Matthew 4:12-25

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (4:17).  The “kingdom of heaven” was another way of saying “God’s ways and His purposes.”  Jesus was saying that He Himself was God’s perfect light breaking into human darkness (v16), bringing healing, peace, and freedom to men and women who were broken, afraid, and in bondage to sin.  Jesus called people to “repent” – to turn away from their old lives of sin and to walk in a new direction, toward him.

“Follow me” (v19).  We don’t have to wonder what God and His kingdom are like.  Jesus is God’s perfect image, God in the flesh, and we can know and follow Him.