INTO A DARK PLACE

At Christmas, we hear the Messianic prophecy that a people walking in darkness have seen a great light.1 This promise is set in a specific geographical location, and Matthew delights in showing how this prophecy now comes to life. ‘Galilee of the Gentiles’ (v. 15)—deemed a backwater, populous but insignificant—was far removed from the southern Jewish power base in Jerusalem. However, this is precisely where Jesus goes, making Capernaum his headquarters—a fishing town by the lake. No power brokers here.

So far in Matthew, we have learned more about who Jesus is. In his baptism, he identified with the riff-raff, and now he moves into action among needy people of little account. And, of course, he was born in a stable and was met first by shepherds. Isaiah’s words about ‘living in darkness’ (v. 16) powerfully express the spiritual reality of living lives ignorant of God’s love and purpose. Into this dark place, Jesus comes as the Light of the World.2 What does he do? First, he preaches (v. 17). This particular Greek word refers to heralds boldly proclaiming news. Repeating John’s challenge to ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near’ (v. 17), Jesus rejects any temptation to assert power by political crusading. Instead, he challenges and empowers people to change direction. Instead of walking away from God, trapped in their own dark shadows, they are now walking toward God in his light.

Preaching continues to be a key way by which God’s good news reaches and transforms people. ‘God had only one Son, and he made him a preacher.’3 Preaching may seem a weak way of changing the world, but when God authorizes a preacher’s words, people can be changed and communities formed. In fact, the world can be turned upright.

Do you know a preacher whom you can encourage about their high calling? Perhaps you need that encouragement yourself?