Acts 3:26 “When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
This verse is helpful in interpreting Jesus’ early ministry. We know that His mission was to come and die on the cross for our sins. We also know that the miracles He performed gave proof that He was really sent from God. But why was so much of His ministry focused on teaching? Jesus was setting some things straight and showing us how to live.
Some people put undue emphasis on His teachings as ways to get right with God as if they are of equal or even greater significance than His death and resurrection. This is an improper balance and this verse helps us understand the purpose of His teachings. They help define correct living, but do not necessarily point us to the cross and eternal life.
It is also important to see that Jesus did not merely tell us to love each other. That was not his whole message. He also told us to repent or to turn from our ways.
This is consistent with the message of John the Baptist.
Mark 1:4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. NIV
It is clearly recorded as what Jesus taught.
Mark 1:14-15 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” NIV
It is what the Twelve preached when Jesus sent them out.
Mark 6:12 They went out and preached that people should repent. NIV
Jesus also mentioned it as part of what would be preached in one version of the Great Commission.
Luke 24:47 “…and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” NIV
Turing from sins, or repentance, was clearly part of his message from beginning to end.
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