Do You Have The Light?

N.T. #27 "Do You Have The Light?"

March 15, 2023

Matthew 4-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Capernaum was a roman settlement near the Sea of Galilee. It was the center of Roman government of the northern provinces of Israel. Jews were deported from the northern kingdom of Israel and foreigners flooded into Galilee. Historians said that Egyptians, Arabians, Phoenicians, and Greeks live in Galilee. 

Jesus left Nazareth when there was an attempt on His life after a synagogue service there. Capernaum became the headquarters of Jesus' ministry to the house of Israel. Obviously, Jesus' intention was to ssave Gentiles as well as Jews. Matthew's application of Isaiah 9 shows that Jesus was the great King called "Mighty God" who would reign from David's throne over a universal and eternal kingdom, liberate God's people from spiritual slavery, and bring peace and joy to the world. (Did Matthew know this would take place after the Tribulation, not during his lifetime? Matthew 24 tells about all of that.)

LET IT GROW

( We do not read of Matthew's calling by Christ to be His disciple until chapter 9.  Thought I would throw that bit of information in here.)

Jesus had the same message as John the Baptist, "Repent." Jesus Himself is that Great Light which shone in His earthly ministry to the people of Galilee who had so long been despised by their Judean cousins, in the south. (It was the northern kingdom which fell under Assyrian rule in the Old Testament.)

Jesus wasn't calling the people to prepare for the coming of the kingdom of heaven, but rather announced that the kingdom was here-Jesus Christ. We will read later about Jesus' power to heale incurable diseases and afflictions by His touch and Word.  

Light had sprung up in the darkness. (verse 16) Man could either choose darkness or Light. Jesus brought hope for eternal life. (John 3:16) Whosoever believes on Jesus as the Savior can have everlasting life. Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Savior?

LET IT GO

May Your Light shine through my life.

The Light of the world is Jesus.