Matthew 4: 12-17
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali–to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles–the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has shown.”
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
A Thought
John preached repentance and baptism to prepare the way of Jesus the Christ. Herod has put John in prison for his rebuke concerning his brothers’ wife. Fulfilling what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, Jesus has now left Nazareth to began his ministry of bringing a great light to all living in the darkness of the shadow of death. Jesus’ message was a simple one, to repent, to change because the kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus had left heaven and brought the kingdom of heaven to earth.
Our Prayer
Father thank you for giving to all the way of escape from the shadow of death by bringing the light of your Son to earth to redeem us back to you by Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Thank you for his ministry of repentance and salvation. We desire to be a part of his new kingdom on earth. Help us to receive, to live and to share his ministry with others. We ask in Jesis’ name, amen.
