The Courage to Change

¹² Now when Jesus heard that John was arrested, he went to Galilee. ¹³ He left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, which lies alongside the sea in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. ¹⁴ This fulfilled what Isaiah the prophet said: ¹⁵ Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, alongside the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, ¹⁶ the people who lived in the dark have seen a great light, and a light has come upon those who lived in the region and in shadow of death. ¹⁷ From that time Jesus began to announce, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”

¹ Nonetheless, those who were in distress won’t be exhausted. At an earlier time, God cursed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but later he glorified the way of the sea, the far side of the Jordan, and the Galilee of the nations. ² The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. ³ You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. ⁴ As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.