A Great Light

THE GREAT

LIGHT

Mt 4:12-17

THE GREAT LIGHT

THERE ARE CERTAINLY TIMES

THAT WE NEED A LIGHT.

THE GREAT LIGHT

In Scripture, Jesus is called “The Light of the World.”

THE GREAT LIGHT

In Scripture, Jesus is called “The Light of the World.” The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into

the world” (Jn 1:9, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

In Scripture, Jesus is called “The Light of the World.” The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into

the world” (Jn 1:9, ESV).

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, „I am the light of the

world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but

will have the light of life‟” (Jn 8:12, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

In Scripture, Jesus is called “The Light of the World.” The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into

the world” (Jn 1:9, ESV).

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, „I am the light of the

world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but

will have the light of life‟” (Jn 8:12, ESV).

This morning‟s text uses the imagery.

THE GREAT LIGHT

In Scripture, Jesus is called “The Light of the World.” The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into

the world” (Jn 1:9, ESV).

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, „I am the light of the

world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but

will have the light of life‟” (Jn 8:12, ESV).

This morning‟s text uses the imagery.

As THE GREAT LIGHT, Jesus is: A MOVING LIGHT.

A MULTINATIONAL LIGHT.

A MISSIONAL LIGHT.

THE GREAT LIGHT

vv 12-13

A MOVING LIGHT

THE GREAT LIGHT

The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to

Capernaum.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to

Capernaum.Nazareth was a small agricultural community & Capernaum

was a larger fishing town.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to

Capernaum.Nazareth was a small agricultural community & Capernaum

was a larger fishing town.

Obviously, there will be more opportunities for preaching in

Capernaum than in Nazareth.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to

Capernaum.Nazareth was a small agricultural community & Capernaum

was a larger fishing town.

Obviously, there will be more opportunities for preaching in

Capernaum than in Nazareth.

God cares deeply about souls.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to

Capernaum.Nazareth was a small agricultural community & Capernaum

was a larger fishing town.

Obviously, there will be more opportunities for preaching in

Capernaum than in Nazareth.

God cares deeply about souls. It is he who gave his Son to die for the sins of the entire world.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to

Capernaum.Nazareth was a small agricultural community & Capernaum

was a larger fishing town.

Obviously, there will be more opportunities for preaching in

Capernaum than in Nazareth.

God cares deeply about souls. It is he who gave his Son to die for the sins of the entire world.

The souls in Nazareth are just as important as those in Capernaum,

but ministry in Capernaum will allow more people to hear the

truth.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to

Capernaum.Nazareth was a small agricultural community & Capernaum

was a larger fishing town.

It‟s certainly possible that Jesus moved to Capernaum

because that was Peter‟s hometown (Mk 1:29).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to

Capernaum.Nazareth was a small agricultural community & Capernaum

was a larger fishing town.

It‟s certainly possible that Jesus moved to Capernaum

because that was Peter‟s hometown (Mk 1:29).Peter became a quite important Apostle.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to

Capernaum.Nazareth was a small agricultural community & Capernaum

was a larger fishing town.

It‟s certainly possible that Jesus moved to Capernaum

because that was Peter‟s hometown (Mk 1:29).Peter became a quite important Apostle—Jesus gave to him the

keys of the kingdom & he served as a spokesman in Acts.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to

Capernaum.Nazareth was a small agricultural community & Capernaum

was a larger fishing town.

It‟s certainly possible that Jesus moved to Capernaum

because that was Peter‟s hometown (Mk 1:29).Peter became a quite important Apostle—Jesus gave to him the

keys of the kingdom & he served as a spokesman in Acts.

Thus, it‟s possible that God providentially lead Jesus to Capernaum

so that he could train Peter.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that it was after John‟s arrest that Jesus

moved from Nazareth to Capernaum.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that it was after John‟s arrest that Jesus

moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite important.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that it was after John‟s arrest that Jesus

moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite important. If it weren‟t

important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us

about it?

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that it was after John‟s arrest that Jesus

moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite important. If it weren‟t

important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us

about it?

