Light in dark places

From Darkness to Light: Answering the Call of Christ

Bible Passage: Matthew 4:12–23, Isaiah 9:1–4

Summary: Both passages illustrate the call of Jesus in the context of darkness and despair. Isaiah prophesies the coming of a light into the darkness, while Matthew reveals Jesus initiating His ministry in a region known for its deep darkness, fulfilling that prophecy. Jesus' call to His first disciples emphasizes an invitation to become bearers of this light.

Application: This sermon invites Christians to reflect on their own lives and consider where they might be experiencing darkness. It encourages them to listen for Christ’s call and respond actively, becoming agents of His light in their communities. This message is particularly relevant for those struggling with despair, loneliness, or uncertainty, reassuring them that Jesus meets us in our darkest moments.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus begins His ministry in darkness, demonstrating that He is willing to meet us in our struggles and calls us to share His transformative light with others. Christians are called not only to receive Christ’s light but also to radiate it into the world, shining hope to those who are lost.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the larger biblical narrative, Jesus represents the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. This theme reflects God's ongoing relationship with humanity, as He continually brings light and hope into our brokenness. Jesus’ role as the light of the world signifies the manifestation of God’s presence and His ultimate victory over darkness, sin, and despair.

Big Idea: Jesus calls us out of darkness, into His marvelous light, equipping us to reflect His glory and hope in our communities.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, I suggest diving into the historical context of Galilee as described in Isaiah and Matthew, focusing on the socio-political dynamics of the time. Use your Logos library to explore commentaries that discuss the nature of Jesus’ ministry in relation to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Pay particular attention to the nuances of light and darkness in both texts, as well as the original Greek terms in Matthew, which could give deeper insight into Jesus' calling of His disciples.

1. Promise of Piercing Light

Isaiah 9:1-2

Perhaps you could highlight that even in the darkest times, God's promise of light stands. Isaiah speaks of a light dawning on those in deep darkness, emphasizing the hope of God's intervention. This light breaking through symbolizes Christ's eternal presence, providing hope and transformation. When facing despair, this promise reassures us that Jesus, the Light, prevails. Encouraging the congregation to see Christ's light in their circumstances can inspire them to answer His call to reflect that light in our world, comforting others with the same hope they've experienced.

2. Promise of Prevailing Joy

Isaiah 9:3-4

You could speak about how God's promise continues with the assurance of increasing joy and liberation. These verses highlight the transformative effects of God's light, leading to joy and freedom from oppression. They foreshadow the joy Christ brings. In our lives, despite challenges, we can experience this joy and freedom because of Jesus. Reflecting on how we can extend this joy to others might involve engaging in acts of justice and mercy, shining His light into places of despair and oppression.

3. Presence in the Periphery

Matthew 4:12-16

Maybe focus on Jesus starting His ministry in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy. This choice shows Christ intentionally enters places of darkness, bringing God's promised light. Highlight Christ's call to meet us where we are, in our struggles, showing His determination to bring transformation. Encourage reflecting on the areas of darkness we face, reassuring that Jesus is there. Inviting the congregation to respond to His transformative light, they can then mirror Christ's light to their communities, impacting with hope and healing.

4. Participating in His Purpose

Matthew 4:17-23

Perhaps explore how Jesus calls His first disciples, inviting them to follow Him and become fishers of men. This invitation is not just to follow but to engage in reflecting the light they receive. Christ’s call is life-changing, empowering believers to spread His light through their actions and words. Reflecting on our mission, we ponder how we too are called to be active participants in God's restorative work, drawing others into His light. Encouraging others to join this mission can further spread Christ's hope.

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“Light in Dark Places”

Isaiah 9:1–4; Matthew 4:12–23

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

There are moments in life when darkness feels especially close.

Not dramatic darkness. Not sudden crisis. But the quieter kind— uncertainty about the future, weariness that lingers, loneliness that settles in, or the sense that hope feels distant.

Scripture does not shy away from those moments. In fact, today’s readings begin there.

1. Promise of Piercing Light

(Isaiah 9:1–2)

Isaiah speaks to a people who know darkness well. They have lived through invasion, loss, and displacement. They are weary and uncertain.

And into that reality, Isaiah speaks this promise:

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”

Not advice. Not denial. A promise.

God does not wait for the darkness to lift before acting. God promises light within it.

Think of the way dawn works. It doesn’t rush. It doesn’t announce itself loudly. At first, you barely notice the change— just a soft light along the horizon, quietly reminding the world that night does not last forever.

That is how God’s light often comes— not all at once, but steadily, faithfully, persistently.

Isaiah assures us: Even in deep darkness, God’s presence has not withdrawn. The light is already on its way.

2. Promise of Prevailing Joy

(Isaiah 9:3–4)

Isaiah goes on to describe what that light brings: joy, freedom, and release from oppression.

Not shallow happiness, but joy rooted in liberation— the kind that comes when burdens are lifted and fear no longer has the final word.

This joy is not dependent on perfect circumstances. It is the joy that comes from knowing God is still at work.

I think of a story shared by someone who had gone through a long season of grief. They said, “I didn’t wake up one morning suddenly fine. But one day I noticed I was breathing easier again. I laughed without feeling guilty. Hope returned quietly.”

That is the joy Isaiah describes— not loud or forced, but real and sustaining.

This joy, Isaiah says, will grow. It will spread. It will change lives.

3. Presence in the Periphery

(Matthew 4:12–16)

Matthew tells us that Jesus begins His ministry not in Jerusalem, not at the center of power, but in Galilee—a region known for hardship, poverty, and political tension.

Matthew makes the connection clear: This is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s promise.

Jesus chooses to begin in a place people had written off.

That matters.

It tells us something essential about who Jesus is: He does not wait for us to get out of darkness before meeting us. He steps into it with us.

If you have ever felt like your life was happening on the margins— if you’ve wondered whether God sees your struggle— this passage answers clearly: Yes. God meets us there.

Jesus does not avoid broken places. He enters them with light.

4. Participating in His Purpose

(Matthew 4:17–23)

And then Jesus does something remarkable.

He begins to call people.

Not scholars. Not leaders. Fishermen.

People doing ordinary work, living ordinary lives.

“Follow me,” He says.

And in that call is both comfort and purpose.

Jesus does not say, “Wait until you’re ready.” He does not say, “Get out of the darkness first.” He says, “Come with me.”

To follow Jesus is to receive His light— and then, slowly, to begin reflecting it.

Think of the moon. It has no light of its own. It simply reflects the sun.

That is what discipleship looks like. We are not the source of the light. We reflect what we have received.

This is the heart of Epiphany.

Jesus calls us out of darkness into His marvelous light— and then invites us to carry that light into the world.

Not with anxiety. Not with pressure. But with trust.

The Invitation Today

So today’s question is not, “Do you have enough faith?”

The question is simpler: Where might Jesus be meeting you right now?

Where is light beginning to dawn— even faintly?

And how might God be inviting you to reflect that light— through kindness, presence, patience, or hope?

Jesus begins His ministry in darkness so that no place—and no life— is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

Thanks be to God. Amen.