Jesus the Teacher: The Most Influential Aspect of Christ
Yareni Beltran
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October 8, 2024
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Photo by Eddie Ortiz
The etymology of Christianity is a simple one. It means merely the way of Christians, which itself means “little Christ” or “the followers of Christ.” Why, then, do Christians name themselves after Christ?
The Most Influential Aspect of Christ
Christ in Greek means “the Anointed One”. It is simply one of the many titles of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians revere him as the central figure of their faith because he is not only their divine savior. He was also a profound teacher whose teachings illuminate their path. His disciples recorded and compiled his myriad teachings in the New Testament in the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. And they have made good people and touched the lives of countless millions of people worldwide. It is precisely because of his teachings that Christians bear his name.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Photo by Kelly
Jesus the Teacher: Authority
Anyone can speak about anything. What authority does Christ hold that people should follow his words and in his footsteps? Jesus was a man of charisma and deep conviction. While it is true that anyone can speak about anything, each string of words out of the mouth of Jesus is a line of great profundity and condensed wisdom. One can take a lifetime trying to glean every possible meaning of his words. As Matthew 7:28-29 says, “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.”
This is because what Jesus spoke of was derived from his unique relationship with God. It was the relationship between Son and Father, and who has greater authority than one vested by the Creator of the World? Jesus was, by essence, divine.
These were not mere claims also, as Jesus demonstrated time and time again. His authority granted to him by God manifested in miracles: the healing of the sick, the expulsion of demons, and even the raising of the dead. His words and these acts were indication of his divinity and his moral authority over everyone else.
Photo by Franck Denis
Jesus the Teacher: Message
The divinity of Christ is only a vessel for his message, and his message is one worth knowing about. The foundation of all his lessons is the Kingdom of God. He describes this not only as a physical reality but a spiritual realm that was the source of righteousness, peace and love. All individuals bore a seed of the Kingdom within their person, and only through following what Christ had taught and submitting to the supreme will of God can that seed grow to its fullness.
His approach to dispensing with this message is also what made him a great teacher. He spoke always with love—love that seemed to without end—emphasizing his love and the love of God for the whole of humanity. In his lessons, it is clear that love is the driving force and he even teaches Christians and others to love one another. This was an important commandment he wished to impart to all his followers. He taught that only through love could the Kingdom of God be realized on this earth.
Following love, the other pivotal lesson was of radical forgiveness. As God is an eternally forgiving God, people too should be forgiving. This was to be the case even for the most grievous of sins. If there was no forgiveness, then a cycle of negativity would be formed—and that would only hinder the coming of the Kingdom of God.
The Impact of Jesus the Teacher
It cannot be denied that the teachings of Jesus Christ were impactful. His message and vision of love and forgiveness were radical frameworks for approaching a chaotic world. And the promise of the Kingdom of God served as a powerful means of motivation.
Today, his immortal teachings continue to shape the world and the countless lives that live within it.
For a more directed testament of Jesus’s transformational lessons, Building Bridges Made in His Image by author Yareni Beltran will take you on a personal journey with Christ and help readers learn more about what it means to truly be Christian.
This link will help you order a copy right now.
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Yareni Beltran
Yareni Beltran is an inspiring author and healthcare professional originally from Hidalgo, Mexico. In her book, Building Bridges: Made in His Image, she shares her personal journey of faith and identity, illustrating how she rediscovered her purpose through Christ. Yareni’s story resonates with many, as she embodies the spirit of resilience and hope, serving as a role model for immigrants and individuals seeking their own paths. Her work not only uplifts readers but also encourages them to embrace their unique identities and the transformative power of faith in their lives.