Sermon Tone Analysis

If we remember how last week ended with these infamous words: "From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.””

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In connection with the preceding context (4:13–16) the meaning here in verse 17 is that

Jesus now begins to bring this gospel of the kingdom

into regions which the Baptist had not penetrated to any great extent.

The good news is beginning to be spread over a wider territory.

The demand that men be converted resounds in regions where it had not been heard before.

The fact that the coming of Christ has indeed brought about a tremendous change on earth,

so that millions of people have been translated from the realm of darkness into the kingdom of light,

shows that the proclamation, “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” was fully justified.

Not immediately or all at once was this message proclaimed throughout the world.

From the beginning its spread was intended to be progressive:

it was to reach first the Jew (10:5, 6), then also,

also, step by step, all the nations (24:14; 28:19; ; ).

It is not surprising, therefore, that the announcement “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” found first on the lips of the Baptist, then confirmed by Jesus, is at Christ’s command repeated by the disciples (), with the intention that it shall at last reach the entire world: every nation.

Then shall the end come.

step by step, all the nations (24:14; 28:19; ; ).

It is not surprising, therefore, that the announcement “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,”

found first on the lips of the Baptist,

then confirmed by Jesus,

is at Christ’s command repeated by the disciples (), with the intention that it shall at last reach the entire world: every nation.

Then shall the end come.

is at Christ’s command repeated by the disciples (),

with the intention that it shall at last reach the entire world: every nation.

Then shall the end come.

Then on the heels of those infamous words is our passage

being seen through the lens and understanding

that the wonderful gospel of the kingdom

was not intended only for the men and women living during the time of Christ’s earthly ministry.

It’s not at all surprising that at the very beginning of His ministry

Jesus chose men who, by means of their testimony,

would go on to perpetuate His work and proclaim His message.

Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001).

Exposition of the Gospel According to Matthew (Vol.

9, p. 244).

Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

So here is a short account of the way Jesus called His first disciples.

Something that is noteworthy, is that Jesus called those He wanted.

In Judaism, the disciple chose his rabbi.

Let’s walk through this text together.

"As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew.

They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen.”

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As Samuel comes to anoint David as king and the Lord has to remind Samuel to not look upon his appearance.

It says in that, “Humans do not see what the LORD sees, for humans see what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart.”

And so it is here Jesus doesn’t go to the mighty and noble in Herod’s court.

Not to Jerusalem, among the chief priests and the elders.

But to the sea of Galilee.

Surely Christ sees not as man sees.

"Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them.”

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Galilee was a remote part of the nation and its inhabitants were less cultivated and refined.

These men picked up at the sea of Galilee didn’t have all the privileges and improvements of the others.

And this is where Christ went to call His apostles that were to be in the cabinet of His presidency (so to speak)

The men who were chosen by Jesus to be his immediate companions needed to be trained for apostleship.

Simon the fickle must become Peter the rock.

Something similar was true with respect to all.

When we first meet these men, and to a certain extent even much later,

they manifest lack of deep spiritual penetration (; ; , , ; ; , ; );

of fervent sympathy (14:15, 16, 23; 19:13–15);

of profound humility (18:1–4);

of the gladly forgiving spirit (18:21, 22);

of persevering prayerfulness (17:16–21); and

of unflinching courage (26:56, 69–75).

Look at their responses:"Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”

() "Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

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"Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”

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thereby face the opposition of many, including the religious leaders.

"Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

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We absolutely cannot ignore this.

“Their decision” to side with Jesus exhibits his greatness:

the impelling force of his influence over the minds and hearts of men,

so that when he calls they follow immediately.

The span of his sympathy and the magnitude of his power are also shown here.

Is it not marvelous that he was willing and able to take such common folk,

four fishermen, (and the others)., ignorant and uncultivated individuals, and,

in spite of all their prejudices and superstitions,

to transform them into instruments for the salvation of many;

to make them leaders who, by means of their testimonies, would turn the world upside down?

The four men are Peter, the abrupt and impulsive (; , ; ; ),

who becomes the leader of The Twelve, and

is mentioned first in every list of apostles (; ; ; and ).

Peter’s brother Andrew, who is always bringing people to Jesus (; , , cf. ; ).

Zebedee’s son James, the first of The Twelve to wear the martyr’s crown (, ).

His brother John, who is called “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (; ; etc.).

Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001).

Exposition of the Gospel According to Matthew (Vol.

9, p. 247).

Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

To be sure, the Lord loved all “his own” very intensely (, ),

Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001).

Exposition of the Gospel According to Matthew (Vol.

9, p. 247).

Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

but between Jesus and John the tie of attachment and understanding was the tenderest.

Then Jesus gives them a simple command and a promise.

"“Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.””

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"“Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.””

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“Follow me” is the call to discipleship.

It is no longer a question of taking fish from the lake,

but of drawing men up out of the abyss of sin and death,

catching them in the great net of God!