Sunburnt Speculations

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matt.4:17 (NKJV)

A Reflection

Entering Lent in 2025, I find myself drawn towards Jesus’ teaching of repentance. Perhaps that is because, as we are all impacted by an increasingly tense state of international and domestic affairs and heightened conflict, there is a growing sense that, somewhere, we have taken a wrong turning – that we are headed down a wrong path; and that the way back requires a change of heart. And I wonder about the repentance that Jesus was preaching, as the Kingdom of heaven drew near.

Is repentance akin to an awakening – a softening and opening of hearts and minds? Is it a re-hearing and awakening to the “mighty works”, ignored by the unrepentant cities to their woe? Is it holding on to what has been revealed to babes – knowing God as the Son knows the Father? Is it bending and binding again to the will of God -as we might pray in The Lord’s Prayer? Is it coming, “weary and heavy laden”, to take on the yoke of the meek and lowly in heart?

Were it so, that would be good news! And better, that we might be granted grace to receive it.

All these ideas, and more, we encounter in Matthew’s Gospel, and they are spinning themselves into what I hope might be a creative speculation formed from reflection on the life and times of Jesus and his followers as they journey from Galilee toward Jerusalem.

The Setting

My speculation begins mid-way through the fourth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. John the Baptist has been imprisoned. Jesus has returned from being tempted in the wilderness and has begun his public preaching in the region of Galilee. Herod Antipas rules at Macherus, where John is held in prison, and the authorities, suspecting that rebellion may be afoot, commission a young agent to discover the truth and report.

The Commission

From Shimon ben Gurion and the elders of the Council in Jerusalem, to Yehuda bar Sabas, a diligent student of the Law—peace and blessing be upon you.

Inasmuch as it has pleased us to detain at Macherus, one John, claiming to be a prophet and called “the Baptizer”, to learn more of the activities of his followers;

and whereas it has come to our attention that one such follower, Jesus, son of Joseph, lately of Nazareth but having recently removed to Capernaum, has been stirring up the region of Galilee, teaching in our synagogues, preaching a gospel heralding a new kingdom, and claiming to heal all kinds of sickness and disease among the people;

and whereas, the fame of this Jesus has spread thereby to the regions beyond the Jordan

Now: We charge you to travel forthwith to Capernaum, where you will attach yourself to the following of this Jesus, noting carefully his activities and providing to us an account wherefrom we may determine what measures we may recommend to King Herod Antipas to quell any risk of rebellion or uneasiness among the peoples.

We are aware that Joseph bar Sabas, your brother, has accompanied this Jesus from the time that he has been going in and out amongst the people, beginning from his baptism by John. Draw close to your brother that you may learn from him the history and purpose of the doings of this Jesus.

Take heed that you conduct yourself with wisdom and discretion, speaking little and listening much, that your report may be full and without error. Beware of the zealots and the simple-minded who are easily swayed, and do not entangle yourself in disputes that do not concern you.

When you have gathered what is needful, return to us in haste, that we may weigh your testimony and determine what course is fitting.

May the Most High grant you understanding, and may He preserve you in the way of truth.

So it is written in Jerusalem, before the elders of Israel, on the twenty-fifth day of the month of Shevat. Peace be upon you.