Matthew tells us that after John the Baptist was imprisoned, Jesus withdrew into Galilee:
“Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And 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, saying: ‘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 4:12–16)
This fulfilled prophecy from Isaiah 9, showing that the Messiah’s light would shine first in a region often despised as “Galilee of the Gentiles.” Jesus began where others would least expect, proving that His mission was for all people, not just Jerusalem’s elite.
Mark also records this shift:
“Now after John was put in prison, 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)
Luke notes that His fame spread quickly from Galilee:
“Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synamagog/”>gogues, being glorified by all.” (Luke 4:14–15)
John also shows Galilee as central in the beginning of His ministry. His first miracle was performed there, at a wedding in Cana (John 2:1–11), and much of His early teaching and works took place in Galilee.
By beginning His ministry in Galilee, Jesus fulfilled prophecy, revealed Himself to the humble and overlooked, and set the tone for a ministry that would reach beyond Israel to the nations.
