Quoting...

"Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea... From that time Jesus began to proclaim, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'"

(Matthew 4:12-13, 17)

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day here in the US. Bernice King, MLK Jr's daughter, tweeted this today: "Many who quote him now would have hated him then. He was assassinated for trying to eradicate the evils some claim he'd support today. But he was a Christ-centered, love-fueled, justice-seeking, peacemaking, globally-minded, nonviolent revolutionary and prophet." So true.

I thought of that quote because Jesus, in Matthew 4, quotes someone famous (John the Baptist), saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." That was John's go-to line. He called people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, which actually happened to be Jesus. But Jesus and John were also cousins (2nd cousins, I think). So they knew each other "outside of work."

When John was arrested by King Herod (and would soon be beheaded), Jesus was so moved that he literally moved! From Nazareth to Capernaum in Galilee (granted, it was a seaside village, and who wouldn't want to live by the water!). But Jesus picks up the mantle of John by proclaiming his same message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." I find that fascinating. Jesus was the Messiah. He had his own agenda and roll to play in God's grand scheme. But he was so moved by John and his message, that for a short time Jesus made sure to emulate it.

Which got me thinking... who has had that influence on my life? Who's been so significant, that I'd be willing to carry on their "life message" for a bit? I'm quick to quote my favorite movie lines and song lyrics (in fact, I do this ALL the time!)... but in reality, those films & songs haven't impacted me like specific people in my life: my parents, my wife, my children, former pastors & youth leaders, teachers, close friends & mentors, etc. How is my life a tribute to THOSE influencers?!?!

On this MLK Jr. Day 2019, may we all be thankful for the powerful people who've helped influence and shape our lives. And may our lives reflect their best qualities!