Sermon Notes

Matthew 4:12–17 NIV
¹² When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. ¹³ Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali — ¹⁴ to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
¹⁵ “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles — ¹⁶ the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
¹⁷ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Psalm 119:103–105
¹⁰³ How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
¹⁰⁴ I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

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Discussion Igniters

(1)  Read Matthew 4:12–17.
What is significant about the geographical context of this passage?

(2)  What does Jesus mean when he begins to preach the message “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”? 

(3)  Read Psalm 119:103–105.
What sticks out to you from this passage?

(4)  Where in your life do you need light?

(5)  Who has God placed in your life to shine a light for?