Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
MATTHEW 4:12-16 | 12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles— 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
Jesus’ emergence was exciting for the world and for the Jewish nation. It was also dangerous, and this adds to the drama and excitement. Our text today tells us John was in prison when Jesus went public with His teaching. As we shall see, the messages of Jesus and John overlapped and it must have been heartbreaking for our Lord to see His cousin jailed for naming the world’s brokenness. When holiness enters history, the contrast with the world’s ugliness and evil becomes more evident. The authority to address wrongs on God’s behalf generates opposition. Further trouble will come from within Judaism from the new Messiah’s outreach beyond the nation. See how this is briefly hinted at in our lesson today.
Do you sense the danger, as Jesus begins His ministry?
Gracious God,
Give us Your courage! Help us to seek and speak truth even when it is hard.
Amen.
