Matthew 4:17 - From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

Generated Verse: Matthew 4:17

What does "Matthew 4:17" mean?


Matthew 4:17 marks a significant turning point in the Gospel of Matthew. Let's break down its meaning:

"From that time, Jesus began to preach..." This indicates a change in Jesus' activity. He's moving from preparation (his baptism and temptation) to actively proclaiming his message. "From that time" signifies a new phase of ministry.
"...and to say, “Repent!..." "Repent" is a crucial word. It means to:
Turn away from sin and wrongdoing.
Change one's mind, heart, and direction.
Embrace a new way of thinking and living.
Acknowledge one's need for God.
"...For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”" This is the core of Jesus' message. The "Kingdom of Heaven" (or Kingdom of God, as it's often called in other Gospels) doesn't refer to a literal, earthly kingdom. Instead, it represents:
God's reign and rule entering into the world.
God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven.
A new era where God's power, love, justice, and peace are becoming manifest.
A transformed reality where God's presence is increasingly felt and experienced.

The phrase "is at hand" or "is near" indicates that this Kingdom is not a distant, future event but is breaking into the present. Jesus is announcing that God's kingdom is becoming accessible and available now.

In summary:

This verse means that Jesus initiated his public ministry by calling people to turn away from their old ways and embrace a new life aligned with God's will because God's reign and rule are becoming present and accessible through him. It's a call to action and a declaration that a new era has begun.