Update: Oops! We transposed the number in the passage! All fixed now…
Today’s reading is Matthew 12:4-17 Matthew 4:12-17, and even though it’s a fairly brief passage it’s packed with some incredible implications – so get ready for a little more strenuous exercise today. Take a little time to pray, read through the passage slowly, and then follow these exercises:
- What do you think Jesus could mean by the phrase, “the kingdom of heaven?”
- How does this concept of the kingdom of God correlate to the promised land alluded to in Deuteronomy 613-16 and 8:1-3? (Remember those from yesterday’s exercise?).
- Take some time to find out what it means to “repent” (here’s a hint: the Greek word is metanoia). You can use a bible dictionary, a study guide you might have, or just plain old Google. How is the literal meaning different than the way we tend to use it in regular speech?
- How many different kinds of gospel messages have you heard proclaimed in American churches? How is Jesus’ simple message here different?
- How would you re-write Jesus’ gospel to accurately communicate the same message to American unbelievers today?
1 & 2. Jesus is the Kingdom of Heaven, He is the light who came to earth to establish freedom from bondage just like the Promised Land did for the Israelites.
3. I liked this definition of “Metanoia”. “The Greek term for repentance, metanoia, denotes a change of mind, a reorientation, a fundamental transformation of outlook, of an individual’s vision of the world and of her/himself, and a new way of loving others and the Universe. In the words of a second-century text, The Shepherd of Hermas, it implies “great understanding,” discernment. It involves, that is, not mere regret of past evil but a recognition by a person of a darkened vision of her/his own condition, in which sin, by separating her/him from Deity, has reduced her/him to a divided, autonomous existence, depriving her/him of both her/his natural glory and freedom.”
4. Realize you are a sinner and accept Christ as Savior so you can go to heaven is the main one I can think of. Jesus I think is saying “Turn from your former life and live in the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth”.
5. The gospel I share with unbelievers; You’re missing out, you can have so much more in this life if you would only embrace a relationship with Christ who loves you more that you could ever imagine and created you for just that!
I remember reading a great discussion by Norm Wright about the phrase “Repent and believe in me.” This isn’t the exact phrase in our passage, but Wright’s point is still applicable. We tend to interpret the word ‘repent’ as turning our back on sin. We tend to think of it in a highly religious sense. But, in fact, this phrase isn’t a religious phrase. It was even used by Nero’s general in Jerusalem in 70 a.d. just before its destruction. The intent of the general and Christ in this passage is more like: “Give up your agenda and take up mine (or join me).”
We typically live our lives violently opposed to God. We seek our benefit first (our agenda). Christ’s invitation is to lay aside this self-interest and return to the image we were created for. This is to become like Christ and to dwell in his kingdom.
This is the gospel and it is opposed to many other gospels, such as personal fulfillment or wealth or earning God’s favor. The true gospel is profound and simpler (because it is what we were designed for). It also brings peace.
Well said Sean! I suppose my only question is, would you say the gospel is opposed to our self-interests?
Jenell and I had a really long conversation about this passage that seemed to wander in and out of the questions. It was good. But overall we feel there has to be a better way to communicate the message of that gospel than the “accept, believe, and confess” model we grew up with. We’re really struck by how typical presentations of the gospel are engineered to produce quick conversions and seem to make discipleship an afterthought. It seems like Jesus’ invitation was simple and compelling, and we’re excited to keep unpacking his model of slow discipleship.
I can’t fault a message that has brought millions of people to Christ over the years, neither do I see a reason or need to either improve it or change it. I think where we drop the ball so to speak is in the follow up and what we are willing to do to come and stand along side the new believer. That takes true selflessness, patience and a willingness to go the distance with them no matter how messy that can get or challenging.
Of course it is not opposed to our true self-interests. It is opposed to putting our self-interest above others and God. He designed us to experience and enjoy many pleasures and even delights in fulfilling those pleasures. We err when we pursue our pleasures instead of the Kingdom and this is what we are to repent of.
I like Sean’s definition of repent “Give up your agenda and take up mine (or join me).” I was not able to find this in the dictionary. This aspect to the definition brings to light a whole lot more I need to repent over, but I also know that to truly repent I need to have a motivator, something like the feelings I read about in the technical definition ” To feel remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite. To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one’s mind regarding it: repented of intemperate behavior. To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one’s sins.”
The more I spend with Jesus the more the feeling of needing to change occurs, the more I want to give my agenda up for a better one, for His. I see Jesus in 4:16 telling us that exactly this is what will happen to us as we near the kingdom of Heaven(aka: Jesus).
Cindy,
Very well said! I’m glad you’ve joined us for this series. I find that the more I’m turning my heart toward God the more I’m discovering a love for his kingdom…and the more I’ve already “repented.”
Thanks for contributing!
Thanks for making me feel welcome.
I’ve always been a bit confused by the term “kingdom of heaven”. I think to the Jews it meant God’s reestablishment of Israel as sovereign, as opposed to under Roman rule. I’ve heard of it referred to as the church and I think I lean toward that definition. Establishment of God’s kingdom, filled with it’s citizens, being Christians.
I think God wanted a spiritual ‘promised land,’ not just one for Jews, but for Gentiles as well, hence the arrival of Jesus to Galilee.
Jesus’ message here is very simple and straightforward. It’s not about following a list of rules and regulations, but turning to God.
God just wants you to be with him. It’s about growing closer to him-in doing so, our lives will change and we will repent.
Wendy – Nice summary! I think you’re on the right track with Kingdom of Heaven, although I would suggest it’s meaning may be even larger than the church (although that is certainly included). For Jesus and those hearing his message it most likely meant God’s rulership – which, of course includes the people who submit to his reign. Jesus was essentially announcing a new king, or that there was “a new sheriff in town,” and all who heard were called to submit to the new rule.