In Matthew 4, we see how Jesus redefines discipleship in light of power and the greatest threat to all of humanity: the desire for supremacy.
the call to the extraordinary way of love
Epiphany 3A | Matthew 4:12-23
I’m sure there were more than a few people here who heard the names Zebulun and Naphtali and were like “Oh yeah those cities. Totally. Yeah. Of course. Makes total sense.” While nodding in that over-exaggerated way. “Oh yeah, Galilee. Of course!”
And the rest are like “Am I supposed to know these places?” No. Not really.
Because we get the gist of what the author is saying. Jesus couldn’t stay in his hometown, so he went to another one that’s in the same region. Like different cities in the same state.
And the evangelist we call Matthew makes it clear that this somehow fulfills scripture. So for some people, that’s all they need to know. Got it! We’re all on board.
Of course, there’s more. If we want it. And the lectionary pointed right to it by giving us part of Isaiah 9…
The full text may be found here.
For a limited time, you may find the audio here.