The Beginning of the Kings Ministry

Text: Matthew 4:12-25

  1. The King’s ministry is launched among the darkness of man 4:12-16

  • Jesus does not begin His ministry in comfort or celebration—but in darkness.
  • John the Baptist is arrested.  ( Matthew 14:1-12 )
  • The prophetic voice is silenced… or so it seems.
  • Familiarity sometimes breeds unbelief.
  • Matthew tells us this fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy: The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light.”
  • The Kingdom of God does not wait for darkness to retreat, it advances into it.
  • Jesus enters the brokenness, confusion, and rebellion of humanity on purpose.


  1.  The King’s message is centered on the Kingdom of God 4:17

  • Similar to John The Baptist -
  • Both call people to repent Matthew 4:17
  • Both confront sin seriously
  • Different from John the Baptist
  • John addresses the fruit of sin
  • Jesus addresses the root of sin—the heart
  • John announces the coming power
  • Jesus brings the power

  1.  John could prepare the Way but only Jesus change people in the way

  • Darkness vs. Light
  • We still live in the darkness of man: Bitterness, Disappointment, Lies, Adultery, Addiction
  • And yet Jesus offers the light of the Kingdom of God: Joy instead of emptiness, Life instead of death, Truth instead of lies, Relationships that don’t just survive—but thrive
  • Some of you may be here today tired of the darkness.
  • You want to believe there is light—but you wonder:
  • Is real transformation actually possible?  Can the Holy Spirit really change this mess?
  • Yes. Yes. And here’s why.

  1. The King’s Mission is focused on the transformation of People. ( 4:19 )

  • Follow me  
  • A call to relationship, not religion
  • A call to be like Jesus.   Matt. 4:17-6:20.
  • A Call to intentional living
  • Becoming like Jesus is intentional not instant
  • I will make you
  • This is the promise of divine transformation
  • Titus 2:11–14  “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.”
  • He will give you power to say no to sin
  • He will take away the old and give you the new
  • He will change what you could never change on your own
  • you will see things differently - you will see the kingdom of God
  • you will hear things differently - you will hear the voice of God
  • You will feel things differently - you will have passion for the things of God
  • Fishers of me -
  • You will be used by God to reach people
  • You will be used by God to impact this world
  • Steps into darkness, Proclaims the Kingdom, Transforms people, Sends them on mission
  • This is not just how Jesus began His ministry.
  • This is how He still works today.