Some people are drawn to a certain kind of person.

When it comes to friendship, artsy folks tend to be drawn to artsy folks, athletes to athletes, braniacs to braniacs. And then there are the kinds of people who are drawn to certain people when it comes to condition. Doctors and nurses are drawn to people that are physically hurting. Teachers are drawn to people that aren't educated to a certain degree. Financial planners are drawn to people that need help managing their money. Many historic, Christian religious orders have been drawn to the poor.

Jesus is similar.

Not exclusively, but Jesus certainly seems to feel comfortable and at-home amongst blue-collar, a little rough around the edges, tough folks. This is the kind of person that was drawn to and the kind of person that was created "by the lake" or "by the sea." The Capernaum area was a place for fishermen, soldiers, craftsmen, and day laborers. It was a part of the greater Galilee area - known more for its vices than its virtues.

When we get to the beginning of the ministry of Jesus, it notes that Jesus isn't just for the blue-collared of Israel, but he's also for the blue-collared of the nations. Matthew 4:15 says that the ministry of Jesus is for the:

“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
    the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,
    Galilee of the Gentiles—"

In other words, whatever slightly poor reputation the greater-Galilee area had, the gentile land across the sea carried the same reputation. However, the prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be for Israel and the surrounding nations. We find Jesus fulfilling this mandate from the very start.

It's good news that Jesus isn't committed to the kingdom finding its way to an exclusive group of people, nations, city, or neighborhoods. Instead, the good news of the "kingdom being near" is good news for every ethnicity, nation, city, and neighborhood - regardless of their collar of work.

Wherever you are, whatever your occupation, regardless of your vices - the kingdom is near.