Matthew 4:14

Tuesday, 24 September 2024

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: Matthew 4:14

“That it might be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken’ through Isaiah the prophet, saying,” (CG).

The previous verse noted that Jesus had disregarded Nazareth and had come to Capernaum at the seaside which is in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali. With that having been explained, Matthew next records, “That it might be fulfilled.”

In other words, the movement of Jesus to Capernaum in the regions of these two tribes of Israel was actually seen to be a fulfillment of prophecy in Scripture. Concerning where the prophecy is, Matthew next begins to tell us with the words, “the ‘having been spoken’ through Isaiah the prophet, saying.”

Matthew says that something had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah that foretold this. As noted in the Matthew 2:23 commentary, Nazareth is a town located within Naphtali. However, some place it in the tribe of Zebulun. The ancient borders are not completely known.

It is rather certain that Capernaum was located in the territorial allotment of Naphtali. Between the two places He lived, the fulfillment of Isaiah’s words, as will next be described, is certainly realized in Jesus’ life and ministry.

Life application: There are many literary styles in Scripture. One of them that is really proof that God’s hand is behind the word is prophecy. Things are stated by Him and then they come to pass. Many prophecies have been fulfilled. Others are in the ongoing process of being fulfilled (such as God’s promises to keep Israel as a people). And yet others are still future to us now.

Because of the innumerable prophecies that have already been fulfilled, we can be sure of several things:

The word is reliable. God has spoken and what He says faithfully comes to pass. Thus, it proves that He is fully in charge of the future as it unfolds.

Jesus is the Messiah. God promised a Messiah. He has given prophecies in His word that tell of when He would come, what would be the situation with Israel at His coming (and afterward), what family He would descend from, what His birth would be like, the things the Messiah would do, etc. Only Jesus qualifies concerning these prophecies. Also, no person can ever fulfill them in the future based on the way God has arranged things.

Past performance assures us of future results. Because the word is so trustworthy in the fulfillment of prophecy, we can be certain that those things which have not yet been fulfilled will be as well. And this isn’t just true with exacting prophecies, but also of general and specific promises.

In the word, we are told that there will be a rapture and we can rest in that promise, being assured that it will come to pass. We are told that those in Christ who have died before us will be raised to eternal life. We should not fret one iota that it will be realized. God has promised us eternal life in a state we cannot yet understand, one without pain, fear, or death. We should not fret that it might not happen.

God’s past performance is a reliable testimonial that His promises about the future for His people will be realized.

Do not fret, fear, or be uneasy about where life is taking you. Rest in the truth that God’s word will stand. Jesus has prevailed, and we will, too. Hold fast to this as the world around us continues to spin out of control. It really isn’t out of control at all. God is allowing man to take the course he chooses until the time when He will set things straight.

Lord God, we can stand firmly on Your word and have no fear or trepidation about what lies ahead. For sure, we shall trust You each step of the way because You have proven Yourself through Your word in the coming of our Savior, Jesus. We know that all You have said will come to pass. Thank You for our ability to trust and for the blessed assurance we possess. Amen.