Repentance: Turning Towards Christ

Repentance is a new way of life for the Christian disciple.

The New Testament is a book about disciples, by disciples, and for disciples of Jesus Christ… All of the assurances and benefits offered to humankind in the gospel evidently presuppose such a life and do not make realistic sense apart from it. The disciple of Jesus is not the deluxe or heavy-duty model of the Christian… He or she stands on the pages of the New Testament as the first level of basic transportation in the Kingdom of God. – Dallas Willard

Discipleship is not an optional aspect of Christian faith—it is the very context in which we experience the Kingdom of God, salvation, and eternal life. As Dallas Willard suggests, these realities do not fully make sense apart from a life of discipleship. If this is true, it has radical consequences for our understanding of life and faith. Discipleship is not just a religious concept but a transformational calling that reshapes our priorities, values, and daily decisions.

One of the most essential aspects of discipleship is repentance—turning away from sin and all that hinders us from fully following Jesus, and realigning our lives with Him so that we are conformed to His image. Following Christ means not only believing in Him but also continually responding to His call to change and grow. Repentance is not a one-time event but a lifelong practice that deepens our walk with God and shapes the life of a disciple.

• How would you define discipleship? What does it truly mean to be a disciple of Jesus?

• How does discipleship connect with core biblical themes such as faith, grace, righteousness, salvation, and repentance?

• What has been your personal experience with discipleship? Would you consider yourself a disciple of Jesus? Why or why not?

  
  

In this chapter, we will explore how a lifestyle of repentance is foundational to true discipleship and what it means to live in continuous transformation under Christ’s leadership.

Look in the Bible: Matthew 4:12-25

Before answering the questions below, review the instructions in Appendix 2: Inductive Bible Study and follow the steps for the Stages of Study. Mark in the passage your key observations, impressions, and questions.

• Matthew quotes Isaiah 9:1-2 so that his original readers (predominantly Jewish Christians2) would recognize the connection between Isaiah’s prophecy and the work of Jesus. Read Isaiah 9:1-7. What is the key message of this passage, and how does it relate to Jesus’ ministry?

• Jesus proclaims that “the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Why is this announcement good news?

• What are the immediate effects of God’s kingdom arriving in this passage?

• Jesus calls people to repentance because of the nearness of God’s kingdom. What is repentance, and why should the coming of the kingdom lead people to repent?

• The theme of following is central in this passage. What do you observe about those who chose to follow Jesus? What might have compelled them to do so?

• Reflect on your own journey: When did you decide to follow Jesus? What drew you to Him and His kingdom? What immediate changes did that decision bring in your life?

• Summarize the main point of this passage in one or two sentences. What is God’s personal word for you from this text, and how will you respond?

  
  

Repentance: Turning towards Christ

When Royalty Visits

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Muckross House, a beautiful Victorian mansion in southern Ireland, now a national heritage site. The house boasts one of the most stunning gardens I have ever seen. Walking through its halls, I could almost hear the echoes of past conversations, the whispers of history that still lingered in the grand rooms. The attention to detail, the carefully restored artifacts, and the perfectly manicured gardens spoke of a place prepared to impress and inspire awe.

During the tour, I heard a story I will never forget. In 1861, Queen Victoria visited Muckross House as a guest of the Herbert family. Her visit was planned years in advance, allowing ample time for meticulous preparations. It was a tremendous honor for the family, but also a responsibility. If the queen was displeased with her stay, it would bring great disgrace and public shame.

Determined to host her in a manner befitting her status, the Herbert family spared no expense. They commissioned new tapestries, carpets, silverware, china, musical instruments, and servant uniforms, ensuring every detail met royal standards. The gardens were completely redesigned for her walks, and new staff were hired and trained specifically to serve her needs. An entire section of the house was renovated for the queen’s use, even requiring a new fire escape to be built outside her room. Every effort was made to ensure a flawless two-night stay.

I imagined the scene: the tension and excitement in the air as the household waited in nervous anticipation, the flickering candlelight reflecting off freshly polished silver, the scent of freshly cut flowers lining the pathways. Every detail had to be perfect—every meal, every gesture, every moment crafted to meet the queen’s expectations.

Yet, despite these extensive and costly preparations, Queen Victoria offered no financial reward or honors—only her appreciation and the prestige of having hosted her. The Herbert family, however, considered the effort worthwhile simply for the privilege of serving their queen.

