“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 4:17 ESV)
The expression “Kingdom of Heaven” was not unfamiliar to Matthew’s contemporaries. It refers to the coming kingdom promised by God, in which God reigns (Isaiah 2:2-5). But it is not only God’s promise for the future. It also refers to every place and situation where God is present now. Every place where the influence of His love and power is visible. With the coming of Jesus to earth, the Kingdom of Heaven came closer to people. In order to allow Jesus into their lives, something in the people needed to change: they had to turn back to God. This is called repentance in the Bible. Not continuing on a path without God, but allowing God’s words into your life and following them. With this call, Jesus began His public ministry on earth. He called a number of men to follow Him. They would be used by Jesus to point people to the Kingdom of Heaven in Jesus’ Name (Matthew 4:18-22).
Jesus’ preaching is important because without repentance and conversion, no relationship with God is possible.
Read Matthew 4:17 again and think about it for a few minutes. What does the kingdom of heaven mean to you? What would you like to ask Jesus about this, and what would you like to thank Him for?