December 18, 2011
LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
Matt. 4:12-16 / Is. 9:1-2
This is a map of Israel during the time when Jesus lived on the earth. Let’s locate a few places…
… 3 Roman Provinces: Judea, Samaria, Galilee
… Where was the temple located? Jerusalem
… Where was Jesus born? Bethlehem
… Where was Jesus raised? Nazareth
… Where was the headquarters of His ministry? Capernaum
Jesus’ public ministry began with His baptism. John the Baptist was baptizing in the Jordan River (John 1:28; 3:26; 10:40), apparently out east of Jericho. After His baptism, Jesus went out in the desert for forty days and was tempted of the devil. You can follow this easily in the last part of Matthew 3 (verses 13-17) and the first part of chapter 4 (verses 1-11). It was in this region that John identified Jesus as the Messiah and Jesus then encountered the first of those who would be His apostles (John 1:35-51). All of this is recorded in the early chapters of John. Then He turned the water into wine in Cana of Galilee (2:1-122). After a very brief visit to Capernaum (2:12), Jesus then went “up” to Jerusalem for the Passover, driving the moneychangers out of the temple before the feast (2:13-22). It was during this visit that Jesus had His famous interview with Nicodemus (2:23-3:21).
Now come back to Matthew 4. This is where we are going to pick up the story this morning. Let’s read Matt. 4:12-16…
Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; 13. And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15. The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16. The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
There is a great gap between verse 11 and verse 12. Those things we just mentioned from the early chapters of John fit into that gap. It might be wise for you to write yourself a little note there in your Bible, reminding you of the gap between verses 11 and 12. In verse 12 we read that Jesus departed into Galilee. John 4 records the journey and how Jesus did that which was highly unusual, going through Samaria. It was there that He encountered the woman at the well. The end of John 4 (46-54) tells us that Jesus was at Cana in Galilee, when a certain nobleman from Capernaum begged Jesus to come and heal His son. Jesus didn’t go to Capernaum, but He did heal the man’s son, simply telling him to go back home and find his son well. From there, Luke (4:16-31) tells us that Jesus went to his home town of Nazareth and spoke in the synagogue. After Jesus read from Isaiah 61 and then gave a brief commentary, they ran Him out of His home town. That’s where we pick up the story in Matthew 4:13, “And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum…”
At this point, we might ask a simple question: “Why didn’t Jesus stay in Jerusalem after that first Passover? Why did He depart into Galilee?” Part of the answer is in John 4:1,3… “When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John... He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.” Jesus didn’t leave because He was afraid. More likely, He knew it wasn’t time for His popularity to grow in the Jerusalem area. There would be a time for that later. But we also find here in Matthew 4 a reason for His departure into Galilee.
Let’s read again Matt. 4:13-16…
And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15. The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16. The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
You will notice immediately that Matthew quotes from Isaiah (Esaias -- same name). The quote comes from Isaiah 9:1-2, but I would like to read what comes before it as well. So let’s read Isaiah 8:17-9:2…
And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. 18. Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. 19. And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? 20. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 21. And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward. 22. And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness…. Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. 2. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Notice that Isaiah, in 9:1, describes a geographical region. Matthew tells us that Jesus deliberately came to that region, that the scripture written by Isaiah might be fulfilled.
I. A Look at the Geographical Region
First of all, what about these terms “Zebulun” and “Naphtali”? What are they? Can any of you young ones tell us? That’s right, they are the names of two of the tribes of Israel (from the names of two of Jacob’s sons). Remember that the Promsied Land was divided under Joshua among the 12 tribes of Israel. Only one tribe didn’t receive one of the portions of land. Which tribe was that? Yes, Levi, because the Lord Himself was the inheritance of Levi. Notice on the map the portions given to Zebulun and Naphtali. We are told that Capernaum is in the borders (KJV) of Zebulun and Naphtali. Other translations speak of the “region” (NKJV, NASV, Holman) or “territory” (ESV) of Zebulun and Naphtali.