Reflecting on this story, I often wonder: What if the Queen of England, or another world leader, announced they were coming to stay in my home? How much time, effort, and resources would I invest in preparing for their visit?

More importantly, how do we respond when we realize the King of the Universe is coming—not for a short visit, but to reign forever? The Herbert family transformed their home to be worthy of their queen’s presence. Likewise, Christ’s coming demands a transformation in us. To truly receive Him, we must first prepare our hearts—and that begins with repentance. Are we willing to examine our lives, clear out what does not belong, and surrender to His reign? Or would we be found unready, distracted by lesser concerns, and offering excuses for our lack of preparation?

The Kingdom of Heaven has come!

The King indeed has come, and He has brought with Him the kingdom of heaven. This is the good news Jesus preached wherever He went.

However, this is only good news when we fully recognize the desperation of our condition before Christ’s arrival. Matthew, quoting Isaiah, uses two striking images to describe humanity’s plight. First, the world lives in great darkness—not just a lack of light, but a blindness to truth, justice, and hope. People stumble aimlessly, lost in a cycle of sin and suffering, unable to find their way forward. Second, it is the land of the shadow of death—not an abstract danger, but a present, looming reality. It is a place where lives are ensnared by sin, oppressed by injustice, and crushed by despair.

As it was true in the time of Isaiah and in the time of Matthew, so it is for us today. We see the reality of this darkness every day as we read the news, scroll through headlines, or watch our screens. The world is full of bloodshed, hatred, corruption, deceit, and every form of evil and injustice. Broken families, oppressive systems, and personal struggles remind us that we, too, live in a land of darkness and under the shadow of death. The weight of sin and suffering is not distant—it is woven into the fabric of our own lives, affecting our thoughts, relationships, and deepest desires.

This is why Jesus’ message is so powerful. He comes to announce a new way, a new life, and a new kingdom—one marked not by corruption, but by love, mercy, and justice. His kingdom brings abundant life and everlasting hope. Unlike earthly rulers, He reigns with perfect justice and righteousness. His peace is not merely the absence of war and conflict, but the presence of spiritual, physical, and social wholeness, allowing us to experience life as God intended.

The good news is that the God of the Universe has not abandoned our fallen, broken world. He has come to restore what was lost, to banish evil, and to offer life to those dwelling in darkness. Where there was once despair, a great light has dawned. To prove this is no empty promise, Jesus demonstrated the power of His kingdom—healing the sick, freeing the oppressed, and bringing life where there was once only death. The kingdom of Jesus is truly one of life!

Repentance: Changing Kingdoms and Directions

In response to this good news, Jesus calls us to repent. Repentance is not an afterthought; it is the essential response to the arrival of God’s kingdom. Jesus does not call for delayed reflection or gradual change—His call is immediate, urgent, and life-altering. The message is clear: if we truly believe that God’s kingdom is good news, we must turn away from the old ways of darkness and step into His reign. Jesus calls out to all who would follow Him: “Repent!” This is not just a suggestion—it is a call to abandon every allegiance that competes with the kingdom of God.

This urgency is immediately illustrated in Matthew’s Gospel. Right after proclaiming the kingdom, Jesus calls four fishermen to follow Him. They respond instantly. They leave behind their business, their families, their lifestyle, their security—everything they knew—to follow Jesus. They leave it all to follow Jesus! They saw in Jesus something greater than all they had ever known. They left everything behind to be with the One who was ushering in a new kingdom and a new way of life.

Their response shows us a key truth: repentance is not simply feeling guilty or regretful—it is a radical change in direction. It is an act of faith, a decisive step into the kingdom of God. Too often, we equate repentance with emotions—guilt, shame, regret. While those feelings can be part of repentance, true repentance is much deeper. It is not merely acknowledging sin; it is a complete change in kingdom and direction.

Repentance is an action. Repentance is not always easy. Leaving behind old ways can feel like stepping into the unknown, letting go of comforts, securities, or even identities we've built. But true life is only found in Jesus, and He is worth everything we leave behind. It is not just a departure; it is an arrival. It is not just a loss; it is a gain. We do not only leave behind our former ways—we step into the Kingdom of God, full of life, peace, and joy. It is a leaving behind of the old kingdoms of darkness and their ways in order to enter and become citizens of the kingdom of God! It is the realization that our old habits, desires, and pursuits were not leading us where we had hoped. Now, we turn toward the only One who can truly lead us to life.

