Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt at 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: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and the shadow of death Light has dawned.” Matthew 4: 12-16, NKJV. Emphasis provided.
Father in heaven, we thank You that the entrance of Your word brings Light. Please speak to our hearts, and help us to walk in the Light; in the name of Jesus! Amen.
I believe we have looked very briefly at this story before, as part of another devotional. Today we want to make it the heart of this devotional. It is the story of the imprisonment of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin. The first part of our text says that when Jesus heard the news of John’s imprisonment, He departed. Have you ever felt that this was your situation? Have you ever felt that Jesus had walked out on you, just when you needed Him the most? Like I said on another occasion, you are not alone!
However, I want to look at this incident from a slightly different angle, from the angle that Jesus invited John the Baptist to look at it. Do not judge your situation by what you are experiencing; judge it by what you know! Very often, when we are in the midst of difficulties, our emotions blind us to the reality of the situation!
Mary’s tears made her mistake Jesus for the gardener; but knowing His voice, revealed who He was (John 20: 15, 16)! The disappointment and frustration, of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, kept them from recognizing Jesus, but knowing how He broke bread, opened their eyes (Luke 24: 17-21, 30,31)!
This must have been very difficult for John! He was a man accustomed to the outdoors. Here he is, behind bars! What is even more painful, is the fact that he is in prison for telling the truth! After all, he is a preacher of righteousness, that is what they do! Yet it seems, as if injustice has won the war. I imagine how his faith must have been severely tested! This is not the way it was supposed to be! I was to come and prepare the way of the Messiah. The Messiah was to come and bring in a reign of righteousness. The promised people were to take back their land, and conquer, and destroy their enemies. Instead, here I am, at the mercy of the unjust!
The feeling of depression that comes from sitting in the jail, on death row; momentarily confused John the Baptist, as to the identity of Jesus. Nevertheless, when his disciples returned with the report of what they had seen and heard of Jesus; knowing the works that the Messiah would perform, gave Him the peace He needed to accept, not being rescued from death (Isaiah 61: 1, 2; Matthew 11: 2-6; Luke 7: 18-23).
When you are facing difficulties, and it seems that Jesus has abandoned you; walk in the Light, by faith! He is “the true Light that enlightens everyone…” (John 1: 9, NRSV). Walk in the knowledge that you have of Him: He loves us (John 15: 13, 14)! He will never leave us (Matthew 28: 20)! He is all powerful (Matthew 28: 18)! He has conquered death (1 Corinthians 15: 20-22)! He is all that we will ever need; because He is the “Way, the Truth, and the Life;” the only way to the Father (John 14: 6)! And as we walk in the light, we will be walking in love (1 John 2: 10)!
NOTE: Some corrections were made to yesterday’s devotional.