Repentance Required

In this passage, we slow down to consider humanities universal need for repentance. Jesus is not only calling rebels to repent but those filled with religious pride. To embrace Jesus and his message means that we must repent (turn around, have a change of heart). Repentance is not turning from doing bad things to doing good things, but rather from living apart from God (doing good or bad things) to a life of communion with God. This new life is given by God through Jesus death and resurrection. Because of Jesus, we have the Spirit dwelling in us, leading us to repentance, and empowering us to live in the way of Jesus.