Book of Matthew - Chapter 4 - Verse 12

When Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been imprisoned, he decided to leave Judea and head to Galilee. This event marked a significant turning point in Jesus's ministry, as it signified the beginning of his public ministry in Galilee. Jesus's decision to move to Galilee also fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-2, which predicted that a great light would shine in the region of Galilee. By choosing to begin his ministry in Galilee, Jesus was intentionally reaching out to the marginalized and overlooked people of society, demonstrating his love and compassion for all people. This verse serves as a reminder of Jesus's obedience to God's will and his commitment to bringing the message of hope and salvation to all people.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee," it is crucial to consider the significance of Jesus' response to hearing about John the Baptist's imprisonment. This event marked a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, as it signaled the beginning of His public ministry in Galilee. The departure into Galilee was a deliberate decision by Jesus to fulfill His mission and continue spreading the message of salvation. The geographical location of Galilee holds theological importance as it was a region where Jesus performed many miracles and preached extensively. In conducting a word study on "departed", we can infer that Jesus' action was purposeful and in line with the divine plan. By delving into the historical and cultural context of this verse, we can better understand the profound implications of Jesus' movement into Galilee and the overarching message of hope and redemption that He brought to the people.