“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).
The Baby in the manger grew up. The young man who asked the doctors of divinity questions, now preaches a message. But it was not a message of health, wealth, and success. The message He preached was: “Repent!”
Repentance is not a popular message these days. It makes us uncomfortable because we have to acknowledge our own sins. We would rather hear the modern message: “Don’t worry; be happy!” So we go to counselors who will help us “cope” or live with our sin.
Jesus came to heal sin’s diseases. As the Great Physician, Jesus diagnosed our problem: sin. The prescribed treatment is repentance, not just feeling sorry, but a complete change of heart and attitude. The patient must agree and submit to the Physician’s diagnosis and treatment. Though the treatment is radical and painful, it is necessary for healing.
Jesus came to show us the way to wholeness, forgiveness, and heaven. The first step, however, is repentance.
The Gospel teaches us that we do not have to live with sin. We can experience freedom from sin if we repent.