IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

The Kingdom of Heaven Has Come Near

Date: Jan. 31, 2015

Passage

Matthew 4:12-25  (ESV)

12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15   “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
    the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16   the people dwelling in darkness
    have seen a great light,
  and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
    on them a light has dawned.”

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

First, "the great light has dawned" (12-17). Jesus' ministry began with his preaching in Capernaum, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy. People were in darkness with no meaning, life purpose, and slaves to sin. Jesus' coming was a light, giving hope in the kingdom of heaven. He also gave direction: "Repent." Our times are dark as well, but there is light in Jesus when we repent: turn from our sin and follow Jesus.

Second, "Come, follow me" (18-25). Jesus' ministry consisted of calling kingdom workers and serving crowds. He chose common fishermen, planting vision and mission: Jesus will send them out to fish for people. Jesus' ministry of the kingdom impacted people's lives: giving hope, healing all sickness, and driving out demons. Let's follow Jesus and expand his kingdom today.

Prayer: Father, thank you for opening the kingdom to us in Jesus. Help me follow Jesus and do your work.

One Word: Repent and follow Jesus

Daily Bread

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2 Chronicles 6:1-11

Key Verse: 6:10

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