Prophecy

The Messiah Commenced Ministry in Galilee

Prophecy: The Messiah Commenced Ministry in Galilee

As it was written in the Tanakh (NIV & TLV),

Isaiah 9:1-2 ¹ “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—² The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

Galilee

Zebulun and Naphtali were located in the northern kingdom of Israel, in the land of Galilee, during the 1st century CE. When the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser invaded Palestine between 734 and 2 B.C., both Zebulun and Naphtali suffered greatly (2 Kings 15:29). However, in Isaiah 9:1-2, God promised that one of the descendants of David’s family would bring the light of salvation throughout Galilee and the surrounding nations.

How did the Messiah Jesus Fulfill this Prophecy?

Jesus Chose Galilee as His Home Base During His Ministry

Born in Bethlehem of Judea, and raised in Nazareth, Jesus chose Galilee as His home base during His ministry. Nazareth was located in Lower Galilee; thus, Galilee was home to Jesus.

Matt 4:23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”

People were amazed when they saw the miracles of Jesus because these were miracles that ONLY God could do!!!

One of the Miracles: Jesus Calms the Storm

Matthew 8:23-27 “²³Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.²⁴Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.²⁵The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”²⁶He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.²⁷The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”