The ministry of Jesus is the announcement of a new message rooted in the kingdom of heaven/God. It is a message from God for the nations as Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee of the Gentiles.
Matthew 4:12-17
SERMON OUTLINE
“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16)
Jesus, light of the world to the nations
- Jesus is light to the Gentiles
- Jesus is the light that overcomes the darkness (Matthew 4:16)
- Jesus is King in this kingdom (Isaiah 9:7)
- All people, including the Gentiles, are invited into this kingdom
- All have sinned and must repent to enter it (Matthew 4:17)
What does the light of Christ do?
- It gives life
- It sets people free from fear, darkness, and death
- It exposes sin and brings healing
- It illuminates (provides wisdom and knowledge)
- It provides direction and guidance
How should we respond?
- Pray—Repent
- Worship God—like the Magi, like Jesus mentioned in His temptation (1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 4:10, Deuteronomy 6:13)
- Reflect the light of Jesus (Matthew 5:16)
- Let the Word of God be a priority (Matthew 4:4, Psalm 119:105)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you found yourself in a dark place? Have you felt the light of Jesus shine on you?
- This week we continue our series, “Power in Preparation,” looking at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Matthew 4:12-17. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word. Next, whether you are alone or in a group, read the text aloud.
- Background: Based on what we see in verses 12-15, Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee. Galilee is surrounded by Gentile nations: Syria to the North and East, Samaria to the South, Phoenicia to the West. Galilee itself was overrun completely by Assyria in 800 BC. Most people were taken out and other people were settled there, so there was a mixture of the people living in Galilee, giving it the name, “Galilee of the Gentiles.”
- The move by Jesus to Galilee is in fulfillment of Scripture. Read Isaiah 9:1-7.
- From Isaiah 9:7, who is the King of the kingdom of Heaven?
- What is the essence of Jesus’ message in Matthew 4:17? Compare this to the message of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:2. What is God telling us here? What is the command here? What must we all do, now that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand?
- Matthew makes it clear that Jesus is the Messiah (see Matthew 1:16, 18), God Himself, and is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, 42:6, 49:6b). Why is this significant?
- Why do you think it is significant that Jesus will choose to shine His light on the Gentiles? Why is it important to let all know that Jesus is Messiah and King of not just the Jews, but of the whole world? This also brings to mind the promise in the Old Testament (Genesis 12:1-3, Isaiah 9:1-2, 49:6) and the New Testament (John 3:16, Luke 2:10-11, Matthew 8:11).
- What does it mean to repent? Why is it important? See Acts 2:38-39.
- Matthew is stating that Jesus is the light to the Gentiles (Matthew 4:16). What is the importance of light? Why do we need light? See John 1:1-9.
- Jesus saves us from the kingdom of darkness into His kingdom of light (Heaven).
- The kingdom of Heaven is good news. Contrast the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness (Matthew 4:23, Colossians 1:12-13, Hebrews 1:8).
- No more night, no more darkness. God and our Lord Himself will be our light (Revelation 21:3-4, 22:3-5).
- Why is there still darkness when the kingdom of Heaven (God) is already here in Christ?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study of God’s kingdom for the nations? If you are on your own, write that down and pray over that this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
- What should our response be? Repent (Matthew 4:17), worship God (Hebrews 12:28, 1 Peter 2:9), reflect the light of Christ wherever you are (Matthew 4:14-16), read the Word of God so it can light your way and you can be a blessing (Psalm 119:105).
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 4:16.
- Set aside some time this week to read Matthew 4:12-17 again. Then write, draw, paint, or pray aloud your own response to this series of events in Jesus’ life.