“…Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near’” Matthew 3:1-12
The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye ( PROVOST)
Matthew begins, “In those days…” (1a) This phrase refers to the time before Jesus’ coming. There was no word of God. Without the word of God there was no direction; no truth; no vision or hope. People were living in the darkness under the tyranny of King Herod. They might have felt abandoned by God. Just as the morning comes after the night, according to God’s schedule, it was time to send the Messiah into the world.
- God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way.
John came preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near…Vs 1-2” Considering Israel repentance seems irrelevant, they rather needed a message of prosperity and blessing.
When we hear the word “repent,” we feel judged, it is hard to preach it. The message of repentance seems too harsh or outdated. But “repentance” is really a wonderful thing. It is God’s gracious invitation to restore a relationship with him. It leads to the saving grace of Jesus and the salvation of our souls. The content of John’s message was, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
To “repent” is to change one’s object of worship, which has captivated our hearts and minds. As a result, our thoughts, attitudes, desires and behavior also change. - Repentance brings revival
Look at verse 5-6 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. The message of repentance was preached, a great revival spread out in the valley of Jordan and throughout the nation Israel. We might think that no one would listen to a message of repentance. But to our surprise, people went out to John from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized. It was a great spiritual revival. - Repentance points us to the one more powerful
John became very popular. People thought he might be the Messiah. John did not pleasure his moment of fame. He introduced Jesus as the one far superior to him. “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (11).
Only Jesus has power to transform people. John knew very well who he was and who Jesus was. When we know who we are and who Jesus is, we will be willing to yield to his voice, repent and receive salvation.
Our spiritual wilderness calls us unto repentance. The 21st century came with a secularized culture, many worship the idols of money, fame, power and so on. It is easy to be fascinated by movie stars, athletes or musicians. And thus be turned away from God. There is a voice in that wilderness calling us today to turn to the one who is more powerful to forgive every sin and deliver us from any kind of wilderness.
The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye
PROVOST