Gospel of Matthew Chapter 4 Vs. 16

 Jesus Begins His Ministry

Matthew 4:16 “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.”

saw great light... Greek: phos, underived and absolute light—the opposite of all darkness. Therefore, used especially of God (1Tim. 6:16; 1Jhn. 1:5) and of Christ (John 1:4-10).

Later on, we will hear Jesus say that He came not for those who need not a physician, but for the lost. It is very interesting, to me, that God would have Jesus come from Nazareth where it would be spoken (that “no good thing could come out of Nazareth”.)

The sea, mentioned in Vs. 15 here, was the Sea of Galilee, a large rough sea where much fishing was going on. This sea had several towns scattered along the banks. Capernaum was where Peter’s home was. Later on, because of so widespread unbelief here, this city would be totally destroyed. Today it is a tourist sight. Walls are thrown down and rubble is everywhere.

Many of the activities of Jesus took place near this sea. The demonic man was freed of the legion of demons near here, the feeding of the multitude took place here, the draft of the fishes was here; I could go on and on, but you get the idea.

Even all the fantastic miracles that Jesus did here, was not enough to convince these people of who He was. A prophet is not accepted in his or her own land. Many of the Gentiles believed, but their Jewish friends already had the law, and felt they were not in need of a Savior.

One of Messiah’s works was to bring light into darkness, for He would be a light to both Jews and Gentiles (cf. John 1:9; 12:46).