How does Mark 1:15 connect with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 4:17? Context of Each Passage • Mark 1:14–15 and Matthew 4:12–17 both open with the same historical marker: John the Baptist’s arrest. • In each Gospel, this moment serves as the launch of Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee. • Mark quotes Jesus: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” (Mark 1:15). • Matthew summarizes: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” (Matthew 4:17). Shared Core Message 1. Urgency of the moment—“The time is fulfilled” / “From that time on.” 2. Nearness of God’s reign—“kingdom of God” (Mark) / “kingdom of heaven” (Matthew). 3. Required human response—“Repent.” 4. Added invitation in Mark—“believe in the gospel,” highlighting not only turning from sin but turning toward Christ in faith (cf. John 3:16; Acts 16:31). “The Time Is Fulfilled” / “From That Time” • Prophecies such as Daniel 2:44; 7:13-14 and Isaiah 9:6-7 pointed to a Messianic kingdom. • Jesus declares those promises now activated; He is the long-awaited King (Luke 4:18-21). • Matthew’s phrase “from that time” marks a new era—God’s kingdom program moving from anticipation to realization. Repentance: Heart of the Call • Repentance (Greek metanoeō) means a change of mind resulting in a change of direction (Acts 3:19). • It involves: – Recognition of sin (Psalm 51:3). – Sorrow over sin (2 Corinthians 7:10). – Turning to obey God (Luke 3:8). • Jesus’ first sermon sets repentance as the gateway to kingdom life. Kingdom Nearness: Present Yet Future • “Near” (Greek engiken) conveys imminent arrival and accessibility. • In Jesus’ person the kingdom is present (Luke 17:20-21); in His return it will be fully manifested (Revelation 11:15). • Believers experience kingdom life now through the Spirit (Romans 14:17) and will inherit it in fullness later (2 Timothy 4:18). Believe in the Gospel: Mark’s Added Emphasis • Mark joins repentance with faith—two sides of one coin (Acts 20:21). • “Gospel” points to the good news of forgiveness, new birth, and kingdom citizenship through Jesus’ death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). • Matthew implies this faith component; Mark states it explicitly to clarify the response Jesus seeks. Harmony with the Rest of Scripture • John the Baptist preached the same theme (Matthew 3:2). • The apostles echoed it after Pentecost (Acts 2:38; 3:19). • Revelation closes with a final kingdom invitation (Revelation 22:17). • Throughout, the Bible unites around repentance-and-faith as the way into God’s rule. Practical Takeaways for Today’s Disciple • Embrace the urgency—today is still “the acceptable time” (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Repent daily, not merely once; kingdom life is marked by ongoing surrender. • Believe the gospel continually, trusting Jesus’ finished work rather than personal performance (Galatians 2:20). • Live under Christ’s kingship now, anticipating its consummation when He returns (Titus 2:13). |
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