PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 4

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)
To ‘repent’ is about more than sin and guilt.
The word itself means ‘to change one’s mind’s or ‘to think differently’.
Why should people think differently… because the kingdom had come near.
The kingdom of heaven/God is this world as it was meant to be.
It is the Genesis 1 world, under God-like human leadership.
After Adam and Eve’s sin, this world became a dominion of darkness.
Evil reigned, and the people despaired of God and goodness.
Now Jesus declares, ‘change your thinking, God’s rule has returned’.
God’s kingdom comes near in Jesus, a God-like human leader.
With Jesus, the people experience hope, healing, forgiveness, love.
Jesus models justice, mercy, compassion, generosity, peace.
Jesus shows us what God’s world is supposed to be like.
Exchange your despair for hope, for God is back!
Jesus calls us to think and live with hope, a better world is coming!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, when I think of our current world, I lose hope. But when I think of you, I change my mind. You show me what goodness looks like. I choose to help you spread goodness in the world.