Jesus's first message?

When Jesus first began his ministry, what was his first message, as recorded in Matthew 4:17?

Jesus is just a myth that was completely invented and recycled from old pagan doctrines and customs.

'Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.'

I assume He meant it was near in His presence. (Very near, as they could see and hear Him.) Is that how other people interpret it?

Thanks for asking!

how many times has it been said that the kingdom of heaven is near? nearly every century, guess there needs to be a revision to the definition of the word near

But if we are actually taking about the presence of Jesus as the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven, it makes perfect sense. You're interpreting it (as others have too, I agree) as The End of the World, but did Jesus mean that? Kingdom of Heaven/End of the World - they don't sound much alike. So it seems to me just a problem in confusing these two separate things. That's due to 'Christianese', not any problem with the original message of Jesus.

From that time Jesus began to preach - He had preached before, both to Jews and Samaritans. But from this time begin his solemn stated preaching. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand - Although it is the peculiar business of Christ to establish the kingdom of heaven in the hearts of men, yet it is observable, he begins his preaching in the same words with John the Baptist: because the repentance which John taught still was, and ever will be, the necessary preparation for that inward kingdom. But that phrase is not only used with regard to individuals in whom it is to be established, but also with regard to the Christian Church, the whole body of believers. In the former sense it is opposed to repentance; in the latter the Mosaic dispensation.

Yes, Floss, that is the way that I interpet that scripture...

That by his death, burial and resurection, He truly had brought the Kingdom of Heaven to earth.

I think we have been in the last days... for the last 2000 years, and that the labor pains are increasing.

Jesus's first message was to brush your teeth.