The importance is that Jesus is presented as fulfilling John‟s

ministry.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that it was after John‟s arrest that Jesus

moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite important. If it weren‟t

important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us

about it?

The importance is that Jesus is presented as fulfilling John‟s

ministry.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that it was after John‟s arrest that Jesus

moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite important. If it weren‟t

important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us

about it?

The importance is that Jesus is presented as fulfilling John‟s

ministry. Jesus preaches the exact same message as John (v 17).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that it was after John‟s arrest that Jesus

moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite important. If it weren‟t

important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us

about it?

The importance is that Jesus is presented as fulfilling John‟s

ministry. Jesus preaches the exact same message as John (v 17).

In writing to a Jewish audience, Matthew uses much OT Scripture

to establish Jesus as the Messiah.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that it was after John‟s arrest that Jesus

moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite important. If it weren‟t

important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us

about it?

The importance is that Jesus is presented as fulfilling John‟s

ministry. Jesus preaches the exact same message as John (v 17).

In writing to a Jewish audience, Matthew uses much OT Scripture

to establish Jesus as the Messiah.

In chapter 3, Matthew has established that John was the Messiah‟s

forerunner.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that it was after John‟s arrest that Jesus

moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite important. If it weren‟t

important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us

about it?

The importance is that Jesus is presented as fulfilling John‟s

ministry. Jesus preaches the exact same message as John (v 17).

In writing to a Jewish audience, Matthew uses much OT Scripture

to establish Jesus as the Messiah.

In chapter 3, Matthew has established that John was the Messiah‟s

forerunner; in showing that Jesus takes up that ministry, Matthew

is saying, “Jesus is the Christ.”

THE GREAT LIGHT

WHY WOULD JESUS TAKE UP

JOHN’S UNFINISHED MINISTRY?

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person—John came &

pointed people to Jesus, but John‟s ministry wasn‟t

about himself.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person.

Ministry is a team effort.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person.

Ministry is a team effort. It was in Corinth: “What then is Apollos? What is Paul?

Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned

to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the

growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is

anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who

plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his

wages according to his labor” (1 Cor 3:5-8, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person.

Ministry is a team effort. It was in Corinth: 1 Cor 3:5-8.

It was in Samaria.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person.

Ministry is a team effort. It was in Corinth: 1 Cor 3:5-8.

It was in Samaria.Philip preached in Samaria & many were baptized (Acts 8:12).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person.

Ministry is a team effort. It was in Corinth: 1 Cor 3:5-8.

It was in Samaria.Philip preached in Samaria & many were baptized (Acts 8:12).

But, Peter & John came down to give the new disciples miraculous

gifts (Acts 8:14-17).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person.

Ministry is a team effort.

Modern ministry is a team effort.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person.

Ministry is a team effort.

Modern ministry is a team effort. That was the point about the different gifts in Corinth.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person.

Ministry is a team effort.

Modern ministry is a team effort. That was the point about the different gifts in Corinth.

The Corinthians were bickering over whose gift was better.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person.

Ministry is a team effort.

Modern ministry is a team effort. That was the point about the different gifts in Corinth.

The Corinthians were bickering over whose gift was better.

Paul says: “God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to

the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body,

but that the members may have the same care for one another”

(1 Cor 12:24b-25, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Ministry is never about a single person.

Ministry is a team effort.

Modern ministry is a team effort. That was the point about the different gifts in Corinth.

The Corinthians were bickering over whose gift was better.

1 Cor 12:24b-25.

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of

Christ, so that whether I come and see your or am absent, I

may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit,

with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the

gospel” (Phil 1:27, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

ARE WE WORKING TOGETHER

FOR THE GLORY OF GOD?

THE GREAT LIGHT

Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. “When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were

filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of

the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which

their town was built, so that they could throw him down the

cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away” (Lk

14:28-30, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. “When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were

filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of

the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which

their town was built, so that they could throw him down the

cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away” (Lk

14:28-30, ESV).

What great audacity!

THE GREAT LIGHT

Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. Lk 14:28-30.

The words of Jesus were often rejected.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. Lk 14:28-30.

The words of Jesus were often rejected. “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked

with him” (Jn 6:66, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. Lk 14:28-30.

