes elements of both time (dealing with end-time salvation and judgment) and space (the reality of another, supernatural world).
In some instances, apocalyptic literature repeats a story several times with different details but the same ending. For example, all the imagery of seals, trumpets, and bowls in Revelation depicts God’s righteous judgment on rebellious and sinful earth. The final act in each series is accompanied by extraordinary weather phenomena that culminates in the worship of God for His righteous acts.
The central part of Revelation concerns three sets of seven events initiated in Heaven: the opening of seals (Revelation 6:1–17; 8:1–5), the sounding of trumpets (8:6–9:), and the pouring out of bowls of judgment (16:1–21). The results on earth are cataclysmic. Each set of events ends with a time of worship and adoration. Today’s lesson details the climax of the second of these three sets of events.
The immediate context for today’s passage is that of seven angels who were ready to sound seven trumpets (Revelation 8:6). The results of the first four of the seven soundings find parallels with the 10 plagues poured out on Egypt (see Exodus 7:14–11:10).
•The first signals a bloody, fiery hailstorm that destroys one-third of the earth (Revelation 8:7).
•The second leads to the appearance of something like a burning mountain’s being cast into the sea; the sea turns to blood; sea creatures are killed; ships are destroyed (8:8–9).
•The third calls forth a fiery star from the heavens that pollutes many of the freshwater rivers and brings death (8:10–11).
•The fourth strikes parts of each of the great lights—the sun, moon, and stars (8:12).
•The fifth signals the opening of the bottomless pit, unleashing a hoard of locusts on humankind in the process (9:1–5).
•The sixth releases four mighty angels and their armies to kill one-third of sinful humanity (9:13–16).
These judgments, however intense, fail to stop the idolatry and sexual immorality in the world (see Revelation 9:20–21). Today’s text focuses on the seventh and final angel.
I. Declaration of Truth
(REVELATION 11:15)
A. Seventh Angel (v. 15a)
15a. And the seventh angel sounded.
Various forms of the number seven occur hundreds of times in the Bible. Its occurrences often signal completeness (examples: Genesis 2:2; 2 Kings 5:10; Revelation 15:1, 8). Trumpets are blown at accessions of kings to their thrones (example: 1 Kings 1:34–41). The two concepts seem to combine here (see next).
B. Loud Voices (v. 15b)
15b. And there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ. and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Following, or perhaps accompanying, the sound of the trumpet are unidentified heavenly voices making the grand pronouncement we see here. Loudness in this book characterizes worship (see Revelation 5:12; 7:10). Should not God’s victory be declared as loudly as possible?
What John saw speaks to the hope that the people of God have so longed to see: God has become the king over the whole earth. Old Testament prophets looked forward to a day when “the God of heaven” would “set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed … and it shall stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44).
In John’s vision, the day when “the Lord shall be king over all the earth” (Zechariah 14:9) was foreseen as certain. The sin that separated the human realm from the heavenly realm will no longer be an obstacle. John later pictured this kingdom as the unified city of New Jerusalem; those who continue to sin are not allowed to enter the city (see Revelation 22:14–15).
The finality of this collective kingdom becomes clear as the voices’ proclaim that God will reign for ever and ever. Whereas the kingdoms of this world are temporary and filled with sin, the reign of God will be eternal, featuring everlasting life for the faithful.
God’s eternal reign is shared with the Lord’s Christ, His Messiah; these are Greek and Hebrew words that mean the same thing: “anointed one.” As the heavenly chorus praises the one who sits on the throne and the Lamb (Revelation 7:10; see lesson 10), so do the heavenly voices here.
What Do You Think?
What will you do the next time an expectation from an earthly kingdom contradicts an expectation of the heavenly kingdom?
Digging Deeper
How do Mark 12:17; Acts 4:18–20; 5:29; Romans 13:1–7; and 1 Peter 2:13–17 help categorize your response?
II. Worship of God
(REVELATION 11:16–18)
A. Position of Elders (v. 16)
16. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God.
A previous scene of worship reappears as the four and twenty elders fall upon their faces (compare Revelation 4:10; 5:8, 14; 7:11; 19:4). More of what this implies is seen next.
What Do You Think?
What are some ways you can “fall on your face” before God in a spiritual sense several times daily?
Digging Deeper
What has to happen for this to be a priority?
B. Recognition of Power
(v. 17)
17a. Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty.
In their dramatic posture of worship and submission, the elders begin their thanks by addressing God in a certain way, using the respectful and reverential title Lord God Almighty. Each aspect of the designation bears significance; their collective effect is greater still.
