The words of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament, hold a central place in Christian theology and practice. They are considered the direct teachings of the Son of God, offering guidance, wisdom, and revelation about the nature of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the path to salvation. The words of Jesus are primarily found in the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, with additional references in the Acts of the Apostles and the Book of Revelation.

Teaching and Parables

Jesus often taught in parables, which are simple accounts used to illustrate moral or spiritual lessons. These parables include the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9), the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), and the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Through these accounts, Jesus conveyed profound truths about God's kingdom, human nature, and the importance of love, mercy, and forgiveness.

Sermon on the Mount

One of the most significant collections of Jesus' teachings is the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5-7. This sermon includes the Beatitudes, which describe the blessedness of those who embody certain virtues: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). The sermon also addresses topics such as the fulfillment of the Law, the importance of sincere prayer, and the Golden Rule: "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12).

The Great Commandment

Jesus emphasized the importance of love as the foundation of the Law and the Prophets. When asked about the greatest commandment, He replied: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’" (Matthew 22:37-39). These commandments encapsulate the essence of Jesus' ethical teachings.

The Kingdom of God

Central to Jesus' message was the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. He began His ministry with the call to repentance: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17). Jesus described the kingdom as a present reality and a future hope, characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. His parables often illustrated the nature of the kingdom, such as the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) and the Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44).

The Way to Salvation

Jesus declared Himself to be the way to eternal life, emphasizing faith in Him as the path to salvation. He stated, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). His teachings on salvation include the necessity of being born again (John 3:3-7) and the promise of eternal life to those who believe in Him: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Jesus spoke of the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would guide, comfort, and empower His followers. He promised, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you" (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of believers, enabling them to live according to Jesus' teachings and to bear witness to His resurrection.

Final Words and Commission

Before His ascension, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to spread the Gospel to all nations: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This command underscores the global mission of the Church and the enduring relevance of Jesus' words for all people.