Scripture
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Reflection
In verse 15 we read two declarations: 1) the time has come and 2) the kingdom of God has come near, and two commands: 1) Repent and 2) believe.
The first declaration emphasizes God’s appointed time of preparation and expectation, as seen in the Old Testament, now being fulfilled in the person of Jesus (Gal. 4:4; Heb.1:2; 9:6-15). The second declaration reveals that the Kingdom of God is a dynamic concept that refers to God’s sovereign activity and ruling over all of His creation and not to a future messianic kingdom with a king to be established as the Jews believed.
Through making these two declarations, Jesus was telling His readers (who were primarily Jews), that what you have read in the Old Testament about a future messiah, has now been fulfilled in Him, and that God is currently and actively ruling and governing over His creation. They shouldn’t wait for a future messianic king to come and save them. Jesus is that king who is here right now and who is the one who saves them if they repent and believe.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pause and acknowledge God’s presence wherever you are at this moment.