The word translated Lord in and of itself can imply only a measure of respect, as with “sir” (examples: Matthew 13:27; 27:63). When combined with God Almighty, however, things change. The full, three-word use of this designation is found in the New Testament only in Revelation 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7; 19:6 (special case; see lesson 12); and 21:22. It serves to relay the expansive power of God in the world.
The ancient Greek version of the Old Testament is the source of this phrase, primarily the book of Amos (10 times). God alone is almighty! John’s use of this title reflected his confidence that God’s redemptive plan would come to fruition, even in the midst of tribulation and suffering.
17b. Which art, and wast, and art to come.
The elders describe God’s eternal nature. This same description is used by the author himself, the apostle John, in Revelation 1:4; by the Lord God in 1:8; and by the four beasts in 4:8. This description reflects and expands on God’s self-designation “I AM” of Exodus 3:14 (compare John 8:58). As the description speaks of God’s eternal, unchangeable nature it implies His sovereignty.
17c. Because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
The elders’ reasoning for giving thanks in Revelation 11:17a above is now stated. God’s power is shown in its totality and fullness as His overthrow of evil results in an uncontested reign. God, by His actions, has answered the age-old question, “How long, O Lord?” (Revelation 6:10; see also Isaiah 6:11; Habakkuk 1:2). This part of John’s prophetic vision will be the final move of God as He establishes “a new heaven and a new earth” (see Revelation 21; compare Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13).
THE AUDIENCE OF OUR WORSHIP
I once sat in a church meeting where the attendees discussed improving the worship service. Different individuals shared what they wanted to add or remove from the service order. Some suggestions contradicted others. For example, one person wanted to sing more hymns, while another wanted more contemporary songs. A debate ensued over music styles.
I came to the conclusion that the biggest improvement we needed to make was to change our perspective on the audience of worship. We talked as if we were the recipients of the worship experience and that worship should reflect our personal preferences and sensibilities.
We were wrong. Instead, God should be at the center of our worship. And we should ask ourselves whether God is pleased with our worship!
John’s vision of corporate worship in Heaven provides perspective. The elders surrounding the throne of God direct their full attention and acts of worship to Him. How might we need to adjust our focus so that our worship mirrors that which takes place in Heaven? —L. H.-P.
What Do You Think?
Which terms in verse 17 inspire you to address or think of God differently from now on? Why?
Digging Deeper
What further research should you do regarding this?
C. Message of Judgment
(v. 18)
18a. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come. The elders continue their pronouncement as they now describe reactions to God’s exercise of His power. The word translated nations occurs some two dozen times in this book—sometimes in a positive sense (example: Revelation 5:9) and sometimes in a negative sense, as here. Nations frequently jostle against one another (Psalm 2:1), and now their anger is a result of having to face God’s wrath (see Revelation 6:15–17). His wrath poured out on them does not result in repentance—quite the opposite! The “great day of the Lord” (Zephaniah 1:14), long prophesied, is at hand.
18b. And the time of the dead, that they should be judged.
The time of the dead is when all who have lived and died throughout history will be resurrected to face judgment (see Daniel 12:2). A fuller account of this brief description of the final judgment is found in Revelation 20:12–13.
18c. And that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets.
The reward to be given to the righteous also finds expression in Matthew 5:12; 16:27; 1 Corinthians 3:10–15; 2 John 8; Revelation 22:12; and elsewhere.
One of two categories to be rewarded is God’s servants the prophets (compare Revelation 10:7). This can include those servants of God who spoke about the future as well as those servants who preached the message of God (compare Psalm 40:9; Acts 8:5; 1 Corinthians 9:16–18; etc.). Prophets can be both foretellers and forthtellers. In both cases, the one proclaiming God’s truth calls people to a faithful relationship with the Lord. The heart of this relationship is forsaking all other “gods” in remaining loyal to Him alone (compare Galatians 4:8). Some in this group and the next experience martyrdom (Revelation 16:6; 18:24).
18d. And to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great. The second group to be rewarded are the saints, meaning the holy ones of the Lord. They, like the prophets, were faithful—some even to the point of martyrdom in the service of the Lord. No matter the precise population breakdown of the groups, what they have in common is that both fear God’s name.
As if to stress the inclusive nature, both small and great are in view. Although 1 Corinthians 3:10–15 speaks of differing levels of reward, we should not separate these groups too much. Both are faithful to God, and they will be rewarded as such (see also Revelation 19:5).