Notice in verse 14 that Matthew is getting ready to actually quote from Isaiah. In Isaiah 9:1 and the quotation in Matt. 4:13 five terms are used -- land of Zubulun, land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, and Galilee of the Gentiles (nations). There is disagreement concerning exactly how we should view these designations. There are some who would see these as terms which basically describe the same area, the territory around the Sea of Galilee. On the other hand, William Hendricksen (New Testament Commentary: Matthew) makes a good case for viewing each of these as a distinct region.
We have already seen the location of the land of Zebulun (removed to the west of the Sea of Galilee) and the land of Naphtali (bordering the Sea of Galilee and extending to the north and west). The “way of the sea” is seen by many as being the area along the Sea of Galilee, but Hendricksen suggests that it is the land west of Naphtali and Zebulun, stretching along the Mediterranean Sea. If that is so, it would include the region referred to in Matt. 15:21, “Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.” “Beyond Jordan” refers to the area east of the Jordan River. “Galilee of the Gentiles” is an interesting term, likely overlapping some with Naphtali, referring to the region in the far north part of Naphtali. This is the area that was most exposed to pagan Gentile influence.
The area described by Isaiah and Matthew is this territory all around the Sea of Galilee. This is where Jesus did the bulk of His ministry. The largest portion of the gospel accounts is devoted to His ministry in Galilee, while another large portion details His ministry beyond the Jordan. Though the population of these regions was largely Jewish, pagan influences were strong. As we will see, it was a place of darkness.
In verse 13 we read that Jesus left Nazareth and lived in Capernaum. Capernaum was on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. It became the headquarters for Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and the surrounding area. In Mark 2:1-12 we have the story of Jesus forgiving the sins of the paralytic, before healing his body. Where did that incident take place? Mark tells us that it was in Capernaum (2:1). Matthew also tells that same story, but He doesn’t mention it being in Capernaum. Instead, we read in Matt. 9:1-2, “And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And behold, they brought unto him a man sick of the palsy…” He refers to Capernaum as Jesus’ own city. Jesus deliberately adopted Capernaum, which was in the territory described by Isaiah, as His own city, as the place from which He ministered to the multitudes.
II. A Look at the People of the Region
We don’t have to speculate about the spiritual condition of the people living in that region, because the Word of God tells us their condition. One word describes it, and it is the word “darkness.” Matthew, quoting from Isaiah, describes them as the people who walked in darkness (“sat” in darkness in Isaiah 9:2). They lived in the region and shadow of death. What a vivid description. Darkness and death dominated the people of that region. Certainly, there were a few people who had light and life, but in general it was a region of darkness and death.
As we read earlier, the last part of Isaiah 8 gives some details of this darkness. Rather than looking to the Word of God, it was common for these people to look to witches and wizards for their answers. Occult practices were not uncommon. When things went bad for the people, they cursed their king and their God. Oh yes, they still had an outward attachment to the God of Israel, but when He did not bless them in the midst of their idolatrous practices, they cursed Him. The chapter closes with the words, “they shall be driven into darkness.” What a gloomy picture.
This is the region in which Jesus chose to spend the bulk of His ministry. Why? Because of the heart of God and the direction of scripture. God has a heart for people in darkness, for people who are down and out. But is that true if the people have been wicked and deserve what they are getting? Absolutely. I’m glad that God didn’t refuse to take pity on me because I was proud, self-centered, and self-sufficient. God delights in taking people out of darkness and bringing them into the light. Jesus was imply demonstrating the heart of His Father. And, as we have seen, He came into this region in order to fulfill scripture, specifically Isaiah 9:1-2.
Now let’s read all of Matt. 4:14-16, "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15. The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16. The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up." Verse 16 is an example of Hebrew parallelism; the same truth is restated in different words. People sat in darkness, but they saw great light. They were living in the shadow of death, but a great light sprung up.