Imagine you are on a road trip, driving from Greece to France. But somewhere along the way, you make a wrong turn. You expect to see signs for Paris, but instead, you find yourself in Russia. The further you go, the further you drift from your destination. Panic sets in. You realize you're lost. You check the map, but every mile takes you further from where you want to be. At this moment, you have a choice: keep driving aimlessly or stop, turn around, and go in the right direction.

You could keep driving, hoping that somehow, things will correct themselves. You could feel bad about your mistake but refuse to act on it. Or, you could recognize that you are headed in the wrong direction, turn the car around, and start following the right path.

This is the biblical picture of repentance. Jesus is leading us toward life in His kingdom. We are being called to turn away from our old habits, loyalties, and ways of thinking, to fix our eyes on Him, and follow in His footsteps. We are invited to learn His way of life, not just as an idea, but in our daily choices and actions.

Repentance begins with recognizing we are heading the wrong way, but it is fulfilled only when we turn toward new life in Christ. Particularly, it is no longer following the kingdoms of this world and their ways, but following Jesus and adopting His way of life so that He might be our leader and Lord. Obviously, this kind of fundamental change will not happen, cannot happen, unless we truly believe that Jesus’ way and the Kingdom of God are infinitely better than anything else the world has to offer. Jesus was calling those four fishermen to leave their old way of life and to make a new life under His leadership, believing He could lead them in an infinitely better way.

Repentance is not just leaving behind sin; it is leaving behind anything that hinders us from fully following Jesus. The fishermen in Matthew 4 did not leave behind sinful jobs, yet they still walked away from anything that kept them from Christ’s call. This is a powerful picture of repentance—not just rejecting sin, but embracing an entirely new life under the rule of Christ.

Repentance certainly includes leaving behind the ways of this world that lead to death—things like lying, hatred, greed, and pride. But it does not stop there. It also means surrendering anything that prevents us from fully making the kingdom of God our home and Jesus our Lord.

There is no middle ground. Every day, with every choice, we are heading in one direction or another—toward Jesus, or away from Him. The real question is not whether we are moving—we are. Every choice, every action is taking us somewhere. Are we walking toward Jesus or drifting further away? Which direction are you going today? Every day, with every choice, we are heading in one direction or another. Which direction are you walking in today? The kindness of God compels us to repentance (Romans 2:4), leading us away from destruction and into true life.

Two Student Examples of Repentance

Victor cheated on one of his university exams. He had taken the easy way out, securing the grade he wanted with less effort. After all, "everyone else was doing it." But something inside him felt unsettled. As he reflected, he realized that Jesus wanted something better for him. As a follower of Christ, he was called to live with integrity, working diligently and honestly in all things. His decision to cheat revealed that, in that moment, he had trusted in shortcuts more than in God's way.

Convicted, Victor knew he had been heading in the wrong direction. Repentance meant more than just feeling bad—it required turning completely from dishonesty and embracing a life of integrity. He chose to study well, take his exams honestly, and trust that Jesus’ way was truly best for him. The good news? Jesus’ mercy and grace were more than enough to forgive him and set him on a new path. In his repentance, Victor also discovered the freedom that comes with living in the light—no longer hiding, but walking in honesty before God and others. Victor realized that in his studies, he had been living as though he did not believe Jesus’ way was best. Jesus led him to repentance, which meant turning from cheating to studying well and honestly taking his exams. The good news is that Jesus’ mercy and grace were enough to forgive him and set him on a new path. In his repentance, Victor also discovered the freedom that comes with living in the light—no longer hiding, but walking in honesty before God and others.

Yana moved from one relationship to the next, never allowing herself to be alone. Almost as soon as one relationship ended, another would begin. Deep down, she longed for love, worth, and security. During a time of scripture study, Yana had a revelation—she was looking for men to do what only Jesus could do. She had been seeking in human relationships what only God could provide: true fulfillment, identity, and love.

Jesus was calling her to repentance, not just to change her habits but to trust Him completely with her deepest needs. Repentance for Yana meant stepping away from her pattern of relationships and believing that Jesus alone could satisfy her heart. To help her live out this repentance, she made the radical decision not to date for a year and to focus on discovering her identity in Christ. At times, this was difficult, but as she actively left her old way of life and entrusted her heart to Jesus, she found something she never had before—deep, unshakable joy. By trusting in Jesus rather than relationships, Yana finally experienced the love and security she had been searching for all along. Though difficult at times, her decision to step away from her old way of life led her to true, lasting joy in Christ.

