Matthew 4:12-16
12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee.
13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—
14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 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 4:12-16: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 12: When Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been imprisoned, he made the decision to withdraw to Galilee. This shows Jesus’ awareness of the events happening around him and his willingness to adjust his plans accordingly.
Verse 13: Jesus left his hometown of Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, a city located by the Sea of Galilee in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This relocation signifies Jesus’ ministry expanding beyond his familiar surroundings and reaching out to a broader audience.
Verse 14: Matthew highlights that Jesus’ move to Capernaum was in fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Isaiah. This emphasizes the divine plan and purpose behind Jesus’ actions, showing that he is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
Verse 15: The mention of Zebulun, Naphtali, and Galilee of the Gentiles points to the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry, reaching out to both Jews and Gentiles. This demonstrates Jesus’ mission to bring salvation to all people, regardless of their background.
Verse 16: The imagery of light shining in darkness and on those in the shadow of death symbolizes the hope and salvation that Jesus brings to a world engulfed in sin and despair. Jesus is portrayed as the light that dispels darkness and brings new life to those who are lost.
In these verses, Matthew sets the stage for Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, highlighting his fulfillment of prophecy and his mission to bring light and salvation to all people.