JESUS’ FIRST SERMON

Just after Jesus returned from the Wilderness temptations, he settled in Capernaum (North end of The Sea of Galilee) in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This was to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy, “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”
(Matthew 4:13-16 and Isaiah 9:1-2)

“From that time Jesus began to preach this message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!” (Matthew 4:17) Some versions say, ‘the kingdom heaven is ‘at hand’ and another says ‘has come near.’ Another literal way to understand this is ‘the kingdom of heaven ‘is right here where you are.’ The kingdom has arrived.

Jesus’ first sermon is ‘Repent.’ Repent in this regard means, ‘to change one’s mind or purpose,’ always, in the New Testament, involving a change for the better.’ (Vine’s) It is to change our mind, actions, behavior and attitude and go the Kingdom way. The first sermon is still the sermon for today. Turning to the Kingdom way from the other way.

“Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God. He said, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel!” Jesus