“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news (Gospel) of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:14-15, NIV
After coming out of the wilderness, Jesus starts preaching a very simple message.
Repent. The Kingdom has come near.
The Bible says that Jesus was preaching good news. The word used in the Greek here is ‘euaggelion’. In the pagan Greco-Roman world this word had very specific connotations.
There exists, for example, an ancient inscription from somewhere between 9 and 6 BC called the Priene Calendar Inscription. This inscription marks Caeser Augustus’ birthday as the beginning of the ‘gospel’ of his kingdom.
‘Euaggelion’ was often used to indicate an announcement of celebration – most commonly in political and military settings – to celebrate a conquest, or the coming of a kingdom – specifically the announcement of the arrival of a kingdom (especially a divine authority) that brings with it SALVATION from DESTRUCTION for all who would pledge allegiance to it.
Jesus came proclaiming exactly such a gospel. The Gospel of His Kingdom.
The word for Kingdom used in Mark 1:15 is basileia which according to Strong’s refers to: kingship, sovereignty, authority, rule, especially of God, both in the world, and in the hearts of men; hence: kingdom, in the concrete sense.
Jesus came proclaiming the Kingdom come.
When we say the Kingdom is at hand it is not a Kingdom on the way, but rather the Kingdom close enough to touch.
Jesus comes and starts preaching – a revolutionary message – declaring that the Kingdom has come and urging us to repent and believe in this good news – to take this declaration seriously. Jesus comes to confuse the norms; He comes to interrupt the status quo. His followers, those listening to His message, were quite familiar with the term ‘kingdom’. They had heard of the kingdom of Herod, they were familiar with the kingdom of Rome, but now they are introduced to a new kingdom – the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. He comes to bring us a revolution – to overthrow the ruler of this world, and to establish His throne and dominion in the earth.
We understand that there were many sects within Judaism waiting for a militant Messiah – a warrior-king, much like David, who would bring military conquest and the overthrow of their oppressors. This is what many expected from God’s gospel.
But they had the wrong ‘oppressors’ in mind – they had their eyes set on temporary tyrants and human empires.
Jesus very much came preaching a revolution. A revolution of the heart and mind. This is where He longs to establish His rule – to overthrow and dethrone the tyrants of sin and death.
His Gospel is first and foremost accompanied by the word ‘repent’. In the Greek, the word used here is metanoeō (G3340 in the Strong’s concordance), and can be defined as follows:
to think differently or afterwards, that is reconsider. (Strong’s)
The proper definition of metanoeō therefore is to have a change of mind – it does not just imply a sense of regret, but rather a call to action, calling us – not to just stop sinning – but to start thinking differently. Calling us to be transformed through the renewing of our minds. Paul admonishes us over and over to be imitators of Christ. We must adopt the mind of Christ.
This is true repentance – becoming one with Christ. Being united with Christ and the change of mindset that comes with it.
This is what Christ was encouraging all who heard His preaching:
1. The Kingdom of God, the rule and reign of the Lord has come through the birth of Jesus Christ.
2. Repent – change the way you think to align with this Kingdom and its principles.
3. Believe the Gospel – entrust your life – pledge allegiance to receive salvation from judgement.
Jesus says ‘the time has come.’ The word for ‘time’ here is ‘Kairos’ referring to a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a strategic and crucial action. A decisive, opportune moment.
The time is now. The time for you to encounter the Kingdom of God is now. Don’t wait. Take action today.
Reflect:
1. ‘Metanoeō’ means to change your thinking – not just your actions. How does this affect your definition of repentance? How will changing your thinking affect your tendency to sin? Would it have any other effect on the way you live, besides in regards to sin and temptation? What would it look like to have the mind of Christ?
2. Christ preached the Kingdom Come. He promised us – in this – a spiritual, military-like conquest and salvation from destruction. He asked us to believe – in this context, to entrust our lives and pledge allegiance to this Kingdom – what does it mean to believe? What does it mean to entrust our lives and pledge allegiance? Is it as simple as just having a bit of faith and confessing it? Or do you think Jesus encourages something more?
Prayer: Lord, I am not content with merely being a citizen in Your Kingdom. Help me Lord to live a life worthy of the One You gave by being an ambassador of Your Kingdom. Lead me Lord, to not only be a hearer but a doer. Let my faith be reflected in action. Let my thinking be changed, I ask for the Mind of Christ. Transform my thinking, and through that, transform my life and the lives of those around me. In Jesus Name. Amen.