A Great Light

Sunday, December 14th, 2025

8:25 am

Good morning! Today I am in Matthew 4:13-17. Here Matthew tells us that after Jesus left Samaria, He went to Nazareth and then to Capernaum, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. Fulfilling what the prophet Isaiah said in Isaiah 9:1-2. Isaiah said that in the land of Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow a light has shined. Matthew tells us that from then on Jesus began to tell the people to repent of their sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven was near. Just as John the Baptist had preached.

It's awesome to see how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the past. Isaiah spoke this message around 740 BC. Telling the people that those who walk in darkness would see a great light. When we are stuck in our sin, we are sitting in darkness. When Jesus comes to us, He shines His light into that darkness. Shining light into our lives. When He does this He is telling us to turn from our sins and turn to God, for He is the Kingdom of Heaven that has come to us.

All throughout the Old Testament, the old prophets preached the same thing to all who would listen, repent and turn from your sins. The message is the same today, but now we have Jesus. He has come. His Kingdom lives within everyone who believes.

Have you allowed Jesus to shine His light into the darkest areas of your life? Jesus wants to break you free from your sin. He wants to take you out of the darkness that sin keeps you in. He wants to help you. Allow Him to shine that light in your life. He will set you free.