Moving To Galilee

12When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. 13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14to 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—

16the people living in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of the shadow of death

a light has dawned.”^f

17From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:12-17)

Thoughts: The Herods did not mind imprisoning, persecuting or killing religious leaders.  John was a prophet who rebuked Herod for marrying his brother's wife, so he was imprisoned and eventually beheaded on a whim.  When John was imprisoned- the last of the pre-messianic prophets- Jesus work could  begin.
     This quoting of Isaiah is an indication that the coming of the Messiah also meant that the way was opening up for the Gentiles to be brought in.
     Galilee is a medium sized lake in the shape of a bowl with mountains all around.  As a bowl the sun rises up later and sets earlier.  It is a land of darkness, but in its midst was God's light.
     Part of the light shining was an appeal to turn away from darkness toward the light- repent. 

Prayer: Lord, let me turn toward your light and away from my darkness today.