What is the primary message of Jesus when he was on earth teaching? Would any of the following be able to sum up what Jesus taught… God is love, help the poor, don’t judge, love everyone, be a good person? While true to a degree none of these summaries is even close to true on their own. Many want to use their conception of Jesus as a talking point to support an agenda, a political view, or to justify some lifestyle. The reality however is that the message of Jesus in the Bible, which is repent, demands a radical change of heart in the hearer.

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 ESV

Repentance

When Jesus started his ministry before he calls any of the disciples Matthew writes that Jesus preached a message of “repentance”. This word in the Bible “Repent” means to reconsider the morality of your life. Jesus preached saying “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. Jesus started his ministry telling people that they needed to change the focus and priority of their life from one of selfishness to one that is focused on the priority of God in heaven.

For example are you focused on making money because you want to be rich. Repent! Money will buy you nothing in God’s kingdom. Are you seeking to fulfill lusts of the flesh by living the mantra if it feels good do it? Repent! Your lusts will lead you to death and will have no part in God’s kingdom. Do you hate those who have wronged you? Repent! Hate reveals a murderous heart and murders have no part of the kingdom of God. I could go on. Paul sums things up better than me…

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 ESV

The Message Has not Changed

Jesus taught the disciples a message of Repentance. Paul continued that teaching and the disciples continued that teaching. Peter in his first sermon after Jesus ascended to heaven concluded his preaching with a message of repentance. Repent is a common message in the Bible.

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 ESV

Headed in God’s Direction

The “gospel” of Jesus Christ (his main message) is a message of repentance. The gospel is not a message that God loves but you can continue to do whatever you want. The repentance message of the gospel means that you will want to turn away from anything that is wrong and turn to God who is right. The gospel is not do good stuff and maybe God will let you into his kingdom. The good news of the gospel is that God became a man (Immanuel = God with us) named Jesus (Jesus literally means “God Saves”) to provide a way for us to repent and restore ourselves in right standing with God. In church talk this is summarized by saying Jesus Saves.

4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. Romans 2:4-8 ESV

The Opportunity is Now

God loves so much and He has been so kind to us that he is giving men and women a chance to repent. The good news is that repentance is possible. Turn from the way the world operates in selfishness and sin. Run from the death of whatever feels good do it and turn toward the selfless, servant like morality that Jesus offers. Peter in his sermon clearly states that Repentance leads to forgiveness from God and that God who is loving will give to you His Holy Spirit that will change us to an acceptable citizen of the kingdom that is at hand.

Click the like button or leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts! Also travel back to the beginning and see how God’s Mercy has always been available.