Good morning!
Text: Matthew 1-4; Psalm 60
In these opening chapters of Matthew we read of Jesus’ birth, the flight to Egypt, Jesus’ baptism, temptation in the wilderness by Satan, and the inauguration of His earthly ministry. Jesus’ opening message is simple:
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)
Jesus is the King, so the kingdom is indeed at hand. The kingdom is all about holiness, godliness and righteousness, so Jesus’ opening shot is a simple command – “Repent.” The Greek word means to change your mind. We all come to salvation when we change our mind about sin. We decide to reject it in our lives, we choose to seek help from Jesus, we choose to turn from our sin and to turn to Him.
I once heard some folks complaining that a Gospel presentation to teens began with their sin and its consequences…. a bit of Hellfire and brimstone. The concern was that it was somehow not okay to “frighten” young adults. But sin and repentance is right where Jesus began. It is the starting point for us all.
in Him, Mike