Called into the Light

Matthew 4:12–23 NKJV

12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: 16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 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. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.

Called into the Light

Have you ever walked through total darkness? I mean pitch black, the sort in which your hand cannot even be seen in front of your face. Perhaps during a power outage?

I’ve told you this story before but it helps emphasize what I’m wanting to say. When I was pastoring the Vanderbilt church I realized that when they built the church they didn’t think about the placement of light switches and such.

The church was built split level. When you entered the main entrance you were on a landing, you could go up a half flight of steps to the sanctuary or down a half flight of steps to the basement. You had to open the door and step inside. The doors were solid so once you stepped in especially at night you were in darkness. They didn’t think through things, because the lights were behind the door. There was a bulletin board and the light switch was cut into the bulletin board.

So, you stepped in and at night you had to feel around for the light switch. I stopped in one evening because I had forgotten something. My office was in the basement.

I unlocked the door and went in and felt around for the light switch and turned them on and went down the steps. There was a door at the bottom of the steps that had a heavy spring on it. The door was always prompted open.

Just as I walked through the doorway into the hall leading to my office that door slammed shut. There I was with my heart pounding and standing in total darkness feeling for the light switch for the hallway.

It was pitch black. I found the switch and lights came on and I quickly found what I needed and hurried out of that place.

We live in a world full of darkness—not just physical darkness, but spiritual darkness. People want hope, meaning, and purpose. They are reaching out in search of direction. Maybe you have also felt that way, as if you are unsure of your next action and are stumbling through life.

That’s exactly the kind of world Jesus stepped into. It was not a time of peace and clarity when He started His ministry. Confusion, oppression, and spiritual lostness defined the period. And what did He do? He didn't just talk about the light; he was the light.

The most remarkable thing is also that Jesus neglected to keep the light to Himself. He urged common people—those like you and me—to enter that light and distribute it to others. Today, as we look at how Jesus called His first disciples, let us consider: What does it mean for us to step into His light? How is He calling us to shine today?

Jesus' Mission: Light for the Darkness (vv. 12-17)

Have you ever had a moment where bad news seemed to shake everything? A moment when you thought things were going one way, and then suddenly, everything changed?

That’s exactly what happened when John the Baptist was arrested.

John wasn’t just a preacher—he was a movement. Crowds flocked to the wilderness to hear him preach about repentance and the coming kingdom. He was bold, unfiltered, and completely sold out for God’s mission. He baptized people in the Jordan River, calling them to turn from sin and prepare their hearts for the Messiah. He even baptized Jesus Himself!

However, John’s message was not only meant for the common people, but also for the powerful. That’s what landed him in trouble.

What happened to John?

John spoke out against Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, because of his immoral behavior. Herod had taken Herodias, his brother’s wife, as his own. John did not sugarcoat it; he loudly condemned it as sin. There is more sin there than just marrying his sister-in-law. She was actually his niece. Herodias’ father was both her first husband and second husband’s brother. The sin went deeper.

Herodias was enraged with John and wanted him silenced. So Herod arrested and imprisoned John. Imagine how this must have felt to John’s followers:

The man who boldly preached the kingdom of God was now imprisoned.

The one who baptized Jesus became silent.

The wilderness preacher, who previously appeared unstoppable, was now at the mercy of a corrupt ruler.

It must have seemed like the darkness was winning. Hope seems to be fading.

But this is exactly when Jesus begins His ministry.

Matthew 4:12 tells us:

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.”

At first glance, it might seem like Jesus was running away—but He wasn’t. He was stepping onto the stage at precisely the right time.

And here’s something powerful: Jesus doesn’t take John’s message and change it—He continues it.

John’s first sermon was: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 3:2).

Jesus’ first sermon? “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17).

John’s voice may have been silenced, but the mission was not.

The light wasn’t extinguished—it was only getting brighter.

This wasn’t a random occurrence, it was the fulfillment of prophecy.

Matthew quotes Isaiah 9:1-2:

Isaiah 9:1–2 NKJV

1 Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.

The world had been spiritually dark for so long. Israel had been waiting—not for years, but for centuries—for the Messiah to come. They were weary. They had lived under foreign rule, oppression, and silence from God.

And now, suddenly, light breaks through.

But look where Jesus begins His ministry—Galilee.

Not Jerusalem, where the religious leaders were.

Not in the temple, where the scholars studied.

But in Galilee of the Gentiles—a place known for being ordinary, even looked down upon by the elites.

Zebulun and Naphtali were two of the twelve tribes of Israel, originally given their land in the northern region of Israel. However, these lands had a tragic history.

This was the first region to fall when the Assyrians conquered Israel in 722 BC (2 Kings 15:29). Many Israelites were taken captive, and foreign nations moved in, mixing cultures and diluting Jewish identity.

Over time, this area became religiously and culturally compromised. It was known as “Galilee of the Gentiles” because of its heavy non-Jewish influence. Many Jewish leaders in Jerusalem looked down on Galilee as an impure, second-rate place. This was a land marked by conquest, suffering, and spiritual confusion—a place of deep darkness.

