http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/matthew/4-17.html (Matthew 4:17) I guess most pastors can probably remember the first sermon they ever preached. We remember those things that tend to be a bit nerve racking. I remember my first sermon. It was on the David and Bathsheba text in the Old Testament. I talked about sin and grace and forgiveness. I was a nervous wreck, and I think I threw everything into it except the kitchen sink. It was a very long message. I’m reminded of a funny story about a young, inexperienced minister who had been asked to be a supply preacher at a little rural church. He was nervous and excited as he drove out to the church that rainy, cloudy Sunday morning. This would be his first sermon. But when he arrived, he was disappointed to discover only one person there – an old rancher. “The weather is so bad, I guess the people just stayed home!” he surmised. When the young preacher asked the old cowboy if he wanted him to go ahead and preach, the rancher replied, “Well, preacher. I’m not too smart, but if I went out to feed my cattle and only one showed up, I’d still feed him!” So the young preacher started the service. When he got to the sermon, he began preaching and went on for an hour and half! As the old rancher was leaving the sanctuary, the young man asked how he liked the sermon. The cowboy said, “Well, preacher. Let me put it this way: if I went out to feed my cattle and only one showed up, I sure wouldn’t dump the whole load on him!” What we have in today’s scripture text is Jesus’ first sermon. It’s very short. In fact, it’s a one-liner! Actually, in all likelihood, it’s a one sentence summary of His sermon – what preachers call these days – the big idea. The text begins with the phrase, “From that time . . .” This phrase is a hinge statement of sorts announcing a new chapter of Jesus’ life, which is about to kick in. So Matthew says, “From that time . . .” This causes us to look back and ask, From what time? Jesus’ preparation period is now over. He has been baptized by John the Baptist and has gone out into the wilderness to do battle with Satan. John the Baptist has been arrested, and Jesus has moved to Capernaum in Galilee to start his ministry. The table has been set for Him. We’ve also learned from Herod’s attempt to kill the baby Jesus early on, John the Baptist’s arrest, as well as the temptation of Jesus, that this was not a friendly environment in which Jesus was stepping. It was more like a battlefield. As Jesus goes public and begins His ministry, it’s interesting to note what He did on His opening day. It says He “began to preach.” As a preacher, I love that verse! It makes me feel affirmed. The word “preach” is borrowed from the ancient world, and is used to describe a herald from the king to the village. It is an announcement, a command given with authority representing the king. A few verses later, Matthew tells us that Jesus’ preaching attracted great attention and crowds. It got many people very excited. Why, do you suppose? Perhaps it was the content of His message. The subject matter made people’s hearts beat a little faster with anticipation. It was the announcement He made about a kingdom, the kingdom of heaven. Mark puts it this way: “The kingdom of God is near” (1:15) The people of Israel had been waiting a long time for this news. Ancient Jews prayed that God might rule on earth as in heaven one day. They prayed for the enemies of God and of God’s people to be cast down, and a new age begin in their time, as the Old Testament prophets predicted. This thread runs throughout the Old Testament to the New – it is what unifies them. The people have been praying and hoping for the kingdom of God. In fact, during their weekly synagogue services, they would say, “May God establish His kingdom in our lifetime.” So when they heard Jesus preaching about God’s kingdom, their radar antennas when up. Finally! It’s about time! God is going to restore...