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THE PEOPLE WHO SAT IN DARKNESS HAVE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT

Text: Matthew 4:12-16, Isaiah 9:1-2
13 November 2011

(I) THE PLACE OF SCRIPTURE IN THE MINISTRY OF JESUS

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ” The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles” Matthew 4:12-15

1. Utmost reverence for the Scriptures

a) High regard for the word

b) Highly placed in life and ministry

2. Knowledge of the Scriptures for guidance

a) Jesus knew the Scriptures very well.

b) Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would go to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali…a reference to Galilee ( Isaiah 9:1, 2 )

3. Jesus fulfilled Scriptures

a) This reflected the Lord Jesus’ understanding of prophecy

b) He recognized the wisdom of Scripture

c) He followed the leading of God to minister at this place

(II) THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FULFILMENT OF SCRIPTURE

“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 4:16

1. Historical significance

a) The land was promised to Israel

b) It was determined as their inheritance

c) But the people rejected the Lord because of sin.

d) The land was no longer highly esteemed by God

“Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first He lightly esteemed…” Isaiah 9:1

e) It became a land full of darkness

“The people who walk in darkness” Isaiah 9:2

“Those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death” Isaiah 9:2

2. Messianic significance

“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 4:16

a) The light of the Messiah had been revealed in the darkness

b) The light of the Lord Jesus brought great hope

3. Jesus lights the path into the kingdom of God

“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17

a) The Lord preached about the Kingdom of God

b) He was shining forth the light of the Word.

c) The light will lead people on the path to the kingdom of light

(III) THE CERTAINTY OF THE SCRIPTURE

1. Total assurance concerning the Scriptures

2. Full dependence on the Scriptures

a) Jesus depended on it

b) Our challenge is to depend on it too

3. Great sense of hope in the Lord Jesus as our light this Christmas