Jesus Pusher 141

I am a Jesus pusher!!! The prophecy of Isaiah describes the people of Galilee: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light (Matthew 4:16). The verb of the sentence is have seen (eido). It means “to see” or “to perceive.” There is an amazing interaction between this verb and the accusative (direct object) of the sentence, light. Light is receiving the action of the verb. It is a contrast between people who are immersed in darkness and who now comprehend the great light. The Greek word (mega) translated great expands the force of the light.

The Greek word (phos) translated light comes from the root word “phao.” It is also the root word for “phone,” which is translated “to shine” or “sound.” It is the basis for our word “telephone.” It is the instrument through which a message comes. John the Baptist was the “phone” (voice) of one crying in the wilderness (Matthew 3:3). This concept of instrument is also contained in the light. The light is the instrument by which you see your surroundings, but you do not see the light. The light is actually life (John 1:4). It is the life, which gives you the light. Thus the life is the source of the light giving you the ability to perceive the life. Light is an instrument by which the life embraces you. Do you embrace the light or does the life embrace you through the light? Since Jesus is the light and the life it does not matter. It is HIM. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 140

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus moved His ministry to Galilee. The prophet Isaiah, quoted by Matthew, describes the people of Galilee. He writes, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,” (Matthew 4:16). “People” is the subject of this sentence. “Who sat” describes them. The original prophecy (Isaiah 9:2) states, The people who walked in darkness. Evidently Matthew changed the word in order to increase the intensity of their condition. The conquering force of darkness had increased since the original prophecy. The Greek word (kathemai) translated sat is also used to refer to Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father. It suggests the image of a person of great authority sitting in a place of great authority. Darkness so encompassed the people they are conquered by darkness and embrace it as their chosen desire. Never discount or treat lightly the impacting, controlling, dominating, inclusive force of sin. The imagery of darkness is very plain. Picture yourself in total darkness! All sense of direction is lost. The fright of the unknown paralyzes you from taking even one step. Every sound is terrifying. It is ultimate death. Perhaps seven hundred years earlier they were walking in darkness; now they are sitting.

Let us rush to the glorious news! They have seen a great light! Jesus came to them! No one else came. Not an abundance of supply or a team of experts came. Only Jesus came. He was the total answer to the great darkness that ruled their lives for hundreds of years. He is the light of God to my life. He is the ability to see. Wisdom and understanding are found in Him alone. He gives me direction. I have seen a great Light. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 139

I am a Jesus pusher!!! Through the first four chapters of Matthew’s Gospel account, he highlights prophecy seven times. Nearly every paragraph is explained in light of the prophetic pronouncement of the Old Testament. He explains Jesus’ departure from Judea to Galilee, the beginning of a new ministry, as a result of that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet (Matthew 4:14). It is startling that the main verb (fulfilled) is in the subjunctive mood. This suggests the idea of “if” or “maybe.” Matthew is not proposing the uncertainty of prophecy. He is stating the element of choice for those participating within the fulfillment of the prophecy. Herod Antipas who imprisoned John the Baptist had a choice and is responsible for this action. Jesus was not forced to move His ministry to Galilee because of this prophecy. The citizens of Nazareth are responsible for their actions in attempting to kill Jesus (Luke 4:29).

In the circumstances of my life, I have a choice. It is true, God has a plan. Jesus is intimately involved in those plans; in fact, Jesus is the plan. He does not have a plan apart from us; He came to embrace us in the fulfillment of the plan. However, all of this is contingent upon my response to Him. Why would I not want to respond to Him? Everything outside of Him is death; it is in Him I find life. Jesus has a plan; Jesus is the plan; Jesus, the plan, indwells me. I am in the middle of the flowing plan of God in Jesus. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

Jesus Pusher 138

I am Jesus pusher!!! Jesus moved His ministry from Judea to Galilee upon hearing John the Baptist was imprisoned. Matthew clearly states this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet (Matthew 4:14). The main verb of this statement (fulfilled) is in the subjunctive mood. This suggests the idea of “if” or “maybe.” Matthew is highlighting the “choice” or “free will” of men; he is not undermining the certainty of prophecy. What God speaks is as certain as the very character and nature of God. Sometimes God speaks; therefore, it is true. But often God speaks because it is true. God speaks; worlds are created. But God also recognizes the responsibility of man. God speaks not to cause man’s actions, but knowing man’s actions. This is true for the Scriptures. Things are not true because they are in the Scriptures. They are in the Scriptures because they are true. God is speaking the Scriptures through His knowledge of all things. There is no doubt about the certainty of the Scriptures or prophecy.

This declares God’s plan is secure. Jesus is this plan. The Jewish leaders can plot against Him; the Roman soldiers can crucify Him; John the Baptist can be imprisoned; you and I can disbelieve Him. It simply does not change the plan. The certainty of the plan does not rest upon my choice or response; it depends upon the character of God. Jesus, the plan, is the declaration of the character of God. He is the plan for my life; I will not miss Him. I am a Jesus pusher!!!