18e. And shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
The elders end their utterances by returning to the imagery of the angry mob, defeated and punished. Through a poetic use of parallelism, the elders describe God’s visiting on those who destroy the earth the same thing in return.
We should be careful not to read twenty-first century concerns back into this statement. In this text, destroying the earth does not refer to environmental devastation, no matter how sinful such actions might be. The idea is in a broad context of biblical times. Jeremiah 51:25 uses the same wording in speaking of Babylon (compare 50:23). Sometimes Babylon is used figuratively (1 Peter 5:13; Revelation 14:8; 16:19; 17:5), so it may refer to evil entities in general.
The type of destruction that awaits those who destroy the earth is not specified here. To understand what that involves, one can turn to Matthew 5:22; 10:28; 13:41–42; 25:41; Luke 3:17; Revelation 19:20–21; 20:10, 15; etc. The bottom line is that the fulfillment of God’s kingdom brings eternal retribution to those who oppose the people and purpose of God (see 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10).
What Do You Think?
Which should be your greater witness: expectation of Heaven or fear of judgment? Why?
Digging Deeper
Should your answer be the same for all Christians, or is it an individual thing? Why?
III. Opening of Temple
(REVELATION 11:19)
A. Contents (v. 19a)
19a. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.
The vision expands to reveal the temple, which is the large sanctuary of God in heaven and the center of worship there (see also Revelation 3:12; 7:15; 15:5–8; 21:22). When it opened, John glanced into the innermost part of the heavenly temple and caught a glimpse of the greatest treasure of the temple: God’s ark of his testament.
For Israel, the ark was more than an ornate box containing various historical items (see Exodus 25:10–22). It symbolized God’s presence with His people and His covenant mercy. The ark was topped with a statuary representation of “two cherubims” with outstretched wings, forming the “mercy seat” (25:17–22), where God’s presence could rule in mercy and covenant faithfulness. It was reserved for the Lord God alone and symbolized His presence with His people.
Instead of being seen only by the high priest once a year (Hebrews 9:7), the ark in Heaven fulfills its ultimate purpose. In this heavenly temple, God will rule His people, and His presence will be with them permanently (Revelation 21:3).
B. Weather (v. 19b)
19b. And there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
The opening of the temple is accompanied by severe phenomena. As with the breaking of the seventh seal, there are lightnings, … thunderings, and an earthquake (see Revelation 8:5; compare 4:5). The word translated voices can also be translated “sound(s)” as it is in John 3:8 and 1 Corinthians 14:7–8, and that may be the sense here.
Such imagery is characteristic of apocalyptic literature. It is intended to catch the reader’s attention, perhaps to show the seriousness of God’s judgment. Indeed, hail is often associated with such judgment (Exodus 9:22–27; Job 38:22–23; Psalm 78:48; Isaiah 28:17; Haggai 2:17; Revelation 8:7).
Additionally, such imagery would draw the audience to compare John’s revelation with God’s dramatic revelation to Moses (see Exodus 19:16–19). The God who revealed himself to Moses will, someday, reveal himself to all people as the judge and the one worthy of worship.
THE GREATEST GRAND OPENING
Several years ago, my father and uncle opened a construction business together. They had both been in the industry for years, although separately. In recent years, they started doing jobs together and landing increasingly larger contracts. Because business was going well, they decided to formalize their partnership.
Consequently, they became a registered company, hired employees, and worked out of my father’s home. After a year in that temporary space, they bought a building and moved their operation there.
To celebrate the milestone, my dad and uncle planned a grand opening. They made renovations, giving the building a fresh, modern look. They invited city officials, family, friends, business associates, and clients. I watched my dad pour so much energy, time, and money into planning the event; he wanted it to be perfect.
God himself has been working on the greatest grand opening ever: that of the new heaven and earth. Invitations are going out all over the world. You already have yours: it’s the gospel of Jesus. Presumably, you have accepted. Will you make sure others do so as well? —L. H.-P.
Conclusion
A. Eternal Worship
A certain church closed its doors after 30 years of ministry. Hundreds once worshipped there each week. But in recent years, that number had dwindled to about 30. Maintaining the property had become too burdensome. The decision to close this church and sell the property was difficult but necessary. The discussions surrounding the decision were very emotional. Church members had fond memories of weddings, baptisms, and other special moments shared in that building. Although the congregants decided to close the doors of its place of worship, they leaned into discerning how best to continue to worship God and serve His people. Closing the church building did not mean that worship would cease. Instead, the group began to worship in local parks and with other congregations. They used the money from the sale of the church property to fund mission opportunities around the city. The people’s worship and service continued … and that’s the main thing.
