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). Matthew gives content to the ministry Jesus began in Galilee with two additional verbs. They are in the infinitive mood and are used as adverbs. Jesus began to preach and to say. The first statement is a broader approach to the content while the second statement points directly to the content of the quotation.
The Greek word (kerysso) is translated to preach. In the New Testament “preaching” plays a major role in the spreading of the Gospel. It is used sixty-one times as a verb. It is fundamentally a declaration of an event. It is contrasted with the idea of teaching (edidasken). Preaching is the statement of certainties, not the proclamation of possibilities. It is not to argue, reason, dispute, or convince by intellectual proof. A keen intellect can bring counterargument to all or any of these. It is the proclamation of what is, truth. Preaching is not information about Jesus; it is the revelation of Jesus. Preaching contains the mystical movement of His very person. Other subjects can lectured; the Gospel must be preached. It contains an anointing, which is His very presence. Regardless of speaking skills, techniques, or knowledge, preaching is not experienced without Him. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” (John 14:6). We are literally confronted with Him through preaching! I am a Jesus pusher!!!