Dawning of a New Life
Light Has Pierced the Darkness
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 4:16 NKJV - "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned."
OBSERVATION:
After John the Baptist's death, Jesus began His ministry in Galilee. Why choose Galilee over Jerusalem? Isn't Jerusalem a more strategic location for politics and religion? Wouldn't it be better to be at the heart of Israel's religious activity? Jesus knew the best starting point was where Isaiah prophesied—a land of deep darkness in the shadow of death, where Light had dawned. Galilee was the place most in need of the Good News, as many dwelt in darkness.
Matthew 4:16 NKJV - "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned."
OBSERVATION:
After John the Baptist's death, Jesus began His ministry in Galilee. Why choose Galilee over Jerusalem? Isn't Jerusalem a more strategic location for politics and religion? Wouldn't it be better to be at the heart of Israel's religious activity? Jesus knew the best starting point was where Isaiah prophesied—a land of deep darkness in the shadow of death, where Light had dawned. Galilee was the place most in need of the Good News, as many dwelt in darkness.
“In an area of about 60 by 30 miles, Josephus says that there were some 204 villages with none having less than 15,000 people. That gives a population of more than 3 million for the region.” – David Guzik.
“In despised Galilee, the place where people live in darkness (i.e., without the religious and cultic advantages of Jerusalem and Judea)…here the light has dawned.” – D.A. Carson.
“In despised Galilee, the place where people live in darkness (i.e., without the religious and cultic advantages of Jerusalem and Judea)…here the light has dawned.” – D.A. Carson.
Jesus picked up where John left off, spreading the message further. While John laid the foundation, Jesus finished it. The message stayed the same as John’s—it's not his own, but the good news of the Kingdom.
Matthew 4:17 NKJV - … "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Often, we focus so much on the word 'repent' that we overlook the truly glorious message Jesus was sharing.
Matthew uses the phrase 'the kingdom of heaven' not to describe a physical location, but to indicate that God has come in the flesh and is close by.
He follows a Jewish tradition of avoiding direct mention of God, instead referencing His dwelling—Heaven. The Messiah, God in the flesh, was right in front of them.
Later in this chapter, Jesus began preaching the good news of the kingdom. As He did so, many people caught in darkness came into the light.
APPLICATION:
Why is the Good News of the Kingdom needed today? Because many people are in darkness. Not much has changed except that the darkness has gradually worsened. That is why the Good News is so important today.
Remember, Jesus truly brought a message of good news. The lost don’t have to stay in darkness any longer. This kingdom we live in today will eventually fall. Jesus didn’t come to save society as a whole but to save the lost within it. The only thing that will truly save is the good news of Jesus Christ!
PRAYER:
Thank you, Jesus, for coming near. You brought the Good News, are the Good News, and you still call those in darkness into the light with the Good News. The world needs good news! Thank you that You are the way, the truth, and the life. Salvation and the Kingdom have arrived!
Matthew 4:17 NKJV - … "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Often, we focus so much on the word 'repent' that we overlook the truly glorious message Jesus was sharing.
Matthew uses the phrase 'the kingdom of heaven' not to describe a physical location, but to indicate that God has come in the flesh and is close by.
He follows a Jewish tradition of avoiding direct mention of God, instead referencing His dwelling—Heaven. The Messiah, God in the flesh, was right in front of them.
Later in this chapter, Jesus began preaching the good news of the kingdom. As He did so, many people caught in darkness came into the light.
APPLICATION:
Why is the Good News of the Kingdom needed today? Because many people are in darkness. Not much has changed except that the darkness has gradually worsened. That is why the Good News is so important today.
Remember, Jesus truly brought a message of good news. The lost don’t have to stay in darkness any longer. This kingdom we live in today will eventually fall. Jesus didn’t come to save society as a whole but to save the lost within it. The only thing that will truly save is the good news of Jesus Christ!
PRAYER:
Thank you, Jesus, for coming near. You brought the Good News, are the Good News, and you still call those in darkness into the light with the Good News. The world needs good news! Thank you that You are the way, the truth, and the life. Salvation and the Kingdom have arrived!
Extra! Extra! Read all about it: The Good News of salvation has arrived.
Posted in Matthew