Why did Jesus begin preaching "Repent" when He started His ministry?
Jesus began preaching “Repent” because the kingdom of heaven was at hand. He came to Israel as the promised King, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant. The nation was in the land, and His message called them to repentance as He presented Himself as their King and preached the gospel of the kingdom.
Les explains that from the time Jesus began His earthly ministry, He preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The reason was that the kingdom was near. This was in fulfillment of promises made to Israel through the Abrahamic covenant. Israel was in at least part of the promised land, and Jesus came to present Himself as their King. He went about the cities and villages of Israel, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, healing every sickness and disease. Later He chose the twelve and commanded them not to go to Gentiles or Samaritans, but rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, showing the narrow frame of reference for that kingdom offer.
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
More Questions
What message did Jesus preach at the beginning of His ministry?
Jesus started His ministry with the same message John the Baptist preached: 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'