Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Mark 1:14-15 ESV
Mark records Jesus’ ministry beginning as John the Baptist’s came to a close. The other gospel writers indicated there was some overlap in their ministries. But Mark was content to see John as the forerunner. And that Jesus came when John’s work was done.
Jesus came proclaiming the gospel of God. Gospel (euaggelion) is good news. It is a word used for proclaiming significant events. And the gospel of God that Jesus proclaimed was of the utmost importance, the best news ever.
Israel had been looking forward to a reestablished kingdom under the rule of one from the line of David. And Jesus’ message to them was, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.” Could there have been a more welcome message of good news to those struggling under Roman rule?
A Different Kind of Kingdom
But the kingdom Jesus was proclaiming was not what they were hoping for. They were looking for an earthly kingdom that would restore them to the glory days of David and Solomon. But what Jesus proclaimed was a spiritual kingdom under the rule of a crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus.
While it was not what the people had imagined and expected, this was the kingdom the prophets had foretold. And Jesus called on the people to respond by repenting and believing in the gospel he proclaimed.
We look forward to Jesus’ return, the renewal of creation, and the establishment of an eternal kingdom on the earth. But we do not have to wait for that in order to be a part of his kingdom. Repent and believe, and you will have citizenship in the kingdom. Now and for eternity.
