12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—“The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, Upon them a Light dawned.”
Jesus’ introduction as the Messiah was revealed with obedience by baptism. His confirmation was by the voice of His Father, empowered by the Holy Spirit and tested through the wilderness temptation The Divine Trinity was unveiled publicly for all to witness. Like John the Baptist, we have the privilege of introducing Him to others.
During Jesus’ time, people suffered physical and spiritual oppression. For years, they had been living under severe Roman oppression. They were also living under spiritual leaders that either compromised their heritage to get along with Rome, or were so strict that the enjoyment of life was taken away.
Isaiah had looked forward to a time when the great light would dawn. It is Matthew’s testimony that the light had come. When Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He went into Galilee away from political and religious enemies. John was put into prison. Now Jesus, will take over his followers.
Jesus left for a remote part of the country. Jesus went there to begin His ministry and in doing this He humbled Himself. The city He chose for His residence was not His hometown, Nazareth. He was not welcome there. He started in Capernaum. There are scholars who believe His father, Joseph, had a house there. Others believe Simon Peter had a place there where they could go for rest.
Jesus going to Galilee fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy. The people in this area were in darkness before the light came among them. When the gospel comes, light comes. Though they were Jewish, they did not have the biblical education of the Judeans. It was to these people the light had come. Through Jesus’ message, their was world changing. God was on the scene. God’s kingship, His rule, and His sovereignty were no longer matters of heaven alone. It was here on earth.
People were amazed and it is the testimony of the text that no one was left out. The leper, the demon-possessed, the mentally ill, and the physical disabled were included. What Jesus really wanted to do was heal people’s hearts. He desired to bring them back into right relationship with God. God has the power to change people.
Notice the scope of His ministry - Syria, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, beyond Jordon. The Pharisees held a large following among the people until Jesus came along. People listened and the crowds began to follow Him freely. His fame spread abroad.
What Jesus had drew people, but caused demons, sickness, infirmity and death to flee.
Application: This week seek Him so that you may be a light to the World.
Prayer: Lord, let me be a light to the world. When others see me, may they see You in me.
