A Study of the commands from our Lord, Jesus the Christ

Week 9, January 25th

The very FIRST command from Jesus is "Repent".

Both the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark make this clear. In fact, the Gospel of Mark begins with these words: "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." Mark 1:1 (NASB)

Followed by these sequence of events:
- John the Baptizer announces the "Messiah" is about to appear (see Matthew 3:11 (NASB) and Mark 1:7 (NASB) )
- Jesus is baptized by John the Baptizer (see Matthew 3:13 (NASB) and Mark 1:9 (NASB) )
- Jesus is declared by GOD, Himself, to be GOD's Son (see Matthew 3:17 (NASB) and Mark 1:11 (NASB) )
- Jesus spends the next 40 days in the wilderness
First, being tempted by Satan
and then strengthened by Angels (see Matthew 4:1-11 (NASB) and Mark 1:13 (NASB) )

Which brings us to Matthew 4:17 (NASB) :
"From that time Jesus began to preach and say 'Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand'"
and
Mark 1:15 (NASB) :
"and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'"

The Greek word that Jesus used is "metanoeō", Strong's Number G3340, which occurs 34 times in 32 verses in the Greek concordance of the NASB.

Strong defines "metanoeō" as: "to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction):—repent."

Jesus is commanding the Jewish nation to think differently; to repent.

Remember, this is the reason that Jesus came to earth as a man. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (see Luke 19:10 (NASB) )

The Jewish nation, GOD's chosen people, were lost and they didn't realize it. After all, they had Moses and the Law. They were putting their TRUST in Moses.

Then Jesus reminded them: "For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me" John 5:46 (NASB)

Jesus is stating that HE is the promised Messiah.

Remember how one of Jesus' disciples introduced Nathanael to Jesus: “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45 (NASB)

Jesus, the Son of the Living GOD, is calling me to "REPENT". To think differently.

WHY?

Because the "Kingdom of GOD" is at hand.

When I get "too" comfortable with "my salvation", just like the Jewish Nation; when I allow this world and it's pleasures to distract me, I need to think differently.

That is why Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 (NASB) to "renew" our mind. The word Paul used has the meaning of "a renewal, renovation, complete change for the better"

To think differently; to renew, change for the better, because the "kingdom of GOD" is present with me; right now.

As your tour guide, I want to challenge you to inspect your beliefs about Jesus. Have you become too comfortable with your salvation? Is it time to repent, to think differently, to renovate; to change for the better?

Remember, the "Kingdom of GOD" being "at hand" is as true today as when Jesus gave that first command.

In fact, you don't have the "Kingdom of GOD" at hand; You have the "Kingdom of GOD" dwelling within you. (see 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NASB) ). You can consult with the Spirit of GOD because Jesus promised in John 14:26 (NASB) that the Holy Spirit would guide you and bring to remembrance ALL that He said.

To complete the tour for this week, I have listed the other "Repent" commands of Jesus. As you read them, notice that Jesus is speaking to Believers. And he is reminding them also that they need to repent, to renovate, and to change for the better.

Revelation 2:5 (NASB)
Revelation 2:16 (NASB)
Revelation 3:3 (NASB)
Revelation 3:19 (NASB)


If you have any other questions for me please send me an email.

The tour continues next week with a look at the Benefits of Obedience.

Return to: "and teaching them to obey"