Matthew 4:17

And from that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Christ's first preaching has a ring similar to that of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2). Repentance was the prime need of that generation. People had grown hard and indifferent to spiritual values. John's great call to repentance had been heeded by many, but significantly the leaders of the people despised John and set his teachings at naught. Christ's first move was to place the endorsement of God squarely upon John's clarion call for repentance. Repentance is still the prime need of this age and of every age. There must be repentance, even before the true life in Christ can begin. Christ's indication in this place that the kingdom of heaven was at hand is important. Moffatt translated this place: "Repent, the reign of heaven is near."