Jesus tells everyone to repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.

Does Jesus mean that heaven is near because this life is so brief in light of eternity? Possibly!

Does Jesus mean to imply that the end of this world is near? Also possible, yet doubtful that he meant this time is nearing its end and soon on to the kingdom of heaven... it has been 2000 years after all!

I think the most logical and clear interpretation of what Jesus meant is that Jesus is the King of the kingdom of heaven, and that in His presence, the kingdom is found. I believe Jesus was telling people to turn away from their sins (repent) because they have an amazing opportunity to know Emmanuel, the Light of the World, the kingdom was brought from heaven to earth.

Jesus is the redeemer... He came to redeem His creation. As His followers we have the amazing opportunity to redeem and restore our culture, our friends and family, and more because the kingdom of heaven is near... it is available!

The word near may be understood as yet to come, but it can also mean close by, in reach.

Jesus was in essence saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is in reach, it is available."

Matthew 4:17