Stations in the life of Jesus: (3) Capernaum - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Zebulun and Naphtali, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.
Matthew 4:13-16.

Stations in the life of Jesus: (3) Capernaum
Jesus often stayed in the city of Capernaum situated on the north-west bank of the Lake of Genessaret and taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath day. His listeners were astounded at His doctrine, for "his word was with authority" (Luke 4:32).

Roughly a third of the miracles reported in the gospels were done in Capernaum, another third in the surroundings. No other town had so many proofs that Jesus was truly the Messiah promised by God.

The reaction that developed in the course of time was therefore all the more astonishing. Jesus and His message were refused, because His preaching repentance stirred the listeners. Repentance means that we admit that we are in darkness, as today's verse states. When the Bible speaks of darkness, the meaning is often man's moral corruption. Only when we acknowledge that we are guilty before God and believe that Jesus paid our debt of guilt on the cross do we see the "great light" and experience forgiveness, joy and peace with God.

Capernaum would not receive Jesus and His message. So Jesus finally had to announce: "You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades" (Matthew 11:23).

(to be continued on Saturday)

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 6:22-42 · 2 Timothy 3:1-9