Sonrise (1)

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December 9, 2001 - Matthew 4:12-17

Open It

  1. What is the best sermon you have ever heard preached?
  2. If you could stand up and preach one sermon to your church, what would you like to say?
  3. What do you remember about your first job?

Explore It

  1. Where in Galilee had Jesus been living? (4:13)
  2. Where in Galilee did Jesus relocate? (4:13-14) Why?
  3. What happened where Jesus relocated? (4:13-16)
  4. Why was Christ's move significant? (4:14)
  5. How is Jesus' arrival in Capernaum described? (4:16)
  6. What did Jesus do in His new hometown? (4:17)
  7. What was Christ's message from that time on? (4:17)

Get It

  1. In what ways have you been ridiculed or hassled for your belief in Christ?
  2. In what ways are your neighbors like the people of Zebulun and Naphtali?
  3. How can you help your neighbors come to see the light of Christ?

Apply It

  1. To what places and people do you need to go this week as a light for Christ?
  2. In what ways can you encourage someone else today, this week, or this month?

NOTES

Jesus moved from Nazareth, his hometown, to Capernaum, about 20 miles farther north. Capernaum became Jesus' home base during his ministry in Galilee. Jesus probably moved (1) to get away from intense opposition in Nazareth, (2) to have an impact on the greatest number of people (Capernaum was a busy city and Jesus' message could reach more people and spread more quickly), and (3) to utilize extra resources and support for his ministry.

Jesus' move fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1-2, which states that the Messiah will be a light to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, the region of Galilee where Capernaum was located. Zebulun and Naphtali were two of the original 12 tribes of Israel.

By quoting from the book of Isaiah, Matthew continues to tie Jesus' ministry to the Old Testament. This was helpful for his Jewish readers, who were familiar with these Scriptures. In addition, it shows the unity of God's purposes as he works with his people throughout all ages.

The "kingdom of heaven" has the same meaning as the "kingdom of God" in Mark and Luke. Matthew uses this phrase because the Jews, out of their intense reverence and respect, did not pronounce God's name. The kingdom of heaven is still near because it has arrived in our hearts.

Jesus started his ministry with the very word people had heard John the Baptist say: "Repent." The message is the same today as when Jesus and John gave it. Becoming a follower of Christ means turning away from our self-centeredness and "self" control and committing our lives to Christ's direction and purpose.

1. Taken from LESSONMaker © 1992-1996, NavPress Software, Used with permission.

(Back to helps home page)     (Sermon, December 9, 2001)
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