JESUS CHRIST: GOD’S REVELATION TO THE WORLD CHAPTER 7 JESUS’ TEACHING
Blessed John XXIII “What counts the most in life is blessed Jesus Christ, his holy Church, his Gospel, truth and goodness.”
Jesus the Teacher Jesus returned from the desert and began to teach in the synagogues. “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Lk 4:21) Jesus is claiming that in him Isaiah’s prophecy about the Messiah is taking place—he is the Good News!
How Jesus Taught Jesus was genuine. Jesus was available. Jesus spoke Aramaic—a poetic language—using hyperbole and parallel statements. Jesus taught with authority using “Amen” to introduce and strengthen his words. Jesus was a brilliant debater. Jesus challenges his listeners.
The Regions Where Jesus Taught Samaria North central region inhabited by those who descended from foreigners Worshipped at Mount Gerazim Judea Dry, barren land in the south inhabited by those who returned from the Babylonian captivity Jerusalem is its principal city. Galilee Fertile land in the north watered by the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee Farmers, shepherds and fishermen were prosperous. Spoke with a distinctive Aramaic accent
Jesus Preached the Kingdom of God The Kingdom of God is the active presence of God’s love, justice, truth and Salvation working in the world! Ultimately, it is Christ’s work of redemption that brings about the Kingdom!
What Are Parables? parabole: “placing two things side by side in order to compare them” Jesus told simple, vivid picture stories drawn from everyday life. His stories reveal truth in an interesting way that was easy to remember. Parables forced his listeners to look at reality in a fresh way.
The Meaning of Parables God’s Kingdom Is for All Sinners are Welcome Jesus is the Promised One, the Messiah. The growth of the Kingdom is steady, and sure, but spreads mysteriously. Despite all obstacles it will flourish. Jesus preached forgiveness and mercy. God’s love is beyond what we can comprehend. God’s mercy is something to rejoice about.
The Meaning of Parables Salvation Belief and Repentance Jesus came to assure us that Salvation is taking place. Salvation is for everyone. Jesus not only announced Salvation, he brought it in. Repent (Greek metanoia): “change one’s mind,” a radical way of thinking and doing things God’s justice is breaking into our world. Repentance and faith go hand in hand.
The Meaning of Parables Preparation for God’s Judgment Rejoice “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Because God is love; we, as Jesus’ disciples, must also be loving. Even amidst apparent setbacks in working for God’s Kingdom and Salvation, we should be happy, joyful people. Jesus announces that good triumphs over evil. The time to choose Jesus is now!
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount An occasion when Jesus went up on a mountainside to speak to a great crowd of followers Brings to mind Moses, who delivered the Law from Mount Sinai Luke contains the Sermon on the Plain.
The Beatitudes—Our Roadmap to Happiness Jesus’ blessings reveal how to fulfill our desire for happiness and teach us the final end to which God calls us: the Kingdom
The Beatitudes Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
The Beatitudes Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
The Beatitudes Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
The Beatitudes Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Breaking Open the Lord’s Prayer “The Gospel in miniature” “Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus invites us to call God “Abba.” We end the Our Father with “Amen.”
Salt of the Earth and Light of the World If we put on the Beatitudes, we will make a difference in the world. Committed disciples flavor the world with Christ’s love. Our good works should be like a beacon of light that leads others to God.
New Standard of Law Jesus came to fulfill all the promises of the Old Covenant Mere external observance of the Law is not enough. We should not even be angry with our neighbor. We should not even lust after another. We should be truthful in everything. We should love even our enemy and not seek revenge.
Requirements for Christian Living Have a Right Attitude Requirements for Christian Living Jesus instructed his followers to examine their attitudes when they perform virtuous works. God loves us and has already rewarded us. Why should we be motivated by what others think? Jesus teaches the Golden Rule: do to others whatever you would have them do to you. It is not enough to mouth the word of God; we must put the words into action.
The Sermon on the Mount is the charter statement of our Christian life!