Jesus’ Kingdom Activity
Shawna Johnson
BIB 123 Module 2 assignment
January 15, 2009
Jesus’ Kingdom Activity
Jesus’ inception of his ministry announces repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. He declares the gospel of the kingdom. The good news that God’s rule is present in power to forgive sin, heal sickness, break demonic bonds, and release from oppression. He pointedly states that his dominion over demons proves that the kingdom is present and that the Holy Spirit is present, empowering him to do the works of the kingdom. The Spirit leads Jesus, and he returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. Second, he is drawing attention to himself through his teaching, as he taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. Jesus is a man of action and a man with authority. This man Jesus is committed to his mission and he does not pause to rest, but gives himself totally to his work (HayFord, 1995).
Jesus begins his ministry when he came from his home in Nazarareth. He first took two steps in preparing to be baptized by John in the Jordon River and temptation by Satan in rough Judean desert. Jesus did not need forgiveness, he was baptized to begin his mission and bring the message of salvation to all people and showing support for John’s ministry. In the villagers of Galilee, he brought a powerful message of hope and challenge. The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel (Mk. 1:15). Jesus challenged the people to expect God’s reign and to change their lives to fit God’s will. By using a succinct story, Jesus could draw his hearers to a better understanding of the kingdom of God without the weight of theological discourse. The clarity and absolute authority in which Jesus spoke took people by surprise and amazed them (Thomas &Gundry, 1988).
The power of his word extended into actions. His word or touch could heal the sick, and rise up the lame, or bring those who were possessed were called...