Big Idea: Anticipating Jesus’ public Galilean ministry, Matthew affirms Jesus as the bringer of restoration to Israel in line with Isaiah’s hopes and intimates the inclusion of Gentiles.

Understanding the Text

This passage (4:12–16) transitions between Matthew’s introduction of Jesus’ identity (1:1–4:11) and Jesus’ Galilean ministry to Israel (4:17–16:20). In it, Matthew connects an Isaiah prophecy to Jesus’ relocation from Nazareth to Capernaum. Jesus’ mission to bring restoration to Israel is implicit in the Isaiah language of “light” dawning upon those in darkness (cf. chaps. 1–2 for restoration themes tied to Jesus’ presence). Proclamation and enactment of this restoration will be at the center of Jesus’ kingdom ministry in subsequent chapters. In addition, as Matthew has hinted at Genti…