Scripture

From that time on, Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Observation

Jesus moves to Capernaum. He begins to preach the message of repentance, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

One day, as He is walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls two fishermen, Simon Peter and Andrew. He tells them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.”

Jesus travels through Galilee preaching the Good News and healing every sickness. Large crowds gather everywhere He goes as the news spreads across the region.

Application

The message of Jesus is “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

God is present reigning over His people wherever they submit to His reign.

We no longer need a hierarchy of priests and endless sacrifices, because the ultimate price for sin has been paid by God Himself.

The kingdom of God is here, and that means every person has to make a choice. Will I follow my own path or will I place my life in the hands of Jesus? Will I make my own meaning out of my life? Or will I let the God who created me bring meaning to me?

To repent means to change our thinking. It means to see that the things that I once thought were important are not at all valuable, while the things I once despised are the most valuable of all.

It is a complete change of direction- no longer me and my wants, but only serving the Lord.

Prayer

Help me Lord to cast off sin and every attachment that stops me from worshipping and obeying you. Amen.