Podcast Summary: Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin

Episode: What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus? - Matthew S1E3

Date: February 2, 2026
Host: Pastor Joby Martin
Guests: Pastor Ben Williams, Pastor Brett

Overview

This episode takes a deep dive into Matthew’s Gospel, specifically focusing on what it means to truly follow Jesus. Pastors Joby, Ben, and Brett explore biblical context, historical insights, and practical application by unpacking Jesus’ move to Capernaum, the calling of the first disciples, and the implications of being a “fisher of men.” The discussion is rich with stories, cultural background, and personal experiences from ministry and travel, weaving together biblical teaching with challenges for modern believers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context of Jesus’ Move to Capernaum

• Examining the strategic and prophetic reasons for Jesus relocating to “Galilee of the Gentiles” after John the Baptist’s arrest ([01:49-04:57]).
• Pastor Joby: “Whoever Pontius or Herod thought they were in charge, they really aren’t, man. They really are but pawns in God’s grandmaster plan…”
• Jesus intentionally begins his public ministry among Jews and Gentiles, foreshadowing his mission to all nations ([04:57-05:33]).
• Historical details on Herod’s palaces, significance of Capernaum, and Decapolis as hubs of diverse interaction ([02:32-05:19]).

2. Outsiders and the Margins

• Pastor Brett: “Jesus does a lot of his best work in the margins… movements go from outside in a lot of times, you know.” ([06:04])
• Discussion on Jesus’ preference for rural and marginalized locations—contrasted with modern focus on urban ministry ([06:04-07:34]).
• The Jewish system’s insularity at the time of Jesus, and the tension around Gentile inclusion ([03:40-07:34]).

3. Timing and God’s Sovereignty

• Jesus maneuvers not to provoke premature conflict, aligning his public ministry with God’s prophetic timing ([08:29-09:42]).
• Pastor Joby: “He’s appointed to die at Passover three years from now.”
• Differences in Jesus’s instruction when healing Gentiles (“go tell”) vs. Jews (“don’t speak until resurrection”) ([10:43-11:50]).
• Pastor Brett: Researching the phrase “my time has not yet come” as a study through the Gospels ([11:50-12:04]).

4. Personal Stories of Ministry Travel

• Extended anecdotes about trips to Israel, cross-cultural ministry, and unexpected adventures in Palestine ([12:46-19:00]).
• Highlights the complexity and nuance of Middle Eastern contexts and the limitations of outsiders’ perspectives.
• Pastor Joby: “From the comfort of your own living room, you think you’ve got the Middle East figured out. You have no idea what you’re talking about.” ([21:10])

5. Allegiance and Ambassadorship

• Christians’ primary identity is as ambassadors of Christ’s kingdom and government, above national or political allegiance ([23:22-25:50]).
• Pastor Joby: “You be a good citizen until you can't be a good Christian.” ([25:50])

6. Light in the Darkness

• Exploring the biblical metaphor of light and darkness—Jesus comes as the light; people’s natural tendency is to acclimate to darkness ([25:55-28:12, 32:36-36:29]).
• Stories highlight how spiritual awakening can be a jarring but life-transforming “shock to the system.”
• Memorable comparison: entering daylight after a matinee or waking up to your father singing and turning on lights ([27:28-35:48]).

7. Calling the First Disciples: Fishermen as Team-Builders

• Jesus selects ordinary fishermen—those not chosen by other rabbis ([38:03-39:25]).
• Pastor Joby: “Jesus chose them. They did not choose him… this is the… B team, the not good enough, you’re not in the gifted class.” ([39:25])
• Skill sets and past experiences (e.g., fishing) are not wasted but are repurposed for the kingdom ([41:25-42:52]).
• Analogy: Just as David’s “menial” shepherd work prepared him for kingship, so God prepares each of us through our present circumstances.

8. Evangelism and Discipleship: Inseparable Practices

• Evangelism and discipleship portrayed as two sides of the same coin; the church’s mission is both ([45:59-50:30]).
• Pastor Joby: “If you're not making [a disciple], I think according to Jesus's definition, you're not one yet.” ([46:34])
• Critique of separating these as programs: “We separated out evangelism and discipleship… The New Testament just never does it.” ([50:12])

9. Overcoming Fear in Sharing Faith

• Most fear or hesitation to share faith stems from feeling unprepared; but the act itself produces growth ([51:51-53:33]).
• Pastor Joby: “The person that's going to share their faith does learn what they need to.” ([52:20])
• Example: Story of a law student sharing the gospel with a fellow passenger, and trusting God with the result ([30:14-32:36]).

10. Jesus’ Approach to Ministry: Holistic Gospel

• Jesus teaches, proclaims the gospel of the kingdom, and heals—evangelism and discipleship married in his message ([56:19-57:04]).
• Challenging a reductionist view of “the gospel” to only personal salvation, emphasizing Jesus’ comprehensive vision for God’s rule and reign ([56:19-57:04]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s sovereignty:
  “Whoever Pontius or Herod thought they were in charge, but they really are but pawns in God’s grandmaster plan…”
  – Pastor Joby Martin, [02:13]

• On the Great Commission:
  “The first thing he tells his first disciples is… follow me and I'm gonna make you fishers of men.”
  – Pastor Joby Martin, [46:34]

• On light and darkness:
  “Your eyes are adjusted to [darkness], but then the light—Jesus—comes into the darkness and that’s a shock to your system.”
  – Pastor Brett, [35:49]

• On the inseparability of evangelism and discipleship:
  “The greatest way to deepen your walk with Jesus is get real serious about other people discovering theirs. It changes everything.”
  – Pastor Joby Martin, [48:47]

• On feeling equipped:
  “The person that's going to share their faith does learn what they need to.”
  – Pastor Joby Martin, [52:20]

• On Jesus' desire for us:
  “He called to himself those whom he desired and they came to him. I think a lot of people need to hear he wants you.”
  – Pastor Joby Martin, [58:58]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Strategic move to Capernaum (fulfillment and mission): [01:49-05:33]
• Marginality, rural vs. urban focus: [06:04-07:34]
• Jesus, timing, and God’s sovereignty: [08:29-09:42]
• Light vs. darkness as gospel metaphor: [25:55-28:12; 32:36-36:29]
• Disciples’ calling, fishermen as a metaphor: [38:03-39:25; 41:25-42:52]
• Evangelism & discipleship inseparable: [45:59-50:30]
• Practical stories (Israel, mission, Middle East complexity): [12:46-22:39]
• Jesus’ holistic ministry (teaching, proclamation, healing): [56:19-58:13]
• Invitation to come to Jesus & pastoral encouragement: [58:47-59:19]

Final Reflections

The episode challenges listeners to see themselves as called and chosen by Jesus—not because of qualifications but because of his grace. The call to "follow" is proactive: a daily act of leaving comfort, letting go of lesser allegiances, and joining Jesus in extending his invitation to others. The hosts urge listeners to move from being Jesus-adjacent to being true followers—those who discover their purpose in helping others discover Christ.

“May we be followers of you that consistently take steps because we realize the moment we got rescued, we became a part of the rescue team.”
– Pastor Joby Martin, [61:43]

For more content or to support the ministry:

• JobyMartin.com – Free chapter from Pastor Joby’s book
• coe22.com/donate – Support The Church of Eleven22

Note:
Episode skips announcements, service time logistics, and ad reads for focused summary.