The Light of the World: Isaiahs Prophecy and the Fulfillment in Jesus Christ

The Light of the World: Isaiah's Prophecy and the Fulfillment in Jesus Christ

Introduction

The phrase 'The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light' is a profound verse from the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 9:2. This prophecy is often seen as a profound reference to the ultimate revelation of God's love in Jesus Christ. The gospel of Matthew draws a clear connection between this prophecy and the coming of Jesus, presenting Him as the ultimate fulfillment of this divine promise.

The Biblical Context

Isaiah 9:2

According to the Hebrew text, Isaiah 9:2 reads: 'The people who are walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those who are in the overshadowing of death a light has arisen.' This verse is part of a larger prophecy that speaks of a child born to the people, whose name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. This prophecy is not referencing literal darkness, but rather the spiritual darkness that humanity faces.

Isaiah's Prophetic Words

Isaiah 9:6-7

The significance of the ‘light’ spoken of in Isaiah 9:2 becomes clearer in the subsequent verses. The prophecy states:

'For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.'

These verses detail the fulfilling of the promise of a child who will be the expected ruler and bring about a period of unprecedented peace and righteousness.

Matthew's Fulfillment in Jesus Christ

Matthew 4:12-17

Matthew draws a direct line between the prophecy in Isaiah and the person of Jesus Christ. Matthew 4:12-17 elaborates on how Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy in a specific geographical and spiritual sense:

12 “After Jesus had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’ 13 When Jesus finished being baptized, the Holy Spirit drove him out into the wilderness, 14 where he was tempted by the devil. He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by the devil. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

15 “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 16 ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!’ 17 As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 18 Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ 19 At once they left their nets and followed him.

13 Again Jesus went out from the temple and was going on the road. A scribe came and said to him, ‘Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ 14 Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.’ 15 ‘Which ones?’ he inquired. Jesus said to him, ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, 16 honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.’ 17 The young man said to him, ‘All these I have kept. What do I still lack?’ 18 Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ 19 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

20 Looking at him, Jesus said, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!’ 21 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, ‘Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 22 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ 23 Those who heard Jesus said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ 24 In reply Jesus said to them, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’

Luke's Reference to Isaiah's Prophecy

Luke 1:78-79 and Luke 2:30-32

Luke also provides a reference to this prophecy, underscoring the hope and light that are to come:

78 because of the tender compassion of our God, with which the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little, will himself restore you and make you strong, establish you, and settle you. 79 For this reason, then, my beloved, be constantly cheerful, 80 putting all your hope in the grace that will be brought to you by the God and Father when Jesus Christ is revealed. 81 Indeed, he did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 82 For in him is life, and the life was the light of men. 83 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

Similarly, Luke 2:30-32 is another reference to the fulfillment of this prophecy, emphasizing how Jesus will serve as a light for all people:

30 [Simeon] said to Mary His mother, 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be opposed 31 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.' 32 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 33 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 34 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God, and to speak of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Light of Jesus in John's Gospel

John 1:9 and John 8:12

John further explains the significance of Jesus as the true light in the world:

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

12 So Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'

Conclusion

Isaiah's prophecy in Isaiah 9:2 speaks of a profound transformation in human history through the coming of the Light of the world. The fulfillment of this prophecy in the person of Jesus Christ offers a pathway to true spiritual illumination, freeing humanity from the darkness of sin and ignorance. This prophecy, therefore, is a fundamental declaration of God's plan for the world and a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

The terms ‘Biblical Prophecy,’ ‘Isaiah's Light,’ and ‘Jesus Christ’ are foundational keywords that effectively communicate the layers of meaning within this important passage. These keywords help to guide readers to understand and appreciate the profound message of Isaiah and the fulfillment of that prophecy in Jesus Christ.