Commentary
Single Purpose
Matthew introduces
the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee pointing out that Jesus is
fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. In other
words, by preaching in “Galilee of the Gentiles,” Jesus is fulfilling God’s
plan of salvation for all people.
Jesus’
life has a single purpose – doing the Father’s will. His ministry in Galilee is the beginning of
this mission [1]. And everything he does serves that purpose.
When he called
the first disciples, they followed him “at once” (in the case of Simon and
Andrew) or “immediately” (in the case of James and John). In fact, it is the same adverb in the Greek
text.
Was it because
they felt drawn by Jesus who was so clear about the mission of his life? And they became a part of that mission.
That
attitude was the desire the Apostle Paul wanted for the Christian community of
Corinth, “that you be united in
the same mind and in the same purpose” (2nd Reading).
All
of us should desire for that same attitude – living life with a single purpose –
being the instruments of God’s salvation to all people.
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[1] The translation reads “withdrew.” It does not mean Jesus retreated or ran away in
face of danger when he learned that John had been arrested. It simply means he “returned” to Galilee.
(Rev. John Petty, http://www.progressiveinvolvement.com)
Image source: www.agnusday.org
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