Not by our works, but by HIS righteousness

Article for January 25, 2026

Matthew 4:12–14 12When [Jesus] heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

We know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and moved to Egypt for a while to escape from Herod who wanted Jesus dead.  Jesus went from Egypt to Nazareth after Herod died and now Jesus is moving again after hearing that John the Baptist was arrested.  From Nazareth Jesus moves to Capernaum just off the northern coast of the Sea of Galilee.

This is a timeline I got from the internet.  Not sure of this timeline but it shows this to be after Jesus had turned water into wine and spoke to Nicodemus.  What we can be sure of is this is the time Jesus starts calling His Apostles according to Scripture. 

Jesus most likely moved to Capernaum to possibly evade being arrested as John the Baptist.  This also seems to be after Jesus had cured a nobleman’s son.  Though I’m not sure of this timeline I found, this seems to be the true beginning of the ministry of Jesus and the Apostles.  As an ongoing theme of the gospels each act of Jesus fulfills what was said in the Old Testament.

Matthew 4:16–17 16the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” 17From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

John speaks more of the light that has come into the world.  The light, Jesus Christ who came into the world to save us from the darkness of our sin.  Jesus begins His ministry to let us know we need to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  Now Jesus is preaching the gospel, so we need to understand that repenting is not a law though it is very important to help us receive forgiveness.  Most people might not understand how repentance works or even comes.  It is not our works but the works of God and His Holy Spirit. 

Acts 5:31–32 (ESV) ³¹ God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV) ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Anything we think we do on our own is works and law righteousness.  Everything in our salvation is given to us by God ether through the Father or the Son or the Holy Spirit.  Our works if any is to listen to the Holy Spirit and to learn from God’s word.

Matthew 4:23 23And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

Titus 3:3–7 (ESV) ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. ⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ that He would die for our sins making the grace of God that much greater so that we would be lead to repentance and then forgiveness and then eternal life.  Wheeeu! Take a breath and a knee and praise God with uplifted arms and waving hands.  Do I have an Amen!

Matthew 4:24–25 24So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

Of course, Jesus’ fame spread, He was healing everyone and giving them the good news.  Jesus Christ our savior who came healing and letting people know of an eternal life with God.  But it’s not about healing or eternal life.  It’s about the love of God for all His creation that is us and especially for all who believe even though they do not see. Can I get another Amen!

Written by Pastor Curtis A. May