The words Jesus spoke, as recorded in the Bible, form the foundation of Christian faith and teaching. His words encompass teachings, parables, commands, promises, and prayers, offering guidance, hope, and understanding of God’s Kingdom. Here is an overview of the key themes and types of words Jesus spoke:
1. Words of Teaching
Jesus’ teachings focused on explaining the Kingdom of God, moral living, and how to relate to God and others.
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The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7):
- “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
- He taught about blessings (the Beatitudes), prayer (the Lord’s Prayer), and living righteously.
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The Greatest Commandment:
- “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)
2. Words of Parables
Jesus frequently used parables—stories with spiritual meaning—to teach about God’s Kingdom.
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The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37):
- Emphasized love and mercy toward others.
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The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32):
- Demonstrated God’s forgiveness and grace toward repentant sinners.
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The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23):
- Explained how people respond differently to the Word of God.
3. Words of Invitation
Jesus invited people to follow Him, promising rest and eternal life.
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Invitation to Rest:
- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
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Calling His Disciples:
- “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19)
4. Words of Miracles and Healing
Jesus spoke words that healed the sick, calmed storms, and performed other miracles.
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Healing the Centurion’s Servant:
- “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” (Matthew 8:13)
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Calming the Storm:
- “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39)
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Raising Lazarus:
- “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43)
5. Words of Comfort and Hope
Jesus offered comfort and hope to those in need, pointing to God’s faithfulness.
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Words to His Disciples:
- “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
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Assurance of Eternal Life:
- “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25)
6. Words of Correction and Warning
Jesus rebuked hypocrisy and warned about judgment for unrepentant hearts.
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Against Hypocrisy:
- “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs.” (Matthew 23:27)
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Call to Repentance:
- “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)
7. Words of Sacrifice and Salvation
Jesus’ mission was to provide salvation through His death and resurrection.
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Foretelling His Death:
- “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
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On the Cross:
- “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
- “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
8. Words of Prayer
Jesus often prayed, setting an example of communication with the Father.
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The Lord’s Prayer:
- “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)
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In Gethsemane:
- “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
9. Words of Commission
After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His disciples to spread the gospel.
- The Great Commission:
- “Therefore go 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 everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
10. Words About His Return
Jesus spoke of His second coming and the hope of eternal life.
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Promise of His Return:
- “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:3)
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Preparation for His Return:
- “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)
Conclusion
The words Jesus spoke remain powerful and transformative. They reveal God’s love, grace, and truth, offering guidance for living a life that honors God. His teachings call believers to follow Him with faith, hope, and obedience, while trusting in His promises for both now and eternity.
For Further Study
John 1:15 The Word Became Flesh….Link