[14] Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, [15] and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (John 1:14-15)
In a recent presentation I said I had three top priorities. It was pointed out that, at one time, there were no such as plural “priorities.” Priority was singular. There is only one priority. It is what must be done now.
Jesus illustrates this understanding of “priority.” In our Scripture passage, Jesus is announcing his public ministry. In doing so, Jesus shares his priority.
Now, we might think that priority was ushering in the Kingdom of God. However, I would argue that Jesus’ appearance marked the arrival of the Kingdom of God. If we study Jesus’ public ministry, we might argue that healing the ailing or casting out demons might also be priorities.
While all of these were important, they were not Jesus’ priority. He stated his priority: “repent and believe in the gospel” We know this was Jesus’ priority because, at the end of his public ministry, he embodied the gospel. He took the sins of the world upon his back and gave his life as the sacrifice for all sin.
Our churches would do well to follow Jesus’ example in having a priority. Congregations provide a number of meaningful services. We feed the hungry, care for those who are suffering, teach ESL classes, and create beautiful music to glorify God.
In the end, none of these are our priority. Our priority it is to proclaim Christ so that people repent and believe in the gospel. That is what we do in worship services and Bible classes. That is what our members do in family devotions or in their vocations. Everything else takes a secondary place to this priority.
What a privilege, Jesus gathering us together to continue his priority.
Kevin Wilson 360 