Long Awaited: Prophecies of the Savior's Birthનમૂનો

NAZARENE + LIGHT TO GALILEE

JESUS WILL BE FROM NAZARETH + BE A LIGHT AMONG GALILEE | ISAIAH 9:1-7

Isaiah prophesied the coming of a future King who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This future King would bring hope to the nation of Israel, a nation in desperate need of peace, justice, and righteousness.

Isaiah specifically stated that the Savior would be a light among Galilee. This prophecy was specifically fulfilled by Jesus’ early ministry near the Sea of Galilee in the city of Capernaum (Matthew 4:13-16).

JESUS WAS CALLED A NAZARENE | MATTHEW 2:23

Matthew records that Jesus dwelt in the city of Nazareth, which fulfilled what was spoken by the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene." Although there is no recorded Old Testament prophecy that explicitly states this, the phrase likely refers to an expectation of the Jewish people. Matthew 4:13 records Jesus leaving Nazareth to begin preaching in Capernaum. Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near,” and called His first disciples, including Philip and Nathanael.

John 1:46 says, “Nathanael asked, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip replied, ‘Come and see.’” Jesus came to be known as “Jesus of Nazareth,” demonstrating His humble origins as God’s way to bring light to all.

JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD | JOHN 8:12

Although Jesus began with lowly disciples from a city that was looked down upon, God used His death and resurrection as the means to bring light to all people. Not only was Jesus the light of Galilee and Nazareth, but He is also a light to the entire world, showing that God’s love and salvation are available to everyone who places their faith in Him.

This Christmas, reflect on how Jesus’ identity as the Light of the World illuminates God’s intentional plan to reach all people.