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Matthew 4:17 - REPENTANCE

Matthew 4:17 (NKJV) From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 4:17 (NLT) From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near."

Matthew 4:17 (AMP) From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

WORD STUDY

In Matthew 4:17, to "repent" means to undergo a fundamental change of heart and mind (Greek: metanoia), turning away from sin and self-centered living toward God, recognizing His rule is near, and aligning your entire life with His will to enter His Kingdom. It's not just feeling sorry, but a deep inner shift and outward transformation, abandoning old ways for a new life in God's presence and way of life. AI

INTRODUCTION

Jesus started his ministry with the same message people had heard from John the Baptist: "Repent of your sins." The message is the same today as when Jesus and John gave it. Becoming a follower of Christ means turning away from our self-centeredness and from having control and turning our lives over to Jesus' direction and control. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY

John the Baptist and Jesus both called for persons to repent in preparation for the kingdom of heaven. Repentance is necessary for those entering the kingdom of God.... We must turn from our sin to His salvation. [Disciple SB]

Jesus started his ministry with the same message people had heard from John the Baptist: "Repent of your sins and turn to God for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." ... The message is the same today as when Jesus and John gave it. Turning to God means turning away from ourselves, our self-centeredness and independence. It means turning our lives over to God's direction and control. What are you facing that you can submit to God's guidance? [One Year NLT SB]

   Fishermen standing beside the Sea of Galilee acted with radical obedience. Jesus called them to follow him, and they did. For all of them, this was the change of a lifetime. They would never go back. Their radical obedience would change the world.
   Obedience is a threatening word in today's culture, but it need not be that way. Obeying God means that your life is constantly changing for the better. You seek to do what you know God would want you to do. You still have freedom to make choices, and at times you will make the wrong choice - everybody does! But as you get to know God and his Word better, you'll learn how to live in a way that pleases him. The more you obey him, the more you'll find that doing so brings deep, long-lasting fulfillment and joy. [The One Year Bible for New Believers]

AI COMMENTARY

   Key aspects of repentance in this verse:
      o Change of Mind (Metanoia): A new way of thinking and perceiving reality, moving from separation to seeing God's presence.
      o Turning from Sin: A conscious decision to forsake evil, selfish desires, and worldly goals.
      o Turning Toward God: Redirecting your life, embracing God's will, and seeking harmony with His love and peace.
      o Preparation for the Kingdom: It's the necessary first step to experience the Kingdom of Heaven, which is available now through this spiritual awakening.
      o Urgency: Jesus emphasizes this call because the Kingdom of Heaven is "at hand," meaning it's immediately accessible, requiring an immediate response.
   Essentially, Jesus' message is a call to "Wake up!" and prepare for God's immediate reign by changing your inner self and direction to follow Him.

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY

Romans 12:2 - Transformation: Glimpses into How It Is Done.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250320-1424.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/