The words of Jesus were often rejected. “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked

with him” (Jn 6:66, ESV).

After Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all he had & follow

him, “he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Mt

19:22, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. Lk 14:28-30.

The words of Jesus were often rejected. “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked

with him” (Jn 6:66, ESV).

After Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all he had & follow

him, “he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Mt

19:22, ESV).

Like those in the synagogue at Nazareth, we can drive

Jesus out of our lives.

THE GREAT LIGHT

SHALL WE BE THOSE WHO

DRIVE JESUS AWAY?

THE GREAT LIGHT

vv 13-16

A MULTINATIONAL LIGHT

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of

Zebulun & Naphtali.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of

Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of Naphtali, but not

Zebulun.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of

Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of Naphtali, but not

Zebulun.

Why would Matthew make a geographical mistake?

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of

Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of Naphtali, but not

Zebulun.

Why would Matthew make a geographical mistake?Of course, Matthew doesn‟t make a geographical mistake, but this

is important to notice.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of

Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of Naphtali, but not

Zebulun.

Why would Matthew make a geographical mistake?Of course, Matthew doesn‟t make a geographical mistake, but this

is important to notice.

Matthew isn‟t speaking geographically.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of

Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of Naphtali, but not

Zebulun.

Why would Matthew make a geographical mistake?Of course, Matthew doesn‟t make a geographical mistake, but this

is important to notice.

Matthew isn‟t speaking geographically. Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9:1 where Isaiah puts the two territories

together.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of

Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of Naphtali, but not

Zebulun.

Why would Matthew make a geographical mistake?Of course, Matthew doesn‟t make a geographical mistake, but this

is important to notice.

Matthew isn‟t speaking geographically. Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9:1 where Isaiah puts the two territories

together.

Isaiah lumps these two territories together as the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”

THE GREAT LIGHT

Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of

Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of Naphtali, but not

Zebulun.

Why would Matthew make a geographical mistake?Of course, Matthew doesn‟t make a geographical mistake, but this

is important to notice.

Matthew isn‟t speaking geographically. Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9:1 where Isaiah puts the two territories

together.

Isaiah lumps these two territories together as the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”

Matthew—speaking metaphorically—says that Jesus lived in these

two regions, for it was from here that he began his ministry to all

people.

THE GREAT LIGHT

From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as

the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”

THE GREAT LIGHT

From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as

the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”

THE GREAT LIGHT

From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as

the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”

Many Egyptians, Arabians, & Phoenicians lived in these

territories.

THE GREAT LIGHT

From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as

the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”

Many Egyptians, Arabians, & Phoenicians lived in these

territories.

THE GREAT LIGHT

From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as

the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”

Many Egyptians, Arabians, & Phoenicians lived in these

territories.

Capernaum lay on one of the major trade routes in

Palestine—many Gentiles would have been coming &

going through here.

THE GREAT LIGHT

From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as

the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”

Many Egyptians, Arabians, & Phoenicians lived in these

territories.

Capernaum lay on one of the major trade routes in

Palestine—many Gentiles would have been coming &

going through here.

Living in Capernaum gave Jesus opportunities to

minister to Gentiles.

THE GREAT LIGHT

From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as

the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”

Many Egyptians, Arabians, & Phoenicians lived in these

territories.

Capernaum lay on one of the major trade routes in

Palestine—many Gentiles would have been coming &

going through here.

Living in Capernaum gave Jesus opportunities to

minister to Gentiles.He healed the servant of a centurion (Mt 8:5-13).

THE GREAT LIGHT

From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as

the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”

Many Egyptians, Arabians, & Phoenicians lived in these

territories.

Capernaum lay on one of the major trade routes in

Palestine—many Gentiles would have been coming &

going through here.

Living in Capernaum gave Jesus opportunities to

minister to Gentiles.He healed the servant of a centurion (Mt 8:5-13).

In Tyre & Sidon, Jesus healed the daughter of a Canaanite

woman (Mt 15:21-28).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as

to the Jews.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as

to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to Gentiles.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as

to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to Gentiles.

“Go . . . and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as

to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to Gentiles.

“Go . . . and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19, ESV).

