Introduction
Jesus Christ is the most prominent figure in Christianity. The New Testament fully portrays his life, actions, teachings, and the legacy that remained. The teachings, specifically, have become a pillar of religious studies and illustrate the moral and ethical values Christians have nowadays in regard to having a righteous life. The teachings can be illustrated as both memorable concerning the message itself and the ways it was shared with disciples and regular individuals. Jesus’s message was and remains understandable for the masses yet through-provoking, spiritually profound, and complex. The various topics and values that have been expressed differ concerning the content of the teachings and the tools applied to make people understand their meaning. In this paper, messages such as the Kingdom of God, Jesus’s titles, and actions will be examined through the implications of poetry, proverbs, exaggeration, and parables.
Jesus’s Teaching Methods
As mentioned prior. A variety of techniques have been applied by Jesus to send a message. Namely, poetry, proverbs, exaggeration, and parables are several of the multiples ways in which Jesus shared his teachings with the world. For example, miracles have often been applied to show individuals which actions are to be exemplified. According to Bible scholars, the Gospel contains more than miracles associated with Jesus, each highlighting the importance of helping those in need, exercising compassion, and being kind to fellow humans (Stein, 2017). Thus, miracles, in this case, are tools applied to send a message in a way that is memorable, easily comprehended, and understood. Thus, the idea that teachings are to be exemplified in a memorable and through-provoking way is succeeded through poetry, proverbs, exaggeration, and parables.
Poetry
In order for writing to become poetry, it requires a certain aesthetic concerning language, rhythm, and phonetics. An example can be highlighted in the following verse “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (New International Version, 1973, Matthew 5:6-8). In this passage, the message is the idea that a person with the right intentions and a belief in God will be rewarded for his throughs, actions, and positive motives. However, it can be noted that a repetitive pattern gives the verses a poetic form. In this way, the message becomes somewhat easy to comprehend, hence, followed. The example illustrates that the way in which teaching is performed can impact how it is understood and implemented in one’s personal behavior.
Another example of poetry applied to teachings is the Lord’s prayer. The verse “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” can be interpreted as a message (New International Version, 1973, Matthew 6:12). Namely, the prayer highlights that a forgiving nature is at the core of Christian values. Moreover, God forgives the sins of those of being able to forgive individuals who have wronged them. In this case, the teaching is based on the message of forgiveness and giving people a second chance, just as Jesus gave humanity a second chance by dying on the cross for people’s sins. Needless to say, both instances in which poetry was applied highlight that a message can be shared in a multitude of ways. However, certain techniques have been applied to create circumstances in which the teachings are both understandable and beautifully illustrated through words and rhythm.
Proverbs
Proverbs are effectively implied in message sharing. Namely, the concise yet insightful sayings contain metaphorical language that is implemented to express an idea in an indirect way. As a result, a proverb requires interpretation since the content is not directly illustrated yet highlighted through figurative language. An important distinction is to be made between the proverbs in the Book of Proverbs, which is the Old Testament, and similar constructions in the New Testament. However, Jesus Christ is the personification of God’s word, which is why the Book of Proverbs indirectly highlights the teaching of Jesus Christ. For example, Proverbs 1:7 highlight the following verse “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (New International Version, 1973). The language applied in this passage is rather metaphorical and implies that adhering to the Lord’s teachings provides an insight into truth. Namely, one who wants to learn about the teachings of the Lord will become knowledgeable and comprehend the Christian truths.
However, another message that follows is the idea that most people cannot adhere to the factual information shared through sacred texts due to the fact that this implies effort and commitment. The Teaching of Christ also mentions the proverb, “For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (2022). Thus, the message that is implied through figurative language is that one who exercises power for evil to prevail will be defeated by the same evil. Hence, one who lies will be deceived, and one who hurts others will be met with a similar attitude from the outside world.
Exaggeration
Exaggeration can be applied to generate a more memorable message that impacts those receiving it through its grandiose context. Hyperbolizing ideas helps send the message of their importance as well as emphasize the teachings. For example, the verse “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” emphasizes the message through the hyperbolization of specific elements (King James Version, 1611, Matthew 19:24). In this case, Jesus’s teachings highlight that having extensive goods that are not being shared with those in need is an action that is being frowned upon based on Christian beliefs. Thus, while for a camel to go through the eye of a needle is impossible, going to heaven as someone rich who does not help the poor is even more challenging. Another example highlights the teachings in regard to judgments. Namely, Matthew 7:3 states, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (New International Version, 1973). The example reflects the idea that individuals are more likely to see the wrongdoings of others than confront their own flaws and inconsistencies in behavioral patterns. Thus, Jesus’s teachings, while being portrayed through exaggeration, highlight the importance of self-determination to become a better person before condoning other individuals for not following Christian principles. Hyperpolarization is figurative language, which is why the messages are to be interpreted as such. Once again, the teachings are indirect, and the individual familiarizing with them is to draw a conclusion based on the word of God.
Parables
Parables are short stories that teach and promote certain Biblical ideas. Thus, the message is shared in a sucking and comprehensive manner, and the content itself is reflected in the form of an instructive lesson. An example is Luke 11:5-8, the passage illustrating the story of a man asking for bread and being granted his wish through persistence rather than friendship with the person who is being asked to help (New International Version, 1973). In this case, the teaching reflects on the importance of consistent and persistent praying. One who prays will be heard if the prayer is consistent, as exemplified in the aforementioned parable. Another example is the Parable of the good Samaritan illustrated in Luke 10:25-37 (New International Version, 1973). In this case, an injured Jew was not helped by his own kind but by a Samaritan despite the unlikeliness of the two individuals seeing eye to eye. By illustrating the instance, Jesus’s teaching reflects the commandment of loving one’s neighbor. Thus, the message of love and assistance for those in need is an inclusive one and implies that it is vital to provide help despite potential differences between one seeking assistance and one giving it. Moreover, Bible scholars mention that the parables, including the aforementioned ones, can only be understood by those perceptive to his teachings (Leitch, 2018). Thus, an individual with little to no knowledge of the scripture or unfamiliar with Christian values may not see the depth of the stories that send the message.
