14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias (Isaiah) the prophet, saying, 15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up (Matthew 4:14-16).
The Gospel of Matthew was written originally to primarily a Jewish audience. Therefore, as we have already seen, there are multiple references to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In this particular prophecy, the purpose of the Gospel is made manifest. The purpose is to bring hope and light to a world that desperately needs both a reason to be joyful and illumination in places of spiritual darkness. The light of the Gospel is meant for all peoples and for all times. It is not coincidental that this passage in Matthew comes immediately after Christ’s tempting by Satan. Christ overcame the temptation and he also overcomes and supersedes the spiritual darkness of this world. Place your hope in the Light of World.
The Gospel of Matthew was written originally to primarily a Jewish audience. Therefore, as we have already seen, there are multiple references to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In this particular prophecy, the purpose of the Gospel is made manifest. The purpose is to bring hope and light to a world that desperately needs both a reason to be joyful and illumination in places of spiritual darkness. The light of the Gospel is meant for all peoples and for all times. It is not coincidental that this passage in Matthew comes immediately after Christ’s tempting by Satan. Christ overcame the temptation and he also overcomes and supersedes the spiritual darkness of this world. Place your hope in the Light of World.
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