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third

day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins

should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from

Jerusalem” (Lk 24:46-47, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as

to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to Gentiles.

“Go . . . and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19, ESV).

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third

day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins

should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from

Jerusalem” (Lk 24:46-47, ESV).

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and

Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as

to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to Gentiles.

The early church responded to that charge fervently.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as

to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to Gentiles.

The early church responded to that charge fervently.Peter preached to & baptized Cornelius‟ household (Acts 10).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as

to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to Gentiles.

The early church responded to that charge fervently.Peter preached to & baptized Cornelius‟ household (Acts 10).

Paul: The Jews saw that “I had been entrusted with the gospel to

the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the

gospel to the circumcised” (Gal 2:7, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

WHAT GREAT NEWS FOR US!

THE GREAT LIGHT

Because THE GREAT LIGHT moved to Zebulun &

Naphtali, “the people dwelling in darkness have seen a

great light, and for those dwelling in the region and

shadow of death, on them a light has dawned” (v 16,

ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.Darkness refers to a lack of divine revelation (Micah 3:6-7).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.Darkness refers to a lack of divine revelation (Micah 3:6-7).

Darkness also refers to sin (Eph 5:8-12).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.Darkness refers to a lack of divine revelation (Micah 3:6-7).

Darkness also refers to sin (Eph 5:8-12).

Darkness also refers to punishment (Mt 8:11-12).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.Darkness refers to a lack of divine revelation (Micah 3:6-7).

Darkness also refers to sin (Eph 5:8-12).

Darkness also refers to punishment (Mt 8:11-12).

Those three concepts are tightly interwoven: without divine

revelation, people will live in sin; living in sin leads to

punishment.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.

As THE GREAT LIGHT, Jesus is the remedy of these

three problems.

THE GREAT LIGHT

The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.

As THE GREAT LIGHT, Jesus is the remedy of these

three problems. Jesus came into this world as divine revelation: “No one has

ever seen God; the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he

has made him known” (Jn 1:18, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.

As THE GREAT LIGHT, Jesus is the remedy of these

three problems. Jesus came into this world as divine revelation: “No one has

ever seen God; the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he

has made him known” (Jn 1:18, ESV).

Jesus came to remove sin: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who

takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.

As THE GREAT LIGHT, Jesus is the remedy of these

three problems. Jesus came into this world as divine revelation: “No one has

ever seen God; the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he

has made him known” (Jn 1:18, ESV).

Jesus came to remove sin: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who

takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29, ESV).

Jesus came to remove sin‟s punishment: “God did not send

his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order

that the world might be saved through him” (Jn 3:17, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region

& shadow of death.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region

& shadow of death. Before Jesus, death was viewed as a shadowy, dark realm

where there was no light whatsoever.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region

& shadow of death. Before Jesus, death was viewed as a shadowy, dark realm

where there was no light whatsoever.

“Are not my days few? Then cease, and leave me alone, that

I may find a little cheer before I go—and I shall not

return—to the land of darkness and deep shadow, the land

of gloom like thick darkness, like deep shadow without any

order, where light is as thick darkness” (Job 10:20-22, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region

& shadow of death. Before Jesus, death was viewed as a shadowy, dark realm

where there was no light whatsoever (Job 10:20-22).

Yet, Jesus revealed death quite differently.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region

& shadow of death. Before Jesus, death was viewed as a shadowy, dark realm

where there was no light whatsoever (Job 10:20-22).

Yet, Jesus revealed death quite differently. E.g., Jesus

revealed the righteous dead are in a place of comfort (Lk

16:25).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region

& shadow of death. Before Jesus, death was viewed as a shadowy, dark realm

where there was no light whatsoever (Job 10:20-22).

Yet, Jesus revealed death quite differently. E.g., Jesus

revealed the righteous dead are in a place of comfort (Lk

16:25).

Jesus removed the fear of death: Jesus came to “deliver all

those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong

slavery” (Heb 2:15, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

JESUS IS A MULTINATIONAL

LIGHT—A LIGHT TO JEWS &

GENTILES.

