Bridging the Testaments: The Fulfilment of Old Testament Scripture Matthew 4:17
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
- Matthew 4:17:
This verse marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry after His temptation in the wilderness. The timeline is around AD 27-30, following His baptism and testing. The audience includes the people of Galilee and, by extension, all who would hear His message as He travels and teaches. - Isaiah 9:1-2 (NKJV):
“Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first He lightly esteemed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more heavily oppressed her, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”
This prophecy is from around the 8th century BC, and it addresses the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, including Galilee, predicting the coming of a great light for those in darkness. The audience of this prophecy includes the people of Israel, who were awaiting the fulfilment of God’s promise.
Keywords
- Repentance: The call to turn away from sin and seek forgiveness, marking a transformation of heart and mind in response to the coming kingdom.
- Kingdom of Heaven: Refers to the reign of God, which Jesus declares is imminent and present in His ministry.
- Fulfilment of Prophecy: Jesus’ proclamation signals the beginning of the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies about the coming of light and salvation.
Old Testament Scriptures with Similar Themes
- Isaiah 9:1-2 (NKJV):
This prophecy foretells the coming of a great light to those in darkness, referring to the region of Galilee where Jesus began His ministry. This light symbolises the arrival of the messianic kingdom and the hope of salvation. - Isaiah 61:1 (NKJV):
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
This passage foretells the anointed one who will bring salvation and healing, aligning with Jesus’ mission to proclaim the arrival of God’s kingdom. - Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NKJV):
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah… For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
This passage anticipates a new covenant and the forgiveness of sins, which Jesus’ message of repentance and the kingdom of heaven aligns with.
How Matthew 4:17 Reflects and Fulfils Old Testament Scriptures
In Matthew 4:17, Jesus announces the arrival of the kingdom of heaven and calls for repentance, fulfilling the prophetic promise of light coming to those in darkness as foretold in Isaiah 9:1-2. Jesus’ declaration signifies the arrival of the messianic era, where God’s kingdom is inaugurated through His ministry.
The announcement of the kingdom represents the fulfilment of the promises made to Israel about the coming of a saviour and the establishment of God’s reign. By beginning His ministry in Galilee, Jesus directly fulfils the prophecy that a great light would shine in that region, symbolising the arrival of salvation and divine intervention.
Scholars view Matthew 4:17 as a pivotal moment that marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and the announcement of the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies. Jesus’ call for repentance and His proclamation of the kingdom signify the initiation of a new era in redemptive history, aligning with the messianic expectations set forth in the prophets.
This verse is often seen as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, illustrating how Jesus fulfils the prophetic expectations of the coming Messiah and the establishment of God’s kingdom. The emphasis on repentance underscores the necessity of preparing one’s heart and mind for the arrival of God’s reign.
Meaning of Keywords
- “Repent” (Greek: μετανοέω – metanoeō): To change one’s mind or heart, implying a turn away from sin and towards God. It involves a profound transformation of attitude and behaviour.
- “Kingdom of Heaven”: Refers to the rule and reign of God, which is both a present reality and a future promise. It encompasses the idea of God’s sovereign authority and the establishment of His divine plan through Jesus.
- “At hand” (Greek: ἐγγύς – engys): Means near or imminent, indicating that the kingdom of heaven is arriving and present in Jesus’ ministry.
Application for Today’s Christians
For contemporary Christians, Matthew 4:17 carries significant implications for their spiritual life and practice. Jesus’ call to repentance and proclamation of the kingdom invites believers to embrace a transformative relationship with God and participate in His reign.
Practical applications include:
- Embracing Repentance: Encourages Christians to continually evaluate their lives, seek forgiveness, and make necessary changes to align with God’s will.
- Living as Kingdom Citizens: Calls believers to live out the values of God’s kingdom, including justice, mercy, and righteousness, reflecting the reign of God in their daily lives.
- Anticipating the Fulfilment of God’s Promises: Reminds Christians of the ongoing reality of God’s kingdom and the hope of its ultimate fulfilment in the future. This perspective can provide comfort and motivation in the present.
In conclusion, Matthew 4:17 serves as a significant declaration that the promised kingdom of heaven has arrived with Jesus’ ministry, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and inviting believers to repentance and transformation. It marks the beginning of a new era in God’s redemptive plan, calling all to recognize and participate in the unfolding of His divine kingdom.
Notes: “I completed this task during one of my days of fasting to help me gain understanding with a clear mind and focus, free from the distraction of consuming food. Throughout the ages, wisdom has shown that it is better to rest the belly for the sake of concentrating the mind and body.”
“When the belly is empty, the body becomes the temple of God.” — Indian Proverb
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Author: Noel Christopher