From Capernaum, a message carried across the Roman Empire and around the world.
A reflection by Bob Young for January 18, 2026.
The Book of Matthew is one of the four canonical gospels that describe the life and ministry of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew was principally suited for a Jewish audience and described Jesus’ mission as the fulfillment of Jewish Prophecy. I would suspect that as the early church became more Gentile in adherence, the emphasis of its Jewish origin may have become more important for the Jewish Christians.
In our liturgical passage for this Sunday (Matt. 4:12-17), Jesus has seemingly completed his preparation and regards the death of John the Baptist as the time to launch his active ministry. Upon hearing of John’s death, Jesus stepped forward to advance God’s message publicly, now that the forerunner had been silenced.
Three cities are typically associated with Jesus: his birthplace (Bethlehem), his hometown (Nazareth) and the place of his crucifixion and resurrection (Jerusalem). However, upon John the Baptist’s passing, Jesus left Nazareth and settled in the city of Capernaum that became his base of operation for the three years of his public ministry.
Capernaum was a busy seaside fishing village and commercial hub on the Via Maris (Way of the Sea) which connected Egypt to the Middle East. This strategic location exposed Jesus to a broad cross section of merchants, travelers, soldiers and others who could carry his message across the Roman Empire. It also was the home of his initial disciples, Peter, Andrew, James, John and Matthew. Capernaum was also the place where most of his miracles were performed.
Verse 17 contains Christ’s first sermon, including, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand” — a kingdom available to us through him, rather than a distant hope. My belief is that repentance and acceptance of the need for a savior is the first step toward salvation, followed by belief in Christ as personal Lord and savior who cleansed us completely through his sacrifice and resurrection. It seems that the whole process begins with repentance and humility.
—Bob Young
Photo is of the Sea of Gallilee.