This tells us something profound about Jesus: He brings light to the places we least expect it.

Maybe you feel like your story isn’t important. Maybe you think you’re too far gone, too ordinary, or too broken to be part of God’s plan. But Jesus started right where the forgotten people were—and He’s still doing that today.

And the first thing He says?

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Now, let’s be honest—repentance isn’t a popular word. We often associate it with guilt, shame, or feeling like we’ve failed. But Jesus wasn’t coming to condemn—He was coming to invite.

Repentance isn’t just about turning from sin—it’s about turning toward something better. It’s about stepping out of darkness and into light.

Imagine a person trapped in a cave. The longer they stay in the dark, the more their eyes adjust. Darkness starts to feel normal. But then—someone shines a light. They can finally see, but at first, it’s uncomfortable. They might even be tempted to close their eyes and turn away.

That’s what repentance is like. It’s an invitation into something brighter, but it requires us to turn toward Jesus.

And here’s the amazing part: Jesus doesn’t just call us to the light—He is the light.

This brings us to a personal question: Are we walking in the light of Christ, or are we still clinging to the darkness?

Maybe you’ve gotten used to a certain way of living, even if it’s not what God wants for you.

Maybe you feel like John’s followers—disappointed, wondering why things aren’t going the way you expected.

Maybe you feel like those in Galilee—forgotten, unimportant, unsure if God really sees you.

But here’s the truth: Jesus has stepped into your story. The light has dawned.

So the question is: Will you turn toward Him?

John’s arrest seemed like the end of hope. But it was actually the moment Jesus stepped forward to bring the light of God’s kingdom.

And today, that light is still shining. It’s shining for you. It’s calling you forward.

The darkness is not the end of your story. The light has come.

Jesus Calls Ordinary People (vv. 18-22)

Picture this: You’re at work, in the middle of your normal routine. Maybe you’re typing up emails, stocking shelves, or driving your usual route. Then suddenly, someone walks up to you—someone with authority, someone who speaks with undeniable purpose—and says, "Come with me. Leave this behind. I have something greater for you."

What would you do?

That’s exactly what happened to Simon Peter and his brother Andrew. They weren’t in a synagogue studying theology. They weren’t debating scripture with religious leaders. They were fishing.

Now, in Jesus' time, fishing wasn’t a hobby—it was a way of life. These men weren’t just throwing a line in for fun. They were hardworking, blue-collar men, providing for their families, relying on the sea for survival. Their hands were calloused, their clothes smelled like fish, and their daily routine was simple: throw the net, haul it in, repeat.

And yet, these are the ones Jesus calls first.

Not the priests. Not the scholars. Not the powerful. But fishermen. Ordinary people.

What Does He Say? A Call to Something Greater

Jesus doesn’t give them a long explanation. No promise of riches. No details about where they’ll go or what they’ll do. Just two words that change everything:

Matthew 4:19 NKJV

19 “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

And then He says something that must have seemed strange:

“...and I will make you fishers of men.”

Think about it for a second. Jesus is speaking their language. They know how to fish, they had been doing it all their lives.

They knew how to cast nets and work tirelessly to bring in the catch.

And Jesus says, “You’ve spent your entire life fishing for fish.” Now I’m asking you to fish for people.”

This is more than just a change of career; it’s a change of purpose.

If we were in their shoes, we might hesitate.

“Jesus, can I pray about it first?”

“Can I at least finish this last catch?”

“How about my family? I have responsibilities?”

But look at their response:

“Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” (v. 20)

Immediately. Without hesitation.

Why? Because something there was about Jesus’ voice, presence, and call that made it clear. This was worth leaving everything for.

James and John, Zebedee’s sons, made an even greater sacrifice. They not only left their nets, but also their father, the family business, and their future stability. They left everything they knew and followed Jesus into the unknown.

Here’s where things get real:

Jesus is still calling ordinary people today.

He is not waiting for you to be perfect.

He isn’t looking for candidates with the best resumes.

He is not just calling pastors, missionaries, and theologians.

He’s calling you.

The only question is, are you willing?

See, we often stop before we even get strted because we believe we are not qualified.

“I don’t know enough about the Bible.”

“I’ve made too many mistakes.”

“I’m just an average person—what can I really do?”

But look who Jesus called: fishermen. Regular, hardworking, imperfect men.

He did not chose them because they were great; he made them great.

He transformed their everyday jobs into eternal goals.

He used what they knew—fishing—and shaped His kingdom.

He didn’t just give them a new job; he gave them a mission.

He wants to do the same thing for you.

What Might Jesus Be Calling You to Leave Behind?

For Peter, Andrew, James, and John, following Jesus meant leaving their nets. What about you?

Maybe it is fear that is holding you back.

Maybe it's a habit or a comfort zone that you're holding onto.

