The history of the Israelites in the Bible shows that even in the midst of tyranny and persecution, they trusted the scriptural prophecies that promised the Messiah would come establishing freedom and peace. Many sought to diligently follow the laws of Moses, which were meant to help them be obedient and worthy to receive the Messiah.
Suddenly, they heard that Christ Jesus, a humble man from the obscure village of Nazareth, was traveling in the region, preaching that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).
This proclamation from the gentle man must have seemed revolutionary and impossible to many, who assumed that the expected Savior would be a mighty king commanding a powerful army. There was no king or army, and persecutors were still everywhere, along with corruption, poverty, sickness, and death.
