The Narrative
Matthew 4:12–17; Mark 1:14–15; Luke 4:14–21
After the arrest of John the Baptist, Jesus departed to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in 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:
"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 shadow of death Light has dawned."
— Matthew 4:15–16 (NKJV)
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say:
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
— Matthew 4:17 (NKJV)
Mark records: "Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.'" (Mark 1:14–15)
The Proclamation at Nazareth
In Luke's account, Jesus returns to Nazareth, enters the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and is handed the scroll of Isaiah. He unrolls it and reads:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
— Luke 4:18–19 (NKJV)
Then He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them:
"Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
— Luke 4:21 (NKJV)
So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.
Library of Light Edition 1.0 — Last revised: April 2026