Two Meanings

Warriors Arise: September 6, 2023

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

What does Jesus mean when He says, "…for the kingdom of heaven is at hand"? John said it as well. Was there a difference between John saying it and Jesus? Jesus had not been revealed as God's Son when John said it, but when Jesus says it, God spoke and told everyone, "This is My Son, in Whom I am well pleased."

When John says it, he is talking about something that is about to happen very soon. There is an urgency in his desire for the people to be ready to receive their Messiah. John doesn't know how this is going to play out but he wants the people to be ready. He is saying repent, because it is part of getting ready for the king of heaven is at hand, it is very close.

When Jesus says it, He is representing the access all Christians have with the kingdom of heaven. Yes, everyone needs to repent. Repenting is what leads to knowing one needs a Savior. When we know we need a Savior, we will begin anticipating His arrival. He continues with the king of heaven is at hand because following repentance there is access to all heaven has to offer. This includes the angels, Holy Spirit, God; His love, power, wisdom, knowledge, compassion, and authority. Believing in Jesus Christ, confessing our sin and making Him Lord in our life makes us VIP. We have backstage passes.

The two meanings:

1. John says the kingdom of heaven is at hand meaning we have access to the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

2. Jesus says the kingdom fo heaven is at hand meaning we have access to God and all that is His.

Father, thank You for the understanding given in Scripture. Thank You for sharing how the same phrase can mean something different when the time is different, the place is different, the situation is different, and the deliverer is different. I delight in knowing Your Scripture is multifaceted. It mean something to the person in the time it has happened and it also mean something for me when I read it. Your Word is alive an active in all generations to all people in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

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