If we were to boil down the essence of Jesus’ ministry, the purpose for all he did and said, the focal point of his work, we could find no better verse than this one from today’s gospel reading. “From that time,” we read, “Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near’" (Matthew 4:17). Note the sense of urgency. This is not some far-reaching prophetic message, this is a timely word of truth for the world. Note also that it begins with a call for action. Jesus would have his listeners get their lives in order now because God’s will and purpose for humanity is upon them. Jesus, of course, is the embodiment of that will and purpose. Jesus is God’s good news for the world and even when he was rejected and put to death he remained that good news, that word of hope, for in him death was defeated and sin was set aside.
So here we are in April 2012 with a world full of anger and of violence, a world consumed by greed and by apathy. Was Jesus lying to his followers? Was there really no urgency to his words? The answer to these questions remains before us in the person of Jesus Christ. When we believe in God through Jesus we begin to see things very differently. Faith is a lens through which we perceive grace where others see only the ordinary. God is all around us, the kingdom of heaven is as near as the air and just as necessary to our wellbeing. The urgency with which Jesus spoke is still present. The need to get our lives in order remains. When we who would follow Jesus as disciples accept this challenge to live as he lived and to love as he loved we bear witness to the grace of God flowing all around us and filling the world.
The essence of Jesus’ ministry is good news for all people and a very present reality. God is at work and we have the opportunity to join in that work. Thanks be to God.
Prayer: Lord, give us the eyes with which to see your presence, and the will to live as your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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