Memory Verse: Psalm 139:23-24 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

• How does this verse relate to repentance and belief?

• How might this prayer serve as a model for you and help you as you seek to follow Jesus?

• Spend time asking God if there is any offensive way in you. How might He be calling you to repent and believe today, so that you are able to continue on your journey of knowing and being known by Him? How might He be calling you to repent and believe today, so that you are able to continue on your journey of knowing and being known by Him?

  
  

A Way of Life

Salvation and grace are found in the kingdom of God, where true life is experienced under His rule and leadership. Only in His kingdom can we find the abundant life we deeply desire. No other way will satisfy, no other kingdom will bring lasting joy. For this reason, we are all invited to make the kingdom of God our new and permanent dwelling place, with Jesus as our Lord and King.

When someone moves to a new country, they must adapt to a different way of life. They must learn its laws, customs, and language, embracing a new identity as a citizen. If they continue to live as they did in their previous country, they will struggle to fully belong. Becoming a citizen of a new kingdom means embracing a new way of living.

The same is true for those who follow Jesus. Making our home in the kingdom of God means learning to live under His rule—embracing new ways of life that reflect His reign. The customs and desires we once lived by no longer fit in Christ’s kingdom, where love, holiness, and righteousness define the way of life. We need His direction and His Spirit to teach us and transform our hearts, shaping us to desire what He desires.

Repentance is not a single moment but a lifelong journey of transformation. It is a daily posture of surrender, inviting Jesus to examine our hearts and realign our lives with His. True repentance means being honest about our shortcomings, allowing Jesus to reshape our desires, and stepping away from anything that keeps us from fully following Him. It requires both listening and responding to His voice, keeping our hearts soft and receptive to His leading.

When we embrace repentance as a way of life, we create space for Jesus to work deeply within us. This ongoing transformation is the good news Jesus preached and demonstrated throughout His ministry—an invitation to live in the fullness of His kingdom, walking in step with His Spirit every day. This is the good news that Jesus preached and demonstrated wherever He went!

• Summarize in your own words the message of this chapter? What is the connection between repentance and Christian discipleship? How will you personally respond?

• How can you intentionally make repentance a daily practice in your life? What small steps can you take to stay open to God’s transforming work?

  
  

Responding to the Word

Attitude of the Heart

Sin is deceptive because it offers a shortcut to the things we deeply desire. If sin had nothing appealing, we wouldn’t be drawn to it. The author of Hebrews calls sin “deceptive” for this very reason (Hebrews 3:13).

We all long for intimacy, purpose, security, and acceptance. Sin exploits these desires, offering quick and easy gratification while hiding its true cost. Lust, for example, promises intimacy without commitment. Pornography and impure thoughts appear to satisfy without vulnerability or risk. Deceit offers a way to gain approval without the hard work of integrity. Every sin carries the illusion of a reward—but it always fails to deliver lasting life.

Yet, as we have seen, true life is only found in Jesus. His instructions are not meant to restrict us, but to lead us into the best way to live. God designed intimacy for a committed relationship between a man and a woman, where love and trust flourish. True friendship is built on honesty, not deception. Sin promises much but steals more than it gives.

Repentance, then, is choosing to listen to Jesus, trust Him fully, and walk away from the false security sin offers. When we struggle, it is helpful to identify the lie sin tells us and compare it to the truth Jesus speaks. Recognizing the false promise of sin and the trustworthiness of Jesus weakens temptation and allows us to stand firm.

We all have areas where sin deceives us. Below is a list of common struggles. As discipleship partners, take time to reflect on two or three that are most relevant in your life. For each one, ask:

• What does sin promise in this area?

• What is the actual result of this sin?

• What does Jesus promise instead?

• What does true repentance look like in this area?

Write your thoughts in the space provided, and share with one another as an encouragement to pursue Jesus’ way together.

Attitude of the Heart	Sin’s deception: What does sin promise? Why is it attractive?	Sin’s result: What is the result of this sin in your life?	Faith’s antidote: What does Jesus promise and instruct us instead?
Bitterness/resentment:
Impatience:
Despondency/despair:
Anxiety:
Shame/regret:
Jealousy/Covetousness:
Critical Spirit/pride:
Apathy:
Driveness/workalholism:
Sloth, laziness:
Individualism and self-protection:
Divisiveness:
Deceit:
Lust/sexual immorality:
Other:

I recommend making a practice of regularly looking through this list and asking Jesus “to test your heart, know your anxious ways and lead you in the way everlasting.” Regularly bringing these struggles into the light with trusted discipleship partners can be a powerful tool for growth. As we share, pray, and encourage one another, sin loses its hold, and repentance becomes a way of life. As we share these attitudes verbally, sin loses much of its power over us. Pray for one another and proclaim God’s forgiveness over each other. (See James 5:14-16 and John 20:21-23.)

