Speaking in human words
Last of three parts
When God became a human being, his words and deeds proved that he is the Saviour of sinners. Today, we study his teachings and interviews.
In the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7), Jesus emphasized that he came to fulfil the Law and the Prophets, not to destroy them. He explained how his interpretation of Scripture differs from that of the Pharisees.
Jesus conveyed truths about the kingdom of heaven in parables: short stories and metaphors that compare the kingdom to well-known things, such as seed, leaven, salt, light, a hidden treasure and a pearl of great value.
Jesus scolded the Pharisees for their legalistic and superficial application of Scripture. They complied to the letter of the Law, but not to its spirit. He called them hypocrites, a brood of vipers and white-washed tombs (Matt. 23).
God in the flesh reasoned with his enemies about his person, mission, miracles and his relationship with his Father (John 5-7).
Jesus warned his disciples about the deception and persecution of the end-time (Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 23). When the gospel has been preached to all nations, many will turn their back on him, and start to persecute believers. Wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes and tsunamis will increase. He will return in glory with the angels and separate believers and non-believers.
When he said goodbye to his disciples (John 14-17), he promised to come back and take them to the Father’s house. He presented himself as the way, the truth and the life; nobody can come to the Father except through him.
He promised not to leave his followers as orphans but to dwell in their hearts through the Holy Spirit. As the branches draw sap from the vine to produce grapes, so they will produce spiritual fruit by staying connected to him. He would continue to intercede for them, confirmed by his last prayer for them before his death.
Jesus also addressed individuals. He talked to the learned Nicodemus about rebirth, and to the rejected Samaritan woman about a new life (John 3 and 4). He conveyed great truths to Mary and Martha about resurrection (Luke 10, John 11).
He spoke to a person who had been lame for 38 years, and to a beggar who was born blind (John 5 and 9). He talked to a demonized person before and after his healing (Mark 5). He connected with a lonely leper (Matt. 8), and women in distress (Mark 5, 7, Luke 7). He talked to rich and poor (Luke 18, 19), sinners and Pharisees (Luke 7).
As the atoning sacrifice on the cross, he prayed for his executioners, opened heaven to the murderer next to him, and provided for his mother.
Jacob Van Zyl of Lethbridge is a retired counsellor and the author of several faith-based books.