Scripture: Matt 4:13-17, John 5:39-44, etc.
Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali–to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles–
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.”
From that time on Jesus began to preach,
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matt 4:13-17).”
Matthew describes the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in this way as the arrival of light. Satan, the ruler of darkness, was defeated, at least for a time, and the kingdom of light under the rule of the Son has arrived. Matthew calls the latter kingdom the “kingdom of heaven.” To enter this kingdom, one must repent by leaving the world of darkness and come to Christ, the light. The gate for this kingdom is “repentance.” Guilt from sin keeps people away from God’s presence and locks them in darkness. When a person repents by acknowledging his sin, he receives forgiveness, is freed from guilt, and enters the kingdom of light. This happens in the spirit, deep inside the heart, where he believes in the light and sees it with spiritual eyes. Jesus said:
Believe in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light (John 12:36).
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness (v. 46).
Since believing is always for something not seen, the expression “believe in the light” indicates that this light is spiritual. Also, the one “who believes in me” refers to the one who accepts the spiritual reality of who Jesus is–especially “as a light.” Jesus once spoke to the Jews:
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life (5:39-40).
These Jews were knowledgeable about the Scriptures, like the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law. Yet, Jesus said to them, “You refused to come to me to have life.” Even though they diligently searched the Scriptures and even talked to Jesus, face to face, they were far from him and did not come to him. Jesus once said to a crowd:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matt 11:28-30).
(From Sermon Summary, “Children of Light” No. 7)
