Jesus spent more than 70% of his ministry in Galilee near the shores of this big lake. Its waters were his playground for miracles and pulpit for life lessons.

Notes And Next Steps

Matthew 4:12-15,18,23 + Part 3 of the series “Jesus Was Here"

Jesus spent over 70% of his ministry in the northwest shore area of the Sea of Galilee.

[Jesus] withdrew to Galilee … and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali … the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.” (Matthew 4:12-15)

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers … “I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:18-19)

1. The evidence is real.
2. Jesus meets people where we are.
3. Jesus gives us more than comfort.
4. Jesus wanted to take his disciples to new places.
5. You don’t need greatness to be right with Jesus.
6. Where do you see Jesus at work in your life?
7. Jesus used parallels from the disciples’ daily lives to help them understand the Kingdom.
8. Life with Jesus is never boring.
9. God is faithful.
10. 10.We want others, like fish, to be caught up in and connected to Jesus.

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

What word do you think best describes the relationship of Jesus and his disciples to the Sea of Galilee? From today’s list, or one of your own? Why?

Discussion Questions

1. What word do you think best describes the relationship of Jesus and his disciples to the Sea of Galilee? From today’s list, or one of your own? Why?
2. Read Matthew 8:23-27. Can you find a connection with each of the ten words describing Galilee in today’s sermon?
3. Where do you see Jesus at work in your life?
4. Research Via Maris (or “way of the sea”). How does it help us understand the significance of Galilee?