#3 What Did Jesus Teach?

What did Jesus teach?

Jesus taught things that were very revolutionary for the time. He showed special regard for those who were overlooked or rejected by others by teaching equality among all of God’s children. The following scripture translated by the Message Bible explains the heart of his message in our modern language:

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds.

Matthew 5:3-11 (The Message)

The teaching of Jesus showed that God’s values are different from those of the world around us. The world prizes wealth, prestige, fame, and power. These things don’t last. They instead allow greed, selfishness, and pride to consume our hearts. God, on the other hand, the values giving to others, service, self-sacrifice, and compassion. These allow love, hope, and faith to grow in our hearts which can never be taken from us.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21