The Bigger Plan

When He heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee. He left Narareth behind and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This is to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
'Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, along the sea road, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles! The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the shadowland of death, light has dawned.'
From the Jesus began to preach, "Repent, because the Kingdom of heaven has come near!"
Matthew 4:12-17

Matthew's quotation of Isaiah 9:1,2 highlights the international focus of Jesus' ministry by describing Galilee as 'Galilee of the Gentiles.'

2Kings 15:29; 2Kings 17:24-27 show that after the Jews were deported from the northern kingdom of Israel, foreigners flooded into Galilee.
Jesus' move into Galilee and the strategically located city of Capernnaum shows His intention to save Gentiles as well as Jews.

How good is God? How loving, merciful and gracious? We were always a part of His plan. Whilst men limited God to their demographic, His mandate was much larger. Amen!

I am so grateful to read this. I have read Matthew many times, but, until now the significance of Jesus' move to Capernaum has not hit me. It was actually the first place He goes to minister.

I cannot limit God, I must go into His demographic, not my own. What exciting places has He prepared for me?

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