Matthew 4:13-17

¹³ And upon leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,

¹⁴ in order that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

¹⁵ “Land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-

¹⁶ the people living in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the place and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

¹⁷ From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom from the sky has approached.”

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A light in a dark place

Jesus was a light in a dark place. He showed the light of God’s kingdom in a place known for following Satan’s kingdom. When he lived in Capernaum, the land of Zebulun and Naphtali saw God at work. He, himself, was the approaching of the kingdom from heaven. He fulfilled Isaiah’s prediction.

Later, he would call on his followers to continue spreading the light of his kingdom in the dark places they lived in, and the dark places he would send them to. His intention is to spread the light of the gospel and overcome death and darkness with it.

LORD, shine through us, and may our roughness never dull the glow. Shine through us, and may the world around us somehow come to know – that you are the light that will overcome their darkness.