MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
After months studying events leading to the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, last week we reviewed His appearance in the synagogue in Nazareth. After reading Isaiah 61:1-2, a Messianic passage, He sat down and told them that the words were being fulfilled that day. Luke deliberately started his book with this proclamation, because for him it was the beginning of the Good News, the Gospel.
As mentioned last week, it's difficult to differentiate the teaching from the preaching: when Jesus educated, there was a compelling component of exhortation and invitation. For those who had already entered into discipleship, His message contained rich instructional material. I taught and preached for more than forty years, and studied methods and strategies. As we observe the teachings of Jesus, we can identify at least seven characteristics: His authority, wisdom, ethical standard, simplicity, illustrations, spontaneity, and originality.
People frequently called Him "Rabbi" which indicated they recognized Jesus as teacher. Simon Peter expanded on that by using the term "Master" (Luke 5:5). Numerous times it was mentioned that Jesus spoke as one with authority. The centurion in Luke chapter 7 was a man with military authority over many, who'd felt unworthy to come ask Jesus for help when his son was ill. Nevertheless, he expressed faith in the authority of Jesus.
Jesus was relatively young when His public ministry began, and He had no formal religious training under a rabbi. Though he spoke with authority, He humbly stated, "'My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me'" (John 7:16). And "'I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me'" (John 8:28). His authority came from His nature and relationship with God. His words were marked with certainty, and they were confident, positive, and free from conjecture or opinion. He didn't speculate. In speaking of end times, He added, "'But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone'" (Mark 13:32).
He brought understanding to believers. On the Emmaus Road, "Beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:27). He commanded in John 15:12, "'Love one another, just as I have loved you'" and then He demonstrated that kind of love on the cross. Paul recognized Jesus' authority: "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
A second characteristic of His teaching is wisdom, identified first when He was 12 years old in the temple (Luke 2:46-47) and later when He "began to teach in the synagogue; and many listeners were astonished" (Mark 6:2). Even scribes and Pharisees called Him Teacher or Rabbi, acknowledging His truth even when they couldn't accept the words. "'Teacher, we know that You are truthful, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth'" (Mark 12:14).
Of all religions in the world, Christianity through Jesus' approach stresses a superior ethical standard, with an inner change of heart that is exhibited externally. His ethics go well beyond the accepted community sense of morality. The Sermon on the Mount illustrates a beginning and an end: "'You are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect'" (Matthew 5:48). It's the place to start and the only goal, but the closer we get to the goal, the more we realize how much further we have to go. Jesus' teachings motivate and direct us in a direction that is fulfilling but never complete. Luke 14:33 is another example of an ongoing practical reality: "'No one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.'" As we keep discovering things to give up, He keeps giving us more - to give up.
Jesus' message was profound, unheard of, but incredibly simple. It lacked theological terms, and both children and authorities understood what He was saying. Perhaps the authorities were disturbed because they understood and they knew the common people did too. His simplicity communicates in a way that is strikingly straightforward.
His instruction was also often illustrative. He used human examples, bridging the gulf between God and man, injecting divine truth into our earthly experiences. The heavenly Father's love is seen clearly in the story of the Prodigal Son, and His mercy shines clearly in the story of the Good Samaritan. They tell us clearly, "Go and do likewise". His messages were spontaneous, often a reaction to daily encounters. His remarks always fit the occasion, such as when the woman was caught in adultery.
A final characteristic of Jesus' teaching was how original His words were. He took ideas from the Old Testament and elevated them: "'You have heard ... but I say to you...'" (throughout the Sermon on the Mount). His loftier teachings captured mercy, justice and love all in one phrase. He appreciates the soul of the poor and needy, and reaches to the heart of rules, to bring God's light and healing to all. As we learn more of Jesus' teachings, we can sit back and marvel at the way He taught and preached. He shared truth in a way that's impressive and very well delivered.
Next week, we plan to study some of His methodology and the forms of His teachings.
