Jesus Brought Light into a World of Darkness (Matthew 4:12-16)
Introduction:
1. In this part of his Gospel, Matthew tells us about the beginning of the Lord's ministry. a. At the end of ch.3 we read about the Lord's baptism (vs.13-17). b. As ch.4 begins we read about the Lord's temptation (vs.1-11). c. We learn from the verses we read earlier (4:12-16) that Jesus went to Galilee where He fulfilled much of His ministry. d. According to 4:17, at this point "Jesus began to preach." 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on something that Matthew mentioned in vs.16 -- "Jesus brought light into a world of darkness." 3. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. THE SCRIPTURES EMPHASIZE THE FACT THAT JESUS BROUGHT LIGHT INTO A WORLD OF DARKNESS
A. A very important prophecy was made in Isaiah 9:1-2. 1. Isaiah mentioned the land belonging to the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali. 2. This area was eventually known as Galilee. 3. The people in this area would be blessed to see "a great light." 4. Matthew tells us that Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. B. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, applied this prophecy to Jesus when John was born (Luke 1:76-79). C. When Jesus was born, Simeon applied this prophecy to Jesus (Luke 2:25-33). D. John began his Gospel (John 1:1-13) by showing how Jesus brought light into the world. E. Let us turn our attention to the fact that . . . II. JESUS IDENTIFIED HIMSELF AS "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"
A. (John 9:5) Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." B. He demonstrated how He is the light of the world by giving sight to a man born blind (John 9:1-7). C. The Lord certainly brought light into this man's life. D. This brings us to our next point. III. JESUS EXPLAINED HOW WE RECEIVE THE LIGHT HE CAME TO PROVIDE
A. (John 3:16-21) We must believe on Christ and come to the light. B. (John 8:12) We must become followers of the Lord. C. (John 12:44-46) We must believe on God and Christ (see John 1:12-13). Conclusion:
1. At the beginning the earth was in darkness (Genesis 1:1-2), and God provided light (vs.3). 2. Sin caused the world to be in spiritual darkness, and God provided light by sending His Son as "the light of the world." 3. Have you come to the Lord to receive the light that He gives?
