Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus Begins His Ministry

Matthew uses every opportunity to point out to people that Jesus is the legitimate Son of David, Son of Abraham, Son of God. Jesus’ move from Nazareth to Galilee after John’s arrest is declared to be the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Is.9). Isaiah’s prophecy speaks of the liberation of the people of Israel from the Assyrian exile, but also of a liberation by the hand of the promised Messiah: “the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Is.9:6b). The regions in question (Zebulun, Naphtali, and Galilee) comprise both Jews and Gentiles who are described as “dwelling in darkness.” The prophecy declares that these people will see a light that will dawn on them. That light is Jesus himself (Jn.1:4) preaching: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus is the incarnate Son of God, the light that brings God’s kingdom, God’s rule upon the earth. The way to enter such kingdom is through repentance.

The call to follow Jesus is a call to repentance. Repentance is a change of mind. It is to recognize our darkness, our sin, our rebellion against God and decide to turn to him that his light might shine upon us. It is a call to submit ourselves to God’s rule and give up our self-sufficiency, our desire to rule our own lives by our own laws. The call is out for Jew and Gentile alike. There is no discrimination in God’s kingdom. All ethnicities are being called to come out of darkness into his marvelous light and share together the blessings of the kingdom. Repentance grants us entrance into God’s kingdom. But repentance is not just a one shot deal. It is a continuous process as well. We must repent daily of our sins (Mat.6:12) as Jesus taught his disciples to pray.

Heavenly Father, have mercy on me, a sinner. Shine your light upon my darkness this day that I may see your Son and follow him to enjoy his rule as my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.