So what is the great light that came to these people? It is none other than Jesus. Isaiah’s prophecy is quoted in the context of Jesus launching His ministry in this dark region. Perhaps there were mini-fulfillments of Isaiah’s words, but the glorious fulfillment waited for Jesus to come into that region. Jesus referred to Himself in a number of ways, but don’t forget His words: “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Jesus said that the night is coming when no man can work, “but as long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4-5).
Did the prophet Isaiah give us any hints that this light would be the Messiah Himself? Indeed he did, and far more than a hint. Begin in Isaiah 9:2 and just keep reading… (Is. 9:2-7)
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 3. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 5. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
This child that shall be born is none other than Jesus, the One who will one day establish His glorious kingdom in all its fullness. Praise God for the truth of His Word! Praise God for the living Word, Jesus, who is the light of the world!
III. Is There Any Application for Us?
As I mentioned before, our God loves to dispel the darkness. Go all the way back to Gen. 1:1-3…
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
But praise God that is not the end of the story. The story continues in II Cor. 4:3-6…
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
What we see here in Matthew 4 is a demonstration that it can happen anywhere. What a dark region that was, even the shadow of death, but Jesus came. He healed the sick and gave sight to the blind, but more importantly He brought the light of the gospel. We read the context in Isaiah 9, but now let’s come to the context that follows in Matthew 4. 4:17, “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The fuller account is in Mark’s parallel in Mark 1:15, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Jesus is the light, but the good news is that He can be our light. That is the gospel.
No doubt there were people in this dark region who had given up all hope. They were buried in their sins and they no longer cared. They figured that was the way it was going to be, so just make the best of it. But Jesus called on them to repent, because the kingdom of heaven was at hand. The kingdom was embodied in the King, Jesus Himself. Jesus commanded them to change their mind about sin and about righteousness. Rather than make the best of their sin, they were to hate it and forsake it, for there was hope and life and light in Jesus.
Does all of this sound as up-to-date as the world around us? Are we not surrounded by darkness? And there may be even darker places in this world than what we see. In our modern world we don’t have to go far to see the domination of darkness and death. Good news: In Jesus is life and the life is the light of men (John 1:4). “The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin, but the Light of the world is Jesus” (hymn: “The Light of the World Is Jesus,” by Philip Bliss).
Brothers and sisters, we who are in Christ are testimonies to the truth that the light can indeed dispel the darkness. We were once darkness, but now we are light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8). Jesus has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (Col. 1:13). Yes, we shout the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Pet. 2:9).
Conclusion
This is one of my birthday presents. I love flashlights. This is a good one. However, it isn’t very impressive here in this room, is it? But if you were to come back at midnight and turn off all these lights, you would see a difference. Why? Because light shines the brightest in the deepest darkness. That’s why the Lord’s salvation is so glorious. If I had been a pretty good person and just needed a few touch-up strokes from the Lord, salvation would not have been very impressive. But I was a rebel against God. I had refused His way and gone my own way. I was not only wicked to the core, but I was dead. There was no hope for me whatsoever. I couldn’t do anything for me and you couldn’t either. But God, who dwells in unapproachable light and who sent His Son as the light of the world, He delivered me from darkness and set me in His light.
Next week our theme will be “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Jesus explained that no one lights a candle and hides it. No, we set the candle out in the open so that it can give light to everyone. We who are light in the Lord, let’s not hide the light within us.
I remind you that the light shines brightest in the deepest darkness. It is deception which leads us to want to shine our light in the light. How wonderful it is to gather together here as the body of Christ, but this isn’t where we shine the Lord’s light. Are you avoiding some dark places? I remind you that if you are in Christ, you are the light of the Lord. Indeed, you are the light of the world. Let your light shine.
I am reminded of that little poem from the pen of C. T. Studd…
Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell;
I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.
Brothers and sisters, that’s where the light shines brightest for the glory of God.
If you are here this morning and not a child of God, what a time to look to Jesus, the light of the world. Repent and believe. Turn from your own way. Admit that you have rebelled against God and that there is no goodness in you. Trust the One who took your place on the cross and bore the wrath of His Father. He is your only hope.
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