{"id":10828,"date":"2026-01-21T15:22:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T21:22:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/faithlens\/?p=10828"},"modified":"2026-01-21T15:22:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T21:22:14","slug":"january-25-2026-repentance-as-fulfillment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/faithlens\/january-25-2026-repentance-as-fulfillment\/","title":{"rendered":"January 25, 2026 – Repentance as Fulfillment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prepare<\/h4>\n

In today\u2019s gospel lesson we find Jesus \u201cwithdrawing\u201d to Galilee. This happens right after Jesus\u2019 temptation in the desert. Jesus often withdraws in order to pray or be alone. This time, we can assume that this is\u00a0not only a departure toward a new place, but also leaving a situation with Herod that may have been dangerous for him. By Matthew\u2019s account, today\u2019s reading is the introduction to Jesus\u2019 ministry. Pay attention to his movement. What is Jesus up to, and how can we think about this in terms of our own ministry?<\/span><\/p>\n

When we read scripture (or anything, really), we often imagine ourselves as the main character. There\u2019s a temptation to read and identify as the \u201cgood\u201d individuals, consuming good news as if it is the story of our own victory. In some ways, this may be true and helpful in times of deep sorrow. This week, attempt to read the lessons and listen for a story of someone else\u2019s. Think of those in your community who are struggling. Maybe it\u2019s unhoused neighbors you drive by, immigrants who no longer feel safe to go to work or school, or anyone who might be feeling hopeless. Imagine how the scripture this week might read to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

A note for the closing activity:<\/span><\/i> you\u2019ll need a ball or skein of yarn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Opening Exercise<\/b><\/h4>\n

Think about a favorite saying, phrase, or quote and share it with the group. Is there a story behind why this stands out to you? How does it make you feel when you hear it? How have these words shaped you or impacted you, and why? Why do you think we are so deeply impacted by song lyrics, poetry, words, or sayings?<\/span><\/p>\n

Texts to Read Aloud<\/b><\/h4>\n

Isaiah 9:1\u20134 <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Matthew 4:12\u201323<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Repentance as Fulfillment<\/b><\/h4>\n

In today\u2019s Gospel reading, Jesus is quite active. Jesus hears, travels, fulfills a prophecy, preaches, walks, calls people into ministry, teaches, and heals. For the author of Matthew, it is important to begin the story of Jesus\u2019 ministry with a declaration of who this ministry is for. Maybe the traveling and Jesus\u2019 call for repentance feel like a few dots on the plot line moving the story forward, but really they are a recalibration for the reader to understand what Matthew is setting them up for.<\/span><\/p>\n

Professor Eugene Park describes this in his commentary in a helpful way. He explains that, \u201c[w]hen this vision of the \u2018Rule\/Kingdom of God\u2019 was not realized, and when the earthly rulers, be they Israelite kings or rulers of foreign empires colonizing Israel, abused their power and committed various forms of injustice against the people of God, prophets arose and proclaimed the forgotten vision of \u2018What would it be like if God directly ruled?\u2019 In this context, the kingdom of God has an inherently anti-imperial and anti-establishment ethos. It reflects an intense yearning for a sociopolitical order based on the will of God for justice and fairness.\u201d*<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, Jesus was not a new king coming to overthrow and then keep business as usual. He was not interested in the status quo of power. Rather, Jesus brought hope and the promise of justice to those who were deep in the despair of injustice. This promise was not just for a specific people, but for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the calling of the disciples, we witness a ministry that even Jesus could not carry on alone. We are reminded that on this faith journey, we need others\u2014especially those who experience things differently than we ourselves do. We need their hurts, their celebrations, and their gifts. As Jesus began gathering his fellow leaders, who would continue bringing the \u201cRule of God,\u201d he did not gather the community\u2019s powerful, but rather their common folk and the often overlooked.<\/span><\/p>\n

In previous weeks, we read about John the Baptist, who paved the way for Jesus\u2019 ministry, and his call for repentance. \u201cRepent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near\u201d\u2014Jesus not only takes on John\u2019s message, but also makes the shift into ministry. The light that John spoke about is now alight in the land and on the move.<\/span><\/p>\n

Repent<\/span><\/i> may feel icky or seem strange, but it doesn\u2019t have to be. Consider how it is used in this lesson. It is a call of invitation. Come and follow. Come and join this community. Come and heal. Come and tell the good news. The disciples leave their families and sources of connection to go and start a new community, one that will change the world as they, and we, know it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reflection<\/b><\/h4>\n