Then, a prophet named John appeared in Israel and proclaimed that God’s deliverance was near. John baptized Jesus of Nazareth who began preaching that he was sent by God to reestablish God’s rule over his people in a new way, to rescue them from their sin and its effects. Jesus taught God’s people about this gracious rule of God and how life should be lived under this rule. Jesus not only taught about the reign of God, but he brought it to bear. He began erasing sin and the brokenness of creation. Jesus gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, he cast out demons, he forgave sins, he raised the dead. This was the king promised by God to deliver his people.