Maybe it's the lie that you're not "good enough" to be used by God.

Whatever it is, Jesus is calling you out of the boat.

I have a book in my office with the title If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. It is about trusting in Jesus. Jesus calls us to step out, but many of us stay in the boat because of doubt or fear. The greatest spiritual growth happens when we take risks in obedience to Christ.

He is saying, "Follow me." Trust me. I have something more for you."

So, the issue is, will you drop your nets and follow Him?

Jesus could have called anybody. But He selected fishermen. He went with the ordinary.

And He’s still choosing the ordinary today—to do extraordinary things.

Because in the hands of Jesus, an ordinary life is transformed into a world-changer.

Jesus’ Work Continues Through Us (v. 23)

Imagine hearing about a doctor claims to have discovered a treatment for a disease with no known cure but chooses to dedicate his time to teaching medical concepts rather than treating patients. It's important information but where are the results? Who has experienced healing from this disease?

Jesus demonstrated his teachings through his actions. He did just talk, he was a doer.

The verse Matthew 4:23 provides information about His ministry activities.

Matthew 4:23 “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.”

During His ministry Jesus traveled throughout Galilee where He taught in synagogues and preached about the kingdom of God while healing every kind of disease and affliction that affected the people.

Jesus’ ministry had three key components:

Teaching - As a teacher Jesus revealed the truth about God’s kingdom to his followers.

Preaching – He boldly announced the good news.

Healing: Healing occurred because Jesus physically restored those who were broken.

The ministry went beyond just preaching to create real transformations.

The Kingdom Is Not Just Words—It’s Action!

Jesus revealed the light to people through His actions rather than mere words.

He went beyond preaching about love by touching those considered untouchable and eating with sinners while defending people who were cast out.

He didn’t talk about healing He actually restored sight, cleansed lepers and made the lame walk.

Instead of merely asking people to believe He showed them how belief is displayed through compassionate deeds and selfless sacrifice.

This is what set Jesus apart. He embodied the kingdom He preached. The call now comes from Him for us to follow His example.

Here’s the incredible part: The amazing truth is that Jesus’ ministry carries on today because He works through us.

His kingdom requires us to be active participants rather than passive observers.

Our role extends beyond hearing His words because we actively perform His work.

Jesus said in John 8:12 “12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.””

But later, in Matthew 5: Jesus then addressed His disciples in Matthew 5:14 “14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Do you see it? He passes the mission on to us.

Being a follower of Jesus means you do more than believe in the light—you must embody it.

Where Has God Placed You to Shine?

Now, let’s bring this home:

In your workplace, your family, your neighborhood?

In which place has God put you so you can shine His light?

Which people in your life are trapped in darkness and need to experience Christ through you?

Maybe it’s through kindness in small moments.

What actions can you take to share Jesus deliberately with those around you?

Starting conversations about faith by stepping beyond your comfort zone may be a way to shine.

Jesus did not invite us to be fans of His ministry but to advance His work as active followers.

Are you actively engaged in His mission or remaining an observer on the sidelines?

Do you just show up at church services or do you embody what the church represents?

The mission that Jesus started in Galilee still spreads today through your actions.

So the question is: The choice stands before you to decide whether you will simply listen to good news or take action to live it out.

The world requires more than just sermons from us; it needs more light.

And Jesus has called you to shine.

A Call to Step Into the Light

Imagine a ship traveling during a deep, stormy night. The wind howls, the waves crash, and the captain can only see a few feet ahead. In the dark, everything is unclear. But then, a light appears.

A lighthouse.

That single beam of light cuts through the storm and darkness, guiding the ship safely to the harbor. The lighthouse does not save the ship; rather, it shows the way home.

That is our calling as followers of Jesus. We are not the light, but we reflect His light in order to guide others to Him.

Don't just admire the light, but step into it and carry it forward.

It's one thing to admire a lighthouse from the beach. It's another matter to rely on it while you're lost.

Some people see Jesus' light from a distance but never enter it.

Others have stepped into the light, but are hesitant to shine it on others.

But Jesus calls us to do both.

Step into the light - If you haven't totally surrendered to Jesus, now is the time to move from darkness into His kingdom.

Carry the light forward - If you already follow Jesus, He invites you to spread His light wherever you go.

The world is full of people who have been lost in the storm. And Jesus has brought you into their life to reflect His light.

To those who have not responded to Jesus' call:

Maybe you've been standing at the edge of the light, unsure whether to enter.

Maybe you've felt lost while looking for something better.

Here's the good news: Jesus has called you.

He is saying, "Follow me." Will you step into His light today?

For the believers:

Where is Jesus calling you to spread His light this week?

Who in your life needs to see Christ through your words, acts, and love?

Because the light of Jesus is not to be hidden.

It's meant to shine.

And now it's your moment to shine.

Like the disciples, Jesus is calling you—ordinary people—to an amazing purpose.

So the question is, will you follow Him? Will you step into the light? Will you assist others get home?