The Kingdom Breaks In
Sermon Series:Sermon on the Mount
Chapter 4 of Matthew’s gospel not only sets the context for our upcoming series on the Sermon on the Mount, but paints a portrait of the earthly ministry of Jesus and the essence of his invitation, his calling, on all would receive it. Verse 23 states, “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” The Good News being proclaimed was that the Kingdom of Heaven had arrived and the healing of sickness and disease was a “foretaste,” a preview of the Kingdom promise - the restoration of all things. Jesus first calls people to repentance (to turn from sin and self-made “kingdoms”) and then to follow him(to receive His salvation and be his apprentice). The call to repentance, discipleship, and Kingdom restoration encapsulates the “calling” Jesus is still extending to the world, to us. John adds in his gospel that for all who receive (Jesus), who call on his name, he gives the right to become children of God.