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Commencement of the Public Ministry of Jesus Christ

Text: Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4
7 July 2013

A. Commencement of the Public Ministry of Jesus

1. After the imprisonment of John the Baptiser          Matthew 4:12; Mark 1:14

a) John’s imprisonment          Matthew 14:3-5
b) John publicly criticised Herod Antipas’ marriage to Herodias
c) Herod the tetrarch          Matthew 14:1

2. Significant geographical locations

a) Bethlehem

The birth place of Jesus          Matthew 2:1-12; Micah 5:2

b) Nazareth

Growing up years          Matthew 2:19-23

c) Capernaum          Matthew 4:13

In the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali          Matthew 4:15

B. The Fulfilment of Prophecy

1. Important theological significance to the Gospel writers

2. Fulfilment of the Scriptures studied carefully by the Gospel writers

a) Virgin birth of Jesus          Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14
b) Departure to Egypt          Matthew 2:15
c) The slaughter of infants          Matthew 2:17; Jeremiah 31:15
d) Dwelling in Nazareth          Matthew 2:23
e) Dwelling in Capernaum          Matthew 4:13

C. The Prophecy of Isaiah 9:1-2

1. Geographical location mentioned specifically          Matthew 4:13-16

a) Zebulun and Naphtali mentioned in the Old Testament
b) Capernaum mentioned in the New Testament
c) Jesus was that Great Light that had dawned on that region          Matthew 4:16; John 1:4-5, 8-9

2. Significance

a) Jesus knew the Scriptures          Hebrews 10:7
b) He came to fulfil the Scriptures          Matthew 5:17
c) The Scriptures testify of Jesus          John 5:39