Israel’s center of worship, the temple, had been destroyed about 25 years before John wrote Revelation. But some 40 years before that destruction, the Jerusalem temple’s importance had been superseded by Jesus’ death and resurrection (Matthew 27:50–51; Hebrews 8:1–10:22). That resulted in a new understanding of “temple” (see 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21). John’s vision saw an even better reality to come—that of God’s heavenly temple where worship continues into eternity.
For the original audience that had experienced persecution, perhaps even being unable to worship communally, how encouraging this coming reality must have been! Today’s passage invites us to anticipate a future where the kingdom of God is fully established everywhere, where injustice no longer prevails, and where we worship God for eternity.
What Do You Think?
Which concept or imperative in today’s lesson do you have the most trouble coming to grips with? Why?
Digging Deeper
How will you resolve this problem?
B. Prayer
Lord, You are everlasting and unchanging! You are worthy to receive every honor and praise. May we, like those in the book of Revelation, celebrate Your reign forever and ever with an eternal “Hallelujah!” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
There is a future when God’s reign in Heaven will join His reign on earth.
KID’S CORNER
Prepared to Proclaim the Gospel
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Matthew 4:12-22
Matthew 4:12-22
(Matthew 4:12) Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee;
John the Baptist was arrested for preaching about King Herod’s immoral behavior. John’s preaching of preparation for Jesus’ coming ended after he was arrested. Before John the Baptist was arrested, some of John’s disciples went to talk to Jesus. He taught them and He would later officially call some of them to become His disciples and fish for men (see John 1:35-42). After Jesus withdrew to Galilee, He began His public preaching. He did not begin His ministry in Galilee to escape Herod or the possibility of arrest, but as the place where He would fulfill Scripture, officially call His first disciples, preach, work miracles (such as changing water into wine) and heal people of all their diseases.
(Matthew 4:13) and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.
Jesus left Nazareth, where people would have known Him only as Joseph’s son and presumably a carpenter. He moved to Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee (a large freshwater lake that Luke calls the Lake of Gennesaret—Luke 5:1). Jesus probably made certain His mother would be cared for by His brothers before He left. To fulfill Scripture, Jesus needed to begin His new life and vocation in Galilee of the Gentiles. Capernaum was near the Jordan River, where Jesus may have visited John the Baptist and his disciples more than once during John’s ministry, where John baptized Jesus, and where Jesus met Simon Peter and Andrew.
(Matthew 4:14) This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
Jesus conducted His ministry with intention; nothing happened to Him by chance. Jesus chose to fulfill the law and the prophets by beginning His public ministry in Galilee to fulfill the prophet Isaiah (see Isaiah 9:1,2). In addition to His powerful preaching and many miracles, one reason we know Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God is from His intentional fulfillment of so many prophecies in the Old Testament.
(Matthew 4:15) “THE LAND OF ZEBULUN AND THE LAND OF NAPHTALI, BY THE WAY OF THE SEA, BEYOND THE JORDAN, GALILEE OF THE GENTILES—
The land of Zebulun was named after the tenth son of Jacob. Zebulun was in Galilee and occupied south Galilee between Naphtali and Asher. Jonah was from Zebulun. Many Israelites from Zebulun were carried into captivity and dispersed among other nations by the Assyrians when they conquered the Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC. Following their deportation, the Assyrians moved people from many other nations into the former Kingdom of Israel until eventually more Gentiles lived in Galilee than Israelites (or Jews). Because of the history of the Kingdom of Israel (the northern kingdom), parts of which became Galilee, many Gentiles lived there, and the people and the area were despised by the Jews who lived in the Kingdom of Judah (the southern kingdom). Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth was located within the borders of Zebulun. Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob. The land of Naphtali was located west of the Sea of Galilee, where the city of Capernaum was located. As part of the former Kingdom of Israel, Naphtali also included many Gentiles. During His lifetime, Jesus lived within the borders of both Zebulun and Naphtali.
(Matthew 4:16) “THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT, AND THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH, UPON THEM A LIGHT DAWNED.”
