Jesus Begins to Preach | Matthew 4:12-17

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,    on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death    light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 

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Context matters.

When coming to understand scripture—we must consider what is happening around the text. The life and ministry of Jesus took place while Israel was being occupied by the most powerful empire the world had ever known. Moreover, the ministry of Jesus began when his dear friend, cousin, and advocate, John the Baptist, was arrested for publicly condemning King Herod Antipas.

So, an insecure leader was throwing his weight around, silencing and bullying anyone who spoke out against him. I’m sure this is very difficult for us to imagine. If something like that were happening in the United States of America—it would be terrible.

Jesus began his ministry, shortly after his baptism, while reeling in the wake of political oppression, proclaiming that the kingdom of God has come near. The word “kingdom,” a political term, was chosen intentionally. This was a dangerous claim while everyone was being intimidated into believing that Cesar was the “Son of God” who would bring salvation to all nations.

As followers of Christ, the kingdom of God is among us when we choose love over hatred, peace over war, compassion over winning, and liberation over oppression. May we all live into Jesus’ bold and illegal claim as he began his ministry. The kingdom of God is in each of us.

We are not living in unprecedented times. The way of the cross is the way of eternal life.

Prayer:  God our King, we pledge allegiance to you. Rule in our hearts. Guide us in the way of love for you and one another. Amen.

Rev. Tim Johansen

Temple Lutheran Church - Havertown, PA

Camper 2000-2003, 2006-2010