Prayer of Examen

St. Ignatius introduced a practice called the Prayer of Examen, which has been used for centuries by followers of Christ to cultivate self-awareness, gratitude, and repentance. This simple yet powerful prayer helps us reflect on our daily lives in God’s presence, allowing Him to reveal areas for growth and transformation. It is an exercise that we could do regularly which would help us live a lifestyle of repentance. The prayer of Examen helps us to prayerfully review the past 24 hours. To incorporate this into your spiritual life, set aside 15 minutes in a quiet place, free from distractions. There are four simple steps to guide this practice: There are 4 simple steps:

1. Recall that you are in the presence of God.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. (Psalm 139:7, 8)

Take a moment to acknowledge God's presence with you. You are not engaging in self-examination alone—He is with you, full of love and grace. Let this truth settle your heart and prepare you to listen.

2. Look at your day with gratitude.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14)

Reflect on the past 24 hours. Where did you see God's goodness? How did He provide for you, protect you, or encourage you? Express gratitude for the blessings—both big and small—that He placed in your path today. Thank Him for His kindness in your life.

3. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. (Psalm 139:23)

Invite the Holy Spirit to help you examine your day honestly. As you reflect on your actions, words, and thoughts, consider:

• Where did I respond well to God’s work in my life?

• How did I reflect His love and truth in my interactions?

• Were there moments when I ignored His prompting or chose my own way instead? In God’s loving and merciful presence, review the activities of your day, your attitudes and beliefs. Where did you respond well to God’s work in your life? How did you live like a citizen of God’s kingdom? Where did you reject God’s lead? Where did you fail to live like a citizen of God’s kingdom?

  
  

4. Reconcile and resolve to walk in God’s way.

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:24)

Thank God for the victories He gave you today. Ask for forgiveness in areas where you fell short, knowing that His grace is abundant. If God is prompting you to take action—whether to seek reconciliation, confess sin, or change direction—commit to following through. Ask for God’s forgiveness for the areas where you have responded in opposition to Him. If there is something you need to do in response to what God is bringing to mind, prayerfully make plans to do it. (For example, God might lead you to ask someone for forgiveness or extend forgiveness)

I encourage you to practice this prayer every evening, allowing it to shape your heart toward a lifestyle of continual repentance and renewal. Consider committing to this with a discipleship partner—sharing your experiences, encouraging one another, and praying together. As we regularly invite God to search our hearts and lead us, repentance truly becomes a way of life. You could commit with your discipleship partners to diligently practice this prayer throughout the next week. Share with each other your experience at your next meeting.

Praying for one another

Take time to share honestly with one another about where God is calling you to repent and grow in faith. This is not just about confessing struggles—it’s about encouraging one another in the journey of transformation. Share, also, if there are other concerns and situations in your life that you would like prayer for in the days to come. After sharing with one another, pray for each other. Pray that God would help make repentance a way of life and “lead you in the way everlasting.” Continue your plan to pray for each other regularly until your next meeting

Heavenly Father, we thank You that you chose to rescue us from darkness and death. Please forgive us for so often choosing to listen to the deception of sin rather than to You. Lord, search our hearts and reveal any way in us that leads to death. Give us the grace to turn fully to You, to walk in Your ways, and to experience the life that only You can give. We pray that You would continue Your wonderful work of transformation in our lives. In the name of Jesus, we pray. AMEN.

For Further Study:

Want to explore repentance further? These passages highlight powerful stories of transformation—examples that can shape how we respond to God’s call today.

Luke 19:1-10: Zacchaeus is a model of repentance.

2 Samuel 11 - 12 and Psalm 51: David is a model of repentance.

1 John 1:5 – 2:6: Jesus forgives those who confess their sins so that we might follow Him.

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Willard, Dallas. The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’ Essential Teachings on Discipleship. (Harper One 2006): 3.

Keener, Craig S. The Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. (InterVarsity Press 1993): 44.

“Attitudes of the Heart” taken and adapted from Rich Lamb, Images of Leadership. (Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, 2002).

Diaz, April. Ignatian Examen. http://fulleryouthinstitute.org/article