I am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus moved His ministry to Galilee. The prophet Isaiah, quoted by Matthew, describes the people of Galilee. He writes, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,” (Matthew 4:16). “People” is the subject of this sentence. “Who sat” describes them. The original prophecy (Isaiah 9:2) states, The people who walked in darkness. Evidently Matthew changed the word in order to increase the intensity of their condition. The conquering force of darkness had increased since the original prophecy. The Greek word (kathemai) translated sat is also used to refer to Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father. It suggests the image of a person of great authority sitting in a place of great authority. Darkness so encompassed the people they are conquered by darkness and embrace it as their chosen desire. Never discount or treat lightly the impacting, controlling, dominating, inclusive force of sin. The imagery of darkness is very plain. Picture yourself in total darkness! All sense of direction is lost. The fright of the unknown paralyzes you from taking even one step. Every sound is terrifying. It is ultimate death. Perhaps seven hundred years earlier they were walking in darkness; now they are sitting.
Let us rush to the glorious news! They have seen a great light! Jesus came to them! No one else came. Not an abundance of supply or a team of experts came. Only Jesus came. He was the total answer to the great darkness that ruled their lives for hundreds of years. He is the light of God to my life. He is the ability to see. Wisdom and understanding are found in Him alone. He gives me direction. I have seen a great Light. I am a Jesus pusher!!!