Jesus’s Teaching Message
By highlighting the various elements applied to share Jesus’s teachings, a variety of messages have been revealed. Namely, the importance of kindness to those in need, praying, and adhering to Christian values were the central topics illustrated through poetry, proverbs, exaggeration, and parables. However, it is essential to highlight some of the most potent messages throughout Jesus’s actions and decisions. According to current literature, the message shared by the Lord is partially what made the teachings memorable alongside the elements applied to express said thought (Teachings of Christ, 2022). Jesus himself has been referred to as a “teacher” multiple times in the New Testament. The Kingdom of God, his titles, and his actions will be examined as the primary topics shared through teachings.
The Kingdom of God
One of the central messages in the New Testament is the existence of the Kingdom of God. Scholars interpret the miracles that Jesus performs as signs illustrating that the kingdom of God is becoming a reality on Earth (Strobel, 1998). On the other hand, theologists such as Bultmann have an existential approach to said actions, reflecting on the potential mythological aspect of the kingdom of God (Bultmann & Morgan, 2007). Nonetheless, the message implies that the connection between the divine and the human is, indeed, an exemplification of the Kingdom of God. Thus, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders” (New International Version, 1973, John 18:36). The message portrayed through this specific terminology is that people’s kingdoms are corrupt and flawed, which is why one connected with the divine can generate the values and ethics that individuals would benefit from.
Jesus’s Titles
In regards to Jesus’s titles, it is essential to make the distinction between two that supposedly contradict each other. On the one hand, Jesus is often referred to as the Son of God. For example, in verse John 11:27, the following is stated: “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God” (New International Version, 1973. The title correlates with the teaching that Jesus Christ is the word of God and his embodiment on earth. Thus, one who believes in God and follows his commands is to view Jesus from a similar perspective. On the other hand, a title that can also be found in sacred texts is the Son of Man. The verse “the Son of Man comes” correlates with the idea that Jesus is immensely close to humanity ((New International Version, 1973, Matthew 10:23). The juxtaposition of the two titles illustrates the message that while Jesus is divine and speaks God’s words, he is a part of this world and in-tune with himself as a person as well as every other human being.
Jesus’s Actions
Jesus’s actions illustrate his divine power as well as the message he shares with humanity. One element in particular that correlates both with Jesus as the embodiment of God and a reflection of his ultimate sacrifice is forgiving sins. Current literature links the action to the fact that only God has this power, which ultimately illustrates Jesus’s abilities (Merkle, 2022). For example, in verse Mark 2:10, the Son of Man is referred to as the “authority on earth to forgive sins” (New International Version, 1973). The message embodied in said action is that Christian principles are based on forgiveness, and one who truly seeks it can receive it. Moreover, the message that Jesus and God and one divine entity is also derivative of the action.
Multiple elements can be linked to the broader theme of Christianity. Another action that correlates with a strong message is the passage Matthew 8, in which Jesus cures a man with leprosy in front of his disciples (New International Version, 1973). Several statements can be derived as a result. On the one hand, the divine power is illustrated, which implies that witnesses cannot doubt Jesus as Messiah after he was able to cure the incurable. On the other hand, the message that lingers in most Biblical texts is the importance of sacrifice and helping those in need.
Last but not least, Jesus’s action directly correlates with his fight against evil and the promotion of good. Namely, the passage Luke 11:14 illustrates the story in which the Lord defeats a demon trapped in a man’s body (New International Version, 1973). By exercising such actions, Jesus slowly addresses the evils of the world by helping regular people who require assistance. Helping individuals with incurable and chronic conditions, those who are lost and have sinned because of it, and those defeated by evil are actions that highlight the fight between goodness and evil. The message is a primary one in sacred writings and is one of the primary themes portrayed in the Bible.
Conclusion
Jesus’s teachings are a vast number of messages correlating with biblical ethics, values, and morals. However, said messages are effectively shared, which makes them comprehendible, memorable, and thought-provoking. On the one hand, the elements applied to create the information channel have been efficiently selected. Namely, poetry, proverbs, parables, and exaggeration create circumstances in which the words and their meaning are hidden through figurative language that is to be decoded by one learning about Jesus. Moreover, the content itself highlights the main Christian ideas. Thus, themes such as the Kingdom of God, the titles Jesus is referred to as, and the Lord’s actions portray the efforts which have been made to change the world for the better.
References
Bultmann, R., & Morgan, R. (2007). Theology of the new testament. Baylor University Press.
Leitch, C. (2018). Jesus’ Teachings, as Told in the Gospels: A Summary of the Teachings of Jesus During His Three Years of Earthly Ministry. Cliff Leitch.
Merkle, B. L. (2022). The teachings of Jesus. The Gospel Coalition. Web.
Stein, R. H. (2017). Jesus the messiah: A survey of the life of Christ. IVP Academic, an imprint of InterVarsity Press.
Strobel, L. (1998). The Case For Christ. Zondervan Publishing House.
Teaching of Christ. The Gospel Coalition. (2022). Web.