THE GREAT LIGHT

v 17

A MISSIONAL LIGHT

THE GREAT LIGHT

Jesus was a light on a mission.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Jesus was a light on a mission: “From that time Jesus

began to preach, saying, „Repent, for the kingdom of

heaven is at hand‟” (v 17, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Jesus was a light on a mission: “From that time Jesus

began to preach, saying, „Repent, for the kingdom of

heaven is at hand‟” (v 17, ESV).

In his mission, Jesus calls people to repent.

THE GREAT LIGHT

Jesus was a light on a mission: “From that time Jesus

began to preach, saying, „Repent, for the kingdom of

heaven is at hand‟” (v 17, ESV).

In his mission, Jesus calls people to repent.Without repentance, we shall perish: “Unless you repent,

you will all likewise perish” (Lk 13:3, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

Jesus was a light on a mission: “From that time Jesus

began to preach, saying, „Repent, for the kingdom of

heaven is at hand‟” (v 17, ESV).

In his mission, Jesus calls people to repent.Without repentance, we shall perish: “Unless you repent,

you will all likewise perish” (Lk 13:3, ESV).

Repentance leads to a new life & Jesus is calling the people

of Capernaum to a new life.

THE GREAT LIGHT

People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at

hand.”

THE GREAT LIGHT

People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at

hand.”We have often equated the kingdom precisely with the

church.

THE GREAT LIGHT

People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at

hand.”We have often equated the kingdom precisely with the

church. Scripture makes that connection.

THE GREAT LIGHT

People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at

hand.”We have often equated the kingdom precisely with the

church. Scripture makes that connection.

In the Gospels, the church is spoken of as future: “Truly, I say to you, there

are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom

of God after it has come with power” (Mk 9:1, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at

hand.”We have often equated the kingdom precisely with the

church. Scripture makes that connection.

In the Gospels, the church is spoken of as future: “Truly, I say to you, there

are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom

of God after it has come with power” (Mk 9:1, ESV).

After Pentecost, the church is spoken of as a present reality.

THE GREAT LIGHT

People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at

hand.”We have often equated the kingdom precisely with the

church. Scripture makes that connection.

In the Gospels, the church is spoken of as future: “Truly, I say to you, there

are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom

of God after it has come with power” (Mk 9:1, ESV).

After Pentecost, the church is spoken of as a present reality.

“Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to

him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and

spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to

Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption” (Acts 2:30-31, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at

hand.”We have often equated the kingdom precisely with the

church. Scripture makes that connection.

In the Gospels, the church is spoken of as future: “Truly, I say to you, there

are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom

of God after it has come with power” (Mk 9:1, ESV).

After Pentecost, the church is spoken of as a present reality.

“Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to

him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and

spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to

Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption” (Acts 2:30-31, ESV).

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the

kingdom of his beloved Son” (Col 1:13, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at

hand.”We have often equated the kingdom precisely with the

church. Scripture makes that connection.

However, there is an important distinction between the church &

the kingdom.

THE GREAT LIGHT

People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at

hand.”We have often equated the kingdom precisely with the

church. Scripture makes that connection.

However, there is an important distinction between the church &

the kingdom. The kingdom of God refers to the reign of God: “The kingdom of the

world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall

reign forever and ever” (Rv 11:15, ESV).

THE GREAT LIGHT

People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at

hand.”We have often equated the kingdom precisely with the

church. Scripture makes that connection.

However, there is an important distinction between the church &

the kingdom. The kingdom of God refers to the reign of God: “The kingdom of the

world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall

reign forever and ever” (Rv 11:15, ESV).

Being in the kingdom means that I allow God to reign in my life.

THE GREAT LIGHT

People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at

hand.”We have often equated the kingdom precisely with the

church. Scripture makes that connection.

However, there is an important distinction between the church &

the kingdom. The kingdom of God refers to the reign of God: “The kingdom of the

world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall

reign forever and ever” (Rv 11:15, ESV).

Being in the kingdom means that I allow God to reign in my life.

I have no doubt but that many have their names on “church

rolls,” but they aren‟t part of the kingdom, for God doesn‟t‟

reign in their lives.

THE GREAT LIGHT

ARE YOU ALLOWING GOD TO

REIGN IN YOUR LIFE?