I am a Jesus pusher!!! From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” (Matthew 4:17). Jesus is the subject of the sentence. The main verb is the Greek word (archomai) translated began. The Greek word (tote) translated that time is an adverb meaning “after that.” Jesus began after His departure from Judea, going to Galilee. The verb (archomai) comes from the root Greek word (archo) meaning, “to be first.” It most often refers to political rank or power. Our main verb is in the middle voice expressing the internal heart of Jesus beginning something new in Galilee.
The emphasis is blaring! Jesus responds to His heart’s cry for the people of Galilee. The sophisticated, wealthy, legalistic, and narrow Jews of Jerusalem repeatedly refused the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus. They did not embrace the introduction of the Kingdom of Heaven. In contrast, the people of Galilee, who sat in darkness, had such great need. Their great distress caused them to cry out. In which group am I? Jesus sees my need! I am open to Him! He comes to me! His heart’s cry is for you as well! Could we respond together? I am a Jesus pusher!!!