Led by the kings of Israel, the people of the Kingdom of Israel (the northern kingdom) turned to darkness (evil) and idol worship, and the people remained in darkness (a land of evil) until Jesus began to preach. When the ten tribes of Israel were dispersed in 722 BC, those who remained were afflicted and influenced even more by those the Assyrians moved into the former Kingdom of Israel who did evil and worshiped idols. All the people lived in spiritual darkness, for most of them had turned from the worship of the true God many generations earlier. They lived in the shadow of spiritual and physical death. If some true believers lived in Galilee (such as Mary and Joseph and their children), they suffered from the evil deeds and the spiritual darkness created by their pagan neighbors. Even as many believers suffer today in countries that are becoming increasingly spiritually dark. As Isaiah prophesied, when Jesus began to preach, they heard the truth and saw truth in action. Those enslaved by sin and evil powers lived under a sentence of death until Jesus preached the truth about God and God’s Kingdom to them and they repented of their sins and turned to faith in Him. Jesus healed all their diseases and cast out their demons as signs that the kingdom of heaven was near. The Light of the world dawned on them.
(Matthew 4:17) From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Both John the Baptist and Jesus preached repentance: people should turn from walking away from God to walking toward God in faithful obedience to God. John called people to repent and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus called people to repent because as the Messiah (King), the Kingdom of heaven was at hand or in their midst. As the Son of God, Jesus performed the works of God and declared the truth of God. Jesus’ kingdom was not a kingdom of this world, but a spiritual kingdom of eternal love, justice, peace, and joy that people could enter when they believed in Him.
(Matthew 4:18) Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
Having spoken to Jesus earlier, after John the Baptist had introduced Peter and Andrew to Jesus, with sound reason they knew enough about Jesus when He called them to follow Jesus immediately—though they did not know all that Jesus meant when He called them into His service. They served Jesus faithfully all their lives and tradition tells us that both Peter and Andrew were crucified because they were followers of Jesus and ministered in Jesus’ Name.
(Matthew 4:19) And He *said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Though they did not know all that Jesus meant, they knew that they could catch a lot fish with their nets. Therefore, as followers of Jesus, they eventually learned how to “catch a lot of people”—lead them to saving faith in Jesus—by telling them the truth about Jesus. Through their teaching, many repented of their sins and entered the kingdom of God. What Jesus did to, in, and through them far exceeded their expectations.
(Matthew 4:20) Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
Without needing to know everything about the future Jesus planned for them, they immediately left their past vocation as fishermen behind them and began a new vocation that Jesus planned for them. Though they did return to fishing for fish from time to time. They trusted Jesus to meet their needs as they followed Him, and He did so as He gave them the benefits of eternal life—beginning in this life.
(Matthew 4:21) 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.
James and John were fishing partners of Peter and Andrew (see Luke 5:10). They could work together and catch more fish when they dropped a net between their two boats. Therefore, we know that Jesus chose four disciples who knew how to cooperate and work together to achieve their goals and meet the needs of their families and others. If Peter and Andrew had not led James and John to meet Jesus earlier, they had surely told them all they knew about Jesus after they met Him. They had probably located their partnership businesses close to each other, and they would have had much time to talk about Jesus as they were fishing or mending their nets. They would have discussed Jesus with their families, so their families may not have been too surprised when they left their nets to follow Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, James was eventually beheaded. John would live into old age having written his gospel, three letters in the Bible, and the Book of Revelation
(Matthew 4:22) Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
James and John also immediately obeyed Jesus—not as a blind leap of faith without knowledge—but knowing some truths about Jesus before He called them to follow Him. As Messiah (King), Jesus had the divine authority and power to call whomever He chose into His service. In addition to their knowing some truths about Jesus, the loving power and divine authority of Jesus influenced them to obey Jesus immediately. Today, believers follow Jesus for the same reasons (and today believers have the whole Bible) and (though imperfectly) as the direction of their lives they obey Jesus immediately.
Prepared to Proclaim the Gospel
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Matthew 4:12-22
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 4:17).
To prepare his listeners for the coming of the Messiah, John the Baptist preached repentance for sins. People needed to turn their lives around and begin seeking the LORD seriously. They needed to stop doing what dishonored God, harmed others, and would eventually destroy themselves. If they would heed John’s teaching, they would prepare themselves in heart and mind to understand and apply the truths Jesus came to reveal. After John the Baptist introduced some of his disciples to Jesus, the Lamb of God, Jesus taught them quietly. In this way, Peter, Andrew, and some others first met Jesus. After Herod arrested John the Baptist, Jesus began His public ministry as the Messiah. When Jesus began to preach and heal in Galilee and Capernaum, He fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. When Jesus preached repentance and added “because the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” He fulfilled John’s preaching of preparation. The Kingdom of Heaven came near whenever Jesus the King (Messiah) was in their midst, near at hand. Then, Jesus officially called some of those He had prepared previously to come and follow Him, to become His disciples (students). The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell us that Jesus first called fishermen to follow Him so He could teach them how to fish for people. Having been prepared in advance by Jesus’ teachings and having seen many of His miracles, whenever Jesus called them to come and follow Him, they did so immediately with good and sufficient reasons. Jesus taught them how to win followers to Him, and after Jesus’ resurrection, they led thousands to kneel before Jesus the King.
