What are the basics of Jesus’ teaching?

Answer

The fundamental teachings of Jesus are profound yet simple enough for a child to comprehend; they are spiritual yet applicable to daily life. Essentially, Jesus conveyed that He was the realization of messianic prophecy, that God expects more than mere external compliance with rules, that salvation is granted to those who have faith in Christ, and that there will be judgment for those who do not believe and do not repent.

Jesus Christ emphasized that everyone requires salvation and that a person’s social status does not determine their worth in the eyes of God; Christ came to offer salvation to individuals from all walks of life. Additionally, one’s past transgressions do not hinder their ability to seek forgiveness, and Jesus urged His followers to forgive others as illustrated in (Matthew 18:21–35;Luke 7:47). Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who was likely scorned by his community “And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.”, (Luke 19:7), was visited by Jesus. Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house” “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.”, (Luke 19:9). The reason behind this was Zacchaeus’ faith in Jesus, evident through his repentance for past wrongdoings and commitment to a charitable life “And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”, (Luke 19:8). “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”Jesus said to the critical observers, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). He didn’t care who that “lost” person was – rich or poor, male or female, beggar or king. Everyone needs to be born again. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

Jesus also taught that the way to God is through faith, not through good deeds. He praised faith, “When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Luke 7:9), and challenged those who relied on their works (Matthew 7:22-28). A rich young ruler once asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). Jesus responded with a question: “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone” “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18). Christ was not denying His deity or His own goodness, but He knew this young man didn’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah. In His question, Jesus was pointing out that whatever this man thought made someone “good” was false because no one can do anything to make himself good enough to inherit eternal life.Life «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6). The Jewish religious leaders at the time of Christ shared the young ruler’s perspective, teaching that keeping the Law of God could make one acceptable before God. There are scores of people still today who mistakenly think their “good” life and “good” deeds will be enough to get them into heaven.

Jesus told this young rich man he must give up all of his wealth and follow Him «Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. », (Mark 10:21). Jesus said this not because charity makes one righteous but because He knew the young man’s god was money. The young man only thought he was keeping the Law; greed was his undoing. He turned away from Jesus in sadness because “he had great possessions” «And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. », (Mark 10:22). Christ taught that He alone is the source of eternal life. If someone wants to inherit eternal life, he must follow and worship Christ alone (John 6:45–51;8:31;10:27;15:4,14).

At the core of Jesus’ teaching is the good news of the coming of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is mentioned over fifty times in the Gospels. Many of Jesus’ parables were about the Kingdom (Matthew 13:3–9;13:24–30;13:31–32;13:33). As a result,As a matter of fact, Jesus stated that He was sent to preach the arrival of the Kingdom «And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. », (Luke 4:43).

Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God had commenced on earth through His ministry. The evidence was clear: fulfilling prophecy, the blind received sight, the dead were raised, and sins were forgiven. However, Jesus also taught that there is a future aspect of the Kingdom «But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. », (Luke 9:27). His Kingdom is advancing and will one day be visibly present (Luke 13:18-21). In what is commonly known as “The Lord’s Prayer,” Christ instructed to pray for God’s Kingdom to come «Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. », (Matthew 6:10). Jesus taught His followers to remember their purpose: they are vessels of God’s grace as they proclaim the good news of Christ’s arrival. The more individuals become citizens of King Jesus, the more His Kingdom is evident to the world.