Think of it, examine this truth from every angle. Put yourself on the scene. This had never happened before. It has not happened since.

Jesus…Creator of the Universe, of water, gravity, human bodies complex in every way-this real Jesus in visible person-actually taught people about God and His Kingdom. Jesus spoke words which could be heard. The compassion of His heart could be heard. There was power and love in every word. No person ever spoke like Jesus. Even the wind and waves obeyed Him. Think of what it must have been like to sit on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and hear Jesus teach.

We’ve come to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth.

 “When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.””

Matthew 4:12-17

Friend, what would it be like to listen to someone whose every word brought light to your very core? Every word just what your heart needed to hear. Every word pushed back the darkness which continually spreads through your mind. His every word refreshed and brought you joy, hope and peace. Jesus really did that when He spoke. People had never heard anyone speak as Jesus did.

As He taught Jesus was a “great light.”

Now for the next truth. He has not changed…He is the same today. He continues to be the “light of the world.”

Keep the reminder that Jesus was God in human form in mind, consider these questions. When Jesus began to teach and preach here on earth, what was the subject of His teaching? What did He begin with? What would you think Jesus would begin to teach with? Wouldn’t He begin with the most important thing first?

Here are the words Jesus first spoke: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

To repent is to turn from sin, and evil. To repent is to have remorse for our sinful lives. Who do we turn to when we repent? Turn to Jesus, the Light of the world…the Light for the human soul. Is there need for repentance? Look at the world…look around you…look into your own life. See the dark evil.

May we listen to Jesus now… “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” May we not be deceived by the idea that Jesus is not visible. He is not present…therefore He must not exist…instead may we fix our “eyes” on what is unseen. Ask Jesus to enable you to “see” Him.

He will.

When He began His ministry on earth, Jesus also said, “The kingdom of heaven is near.”  It is near to you and I at this moment. He is still teaching. He is present. He is always near.

Everything belongs to Jesus.

Believe.