Thinking Further
Prepared to Proclaim the Gospel
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Matthew 4:12-22
Name ___________________________________
1. When and why did Jesus begin His ministry in Galilee?
2. Do you think beginning a ministry in Galilee would be easy or difficult? Give a reason for your answer.
3. Do you think Peter, Andrew, James, and John knew much about Jesus when He called them to follow Him? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think Jesus called some fishermen to follow Him?
5. How was Jesus’ preaching like John’s preaching? How is preaching different from their preaching today?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. When and why did Jesus begin His ministry in Galilee? He began after John the Baptist was arrested and to fulfill the prediction of the prophet Isaiah.
2. Do you think beginning a ministry in Galilee would be easy or difficult? Give a reason for your answer. On the one hand, it could be easy because some of those living in darkness would see a great light (a great contrast between good and evil) and they would be drawn to the light. On the other hand, it could be difficult, because almost immediately those who preferred living in the dark and doing evil would oppose the light and those drawn to the light. As happened to John the Baptist when King Herod arrested him and later beheaded him.
3. Do you think Peter, Andrew, James, and John knew much about Jesus when He called them to follow Him? Why or why not? Yes. Because prior to the arrest of John the Baptist, he introduced Peter and Andrew to Jesus who went to learn from Jesus.
4. Why do you think Jesus called some fishermen to follow Him? The ones he chose knew how to work together with others as partners and that would help them be good disciples and work together with the other disciples. They knew how to meet the needs of others and sell to others what they needed. This, too, would help them know how to tell others about Jesus and how Jesus was the Savior of the world.
5. How was Jesus’ preaching like John’s preaching? How is preaching different from their preaching today? Both preached repentance for sins. John preached to prepare people for Jesus’ coming as the Messiah. Jesus preached to prepare people to live in the Kingdom of God with Him as the long-awaited Messiah (King). They both emphasized repentance along with faith in God.
Word Search
Prepared to Proclaim the Gospel
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Matthew 4:12-22
Name ___________________________________
F L X I K D E L L I F L U F T
A D E M V I B A R R E S T E D
S Y N H O J N W Q N E V A E H
Q C X J G S F G F T L M U S C
A H Q D N J W A D C K H B F N
M X T J R I O M G O R V T A K
O C S E S E T R Q H M C P Q D
G B A A R E P K D J K H S C A
U A I P H A R E N A T W E G R
C A L P E S Z U N A N A L C I
H V O I U R L A L T O S I G A
M R U S L U N I N S W L T D W
P Z E R B E L A E X D K N G Q
K J D E L M E F U J Z R E V C
A R Z K C Z V B E M W T G N B
John
Arrested
Galilee
Nazareth
Capernaum
Zebulun
Naphtali
Prophet
Isaiah
Fulfilled
Jordan
Gentiles
Repent
Kingdom
Heaven
True and False Test
Prepared to Proclaim the Gospel
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Matthew 4:12-22
Name ___________________________________
1. Jesus began preaching to large crowds right after John baptized Him. True or False
2. Before Jesus began preaching, His hometown was Nazareth.
True or False
3. After John was arrested, Jesus moved to Capernaum. True or False
4. When Jesus preached in Galilee of the Judeans, He fulfilled the prophecy of Amos. True or False
5. Jesus’ preaching could be compared to a light shining in a place of
darkness. True or False
6. Jesus preached to people who lived in the shadow of death. True or False
7. No Gentiles were permitted to live in the land of Naphtali. True or False
8. Simon and Peter and James and John were four fishermen. True or False
9. Fishers of men became leaders in the Church. True or False
10. James and John were the sons of Zebulun. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
- False
Prayer
Lord, You are everlasting and unchanging! You are worthy to receive every honor and praise. May we, like those in the book of Revelation, celebrate Your reign forever and ever with an eternal “Hallelujah!” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.