Matthew 4:12–17 (ESV)
Jesus Begins His Ministry
12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,
14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people dwelling in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
on them
a light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Isaiah described the sinful state of this world: people walking in darkness and the shadow of death, unable to find their way and lacking the ability to help themselves. Into this black hole comes Jesus, the light of the world.
His great light shines first in Galilee, where He calls disciples, teaches, preaches, and heals. His great light continues to shine in our darkness. The good news of God’s reign continues to be sounded in Word and Sacrament. To sinful, hurting people,
Jesus gives life, hope, and deliverance.
I pray: May Your light shine in us as we share Your Gospel with the world,
O Christ, our light. Shine on us and through us. Amen.