Jesus Christ, a moral exemplar whose birthday is celebrated on Christmas Day, is a spiritual and wisdom teacher. He taught in parables and proverbs.

Jesus is also known as Messiah, Christ, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Son of God from theological implications. As a man who lived among the people, he was a great teacher, a moral exemplar who taught in parables and proverbs. He offered to mankind the "Sermon on the Mount" ("The Beatitudes") and a command to love.

The term 'teacher' is being broadly used here, for he does not fit into the conventional definition of a teacher: he had no advanced degree, no classroom, no supervisor, and not an academia with a formal divinity degree. Yet, anyone familiar with the New Testament will know that teaching was an integral part of the nature of Jesus.

Brief Summary of the Life of Jesus

The four Gospels provide the story of his life, from ministry, Passion, death, and resurrection. Matthew and Luke record the events surrounding his birth, but little is said of his childhood. It also tells of his role as a teacher in the northern region of Galilee. Jesus called 12 disciples and gradually prepared them to understand the purpose of his ministry.

His teaching was not only vivid, he also acted in ways that met people's needs. While some came to him enthusiastically, others opposed and questioned his capabilities. In all this, he insisted that his authority came from God. Even his disciples had difficulty understanding his mission. Everything happened as a part of his mission and purpose on earth – from the Passover in Jerusalem to his resurrection after the third day of his death.

Jesus's Teaching Episodes: Parables and Proverbs

Jesus taught in terms of parables and proverbs.

The Gospel of Matthew 13:34 confirms his use of parables: "Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable." In teaching the parables, scholars have classified them into main groups according to the different forms in which they appear. For example, of these groups are similitude stories, extended metaphor, and allegories. It is not the scope of this article to discuss these groups at length.

In the "Sermon on the Mount" (Gospels of Matthew 5:1-7:29; Luke 6:20-49), also called "The Beatitudes" ("Blessed are those…"), are found declarations that reassure. Jesus also gives his listeners a sense of their importance, their value, as an example: "You are light for all the world." (Matthew 5:14)

The succeeding verses in the passage continue with a series of proverbs contrasting morality of rules and compassion. Jesus taught against self-righteousness.

One of the most common proverbs often repeated is the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31): "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." Proverbs are found abundantly in the Gospel.

Greatest Teacher of All

As a teacher, Jesus not only taught through parables and proverbs. He also taught people "The Lord's Prayer" and the two greatest commandments" – "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and might" and "Love your neighbour as yourself."

In all human history, Jesus is the greatest teacher whose messages are unparalleled. Even people who do not embrace Christianity agree that his "Sermon on the Mount" and his teachings to his disciples are the greatest pieces of wisdom and literature. His teachings are timeless, applicable to human life at any generation. Jesus, the teacher, offers wisdom and compassion that only he can give.

Sources:

Complete Bible Handbook, by John Bowker, Dorling Kindersley (1998)

Holy Bible, English Standard Version

Holy Bible, Good News Bible (GNB)

Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)

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