Matthew 4:13-16
13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people dwelling in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
on them a light has dawned.”
Easter is on my mind this week...
In today’s text Matthew provides some points of connection for his Jewish audience. He speaks of the prophet Isaiah’s words and Jesus’ fulfillment of them. Prophets of the Old Testament have always been a source of clarity, validation, and awe for me and my faith. To understand the prophets and their usage by God is to better understand the character, power, plan, and grace of God.
I feel the Bible clearly reveals life and time as a grand narrative with Christ being the center of this story. Therefore, when we view the Biblical text as a whole we see that Christ’s birth, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice was not a development in the grand story but instead a purposeful plan from the beginning.
Matthew’s text reveals this point of connection to His Jewish audience. He is relaying to them God’s love and plan of redemption for them through Christ. The good news of Easter is that the same plan and love God had for Matthew’s audience He has for you and I as well.
I am thankful for the love and sacrifice God exhibited and made for us through His Son. I am thankful I don’t have to be or do anything but simply accept His free offer of grace through faith in Christ’s atonement. I am thankful God has a plan and He initiates relationship with us.
I feel the apostle Paul says it best “but God shows His love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Know that today and the days ahead of you are not potential developments in life’s story but rather part of a purposeful plan that you and I can be a part of!
