If we were to summarize Jesus' teachings in one sentence, we can find it in Matthew where Jesus says, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (Matthew 4:17)
Unfortunately, for many Christians, these words have become so overused that we have become deaf to their true meaning. The way we can become “nose blind” to our own old shoes, many of us have lost sight of this simple phrase’s true importance.
What exactly is the kingdom of God?
Imagine if the Kingdom of God was running campaign ads during this upcoming election cycle. You would have people like Trump and Biden telling you all the things they can offer and how they want to shape the world according to their own ideologies. But then, occasionally, you would see a very different set of ads, ones that talk about a different kingdom and a different way of exercising power.
If God had executive, judicial, and legislative power over our world, that would be what the kingdom of God looks like. Jesus is telling people living in occupied territory under Roman tyranny that the Romans are not ultimately in control. Caesar is not the one who settles all matters. The kingdom of Rome is limited. Things are changing, the kingdom of God is at hand.
What is “Repentance”?
To repent is to turn around. It describes a radical change of behavior and the direction of your life. The Greek word "Metanoia" means “a change of heart, a conversion of life.” The Amplified Bible will often call this out, embellishing verses to say,
“Repent/METANOEITE [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matt 3:2 AMP
Putting these two ideas together, we can summarize Jesus' teachings: “A new way of living and exercising power is available to you. Change everything about your life so that you can fully experience it.”
Does that catch your attention a little differently? You may be asking, "How can I do this?"
Jesus helps us answer that by giving us the Sermon on the Mount. If you want to know what it looks like to change everything about your life because God is ruling things in an ultimate way, it looks like being blessed when you are poor in spirit. It looks like turning the other cheek. It looks like praying for those who persecute you. It looks like abandoning lust, anger, and greed, while embracing purity, sacrifice, and wholeheartedness.
That's the new way of life. That's what Jesus came to offer.
It is wonderful news.
We don't have to be trapped anymore.
Our anger, frustrations, and social circumstances don't define us. We are defined by the fact that we are caught up in something wonderful. Something supernatural. Something radically grace-based.
Change everything about your life, not because you have to earn God's love, but because a new way of living is here.
Experience it!
Pastor Tim
