Matthew 4:12-25

“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: 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.” (Matthew 4:15–16, NKJV)

Matthew quoted from Isaiah 9:1-2. The territory of Israel that had been allocated to the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali had become populated with Gentiles. “Galilee of the Gentiles” was a derogatory phrase, referring to the ethnic, cultural, and religious admixture of people in this region. The Decapolis, ten Roman cities, were in this area, and these were steeped in paganism. It was into this spiritual darkness that Jesus came. Jesus did not avoid the darkness; He courageously stepped into it because He is the Light of the world.

“I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand. I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison. Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.” (Isaiah 42:6–7, NKJV)

The Lord sees sinners, not as problems to be avoided, but as prisoners to be released. They are blinded and bound by Satan. They are headed for destruction and eternal separation from God. But Jesus came into the world to shine the light on them and show them the way out. He binds the strong man and frees his possessions (Luke 11:21-22).

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shined in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:4–5, NKJV)

Jesus claimed to be the Light of the world (John 8:12). But then He said to His disciples:

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” (Matthew 5:14–15, NKJV)

Today Jesus is shining His light in the darkness through His church. We are the salt of the earth, preserving it from rottenness. And we are the light of the world, illuminating by our works and our words the only way to heaven through Jesus Christ. Are we shining in the darkness or hiding under a basket? How can we shine our light in grace, truth, boldness, and love to everyone?