What is the truth Jesus said?

Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, made many profound statements during his time on earth. His teachings, parables, and sermons revealed great truths about God, humanity, salvation, and living a righteous life. As the Son of God, Jesus spoke with divine authority and wisdom. His words cut to the heart of every matter, providing insight, conviction, and encouragement. Though Jesus lived 2000 years ago, his teachings remain highly relevant and transformative for people today.

Table of Contents

What did Jesus say about himself?

Jesus made several bold claims about his own identity and purpose. He stated that he had come down from heaven and was one with God the Father (John 10:30). Some key truths Jesus spoke about himself include:

He existed before Abraham (John 8:58)
He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6)
He has authority to forgive sins (Luke 5:24)

He is the Messiah and Son of God (Matthew 16:16-17)
He is the bread of life and living water (John 6:35, John 4:10-14)
He is the light of the world (John 8:12)

He will die and rise again (Mark 8:31)

Jesus asserted these truths about himself despite knowing they would be controversial and dangerous claims. His statements revealed his identity and challenged people to examine who he really was. Those who believed his words understood he was declaring himself to be the divine Son of God.

I am statements of Jesus

Some of Jesus’ most direct claims about himself begin with the phrase “I am.” These include:

I am the bread of life (John 6:35)
I am the light of the world (John 8:12)
I am the gate (John 10:9)

I am the good shepherd (John 10:11)
I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)
I am the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6)

I am the true vine (John 15:1)

By using the divine name of God “I AM” (Exodus 3:14), Jesus associated himself directly with the Father. He claimed not only to tell the truth or show the way, but to actually embody those things in himself. These key “I AM” statements underscore that Jesus is ultimate truth.

What did Jesus teach about God?

Jesus revealed deep truths about the nature and character of God. He displayed God’s power through miracles and healings but also emphasized God’s love, mercy, and desire for relationship. Some key points Jesus made about God include:

God is loving, gracious and forgiving (Luke 15:11-32)
God desires mercy over sacrifice (Matthew 9:13)
God cares for all creation (Matthew 6:25-33)

God knows people’s hearts and cares about motivations (Luke 16:15)
God wants his children to have full joy (John 15:11, John 16:24)
God is sovereign over everything (Matthew 10:29-31)

God is faithful and will fulfill all his promises (Matthew 24:35)

The picture of God revealed through Jesus contradicts many human assumptions and portrayals of God. Jesus showed God to be intimately involved in people’s lives, filled with compassion, and willing to forgive wrongdoing. He displayed God’s deep love for humanity.

God as Father

A striking aspect of Jesus’ teaching focused on relating to God as a loving heavenly Father. He spoke to God using the intimate Aramaic term “Abba” meaning “Papa” or “Daddy” (Mark 14:36). Some examples include:

Do not worry about your life (Matthew 6:25-34)
Ask and you will receive (Matthew 7:7-11)
Even you know how to give good gifts to your children (Matthew 7:11)

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God (Luke 12:6-7)
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6:8)

Jesus revealed God’s deep personal love for his people and wanted his followers to approach him with confidence and trust.

What did Jesus teach about salvation?

The teachings of Jesus focused heavily on the topic of salvation. He emphasized that he alone was the way to salvation and eternal life. Core truths Jesus shared about salvation include:

He came to bring salvation through his own death (Luke 19:10, Mark 10:45)
Salvation is by God’s grace through faith, not by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9)

People must repent and believe to receive salvation (Mark 1:15)
Those who believe in Jesus have eternal life (John 3:16)
He is the gate and only way to be saved (John 10:9, John 14:6)

Salvation brings conversion and new spiritual life (Luke 15:24-32)
Salvation is for people of every nation (Matthew 28:19-20)

Jesus emphasized salvation as a free gift from God that people receive through faith. He rejected salvation by human effort or works. Jesus alone made salvation available through paying the penalty for sin when he died on the cross and rose again.

Parables about salvation

Jesus often used parables, or short stories, to illustrate profound truths. Many of his parables focused on aspects of salvation like:

The lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7)
The lost coin (Luke 15:8-10)

The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)
The sower and the seeds (Matthew 13:1-23)
The wedding banquet (Matthew 22:1-14)

The narrow door (Luke 13:22-30)
The hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44)

These vivid stories brought to life spiritual realities about repentance, redemption, new life in Christ, the cost of discipleship, and more. The parables Jesus told continue to instruct people in the way of salvation.

What did Jesus teach about righteous living?

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus provided extensive instruction about living a righteous life. He emphasized loving others, being salt and light, going beyond external acts to internal heart motivations, loving enemies, giving generously, praying, fasting, trusting God for provisions, withholding judgment, and building on his words. Further teachings on righteous living include:

Love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40)
Treat others as you want to be treated (Luke 6:31)

Love and pray for your enemies (Matthew 5:44)
Be merciful as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36)
Go and bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8)

Let your light shine before others to see your good works (Matthew 5:16)
Store up treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21)

Jesus emphasized that outward religious acts and rule keeping was worthless without the right heart motivation. He consistently focused on loving God and loving people. This generous, merciful love should shape every part of a believer’s life.

Key ethical teachings of Jesus

Some of Jesus’ most prominent moral teachings include:

Do not judge or condemn others (Matthew 7:1-5)
Love your enemies (Luke 6:27-36)

Be humble and serve others (Matthew 23:11-12)
Do not sin in anger (Matthew 5:22)
Forgive those who wrong you (Matthew 6:14-15)

Go the extra mile for someone in need (Matthew 5:41)
Take the log out of your own eye first (Matthew 7:3-5)
Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24)

These and many other teachings challenged superficial externals and emphasized that real righteousness stems from a transformed inner person expressed through acts of grace, forgiveness, service, and sacrifice.

What did Jesus reveal about the end times?

Jesus provided many insights into future events regarding the end times and his second coming. He shared these prophetic revelations to prepare his followers and encourage watchfulness until his return. Some highlights include:

No one knows the day or hour of his return (Matthew 24:36)

His return will be visible and glorious (Matthew 24:27-30)
There will be heavenly signs and turmoil on the earth (Luke 21:25-28)
He will come like a thief in the night when not expected (Matthew 24:42-44)

His coming will result in judgment and separation (Matthew 25:31-46)
Only the Father knows the timing (Matthew 24:36)
Believers must actively watch and prepare (Mark 13:32-37)

The gospel will be preached globally before the end (Matthew 24:14)

Though many details remain uncertain, Jesus’ predictions offer hope and direction. He emphasized the need for readiness, faithfulness, and holy living until he returns again to make all things new.

Parables about the end times

Some of Jesus’ parables also offered warnings about end time readiness, including:

Wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
Faithful and evil servants (Matthew 24:45-51)
Bags of gold/talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

Thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-44)
Fig tree lesson (Matthew 24:32-35)

These memorable stories emphasize the importance of faithfulness, watchfulness, stewardship, and preparedness until the master returns to settle accounts. Jesus wants his followers to actively await his return.

Conclusion

The teachings of Jesus Christ revealed profound and life-changing truths. He made extensive claims about his divine identity and purpose which people must grapple with. His words expose the very heart, thoughts, and motivations of God toward humanity. Jesus spoke with authority and transparency about the way of salvation through faith in him. He also demonstrated and instructed about righteous living with an emphasis on love. And he provided a glimpse into future events regarding his second coming and the end of the age. His call to faith and discipleship continues to resonate today. Though Jesus lived millennia ago, his words remain powerful, relevant, and deeply impactful for all who will hear and respond.