heaven is near” (Mt 3:2). God was about to break into history, to act in a bold, fresh way. This message, which was also the theme of Jesus’ early ministry (Mt 4:17; Mk 1:15), is “the good news of the kingdom” (Mt 4:23). Jesus’ message was stronger than that of John. John said the kingdom was coming. Jesus announced that it had arrived! Confronting men who accused him of doing his miracles by Satan’s power, Jesus said, “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come
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