Jesus Preaching “What counts the most in life is blessed Jesus Christ, his holy Church, his Gospel, truth and goodness.” Bl. Pope John XXIII

The Preaching begins Baptism begins his ministry – Then the 40 days in the desert Returns to Galilee with the Holy Spirit – Fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies – Rejection at Nazareth Growing out of the prophetic tradition – Called on the people to repent

Jesus as a Teacher Creative (parables) Dramatic (flipping over tables at the Temple) Performed miracles (raise the dead, heal the sick)

An Outstanding teacher Genuine: lived what he preached – “the greatest love is to lay down one’s life for a friend” Available: taught out in the real world Understandable: down-to-earth language – Vibrant images to aid recall – Hyperbole: cutting off the sinful hand Authority: Knew whereof he spoke, didn’t have to quote others

Jesus with other teachers Debater: Frequently challenged by Pharisees and others – Verbal traps: “Is it lawful to pay this tax?” “Which is the greatest Commandment” – Turns it around on them Challenger: Don’t be a passive listener, but be changed by the teaching

God’s Grace We cannot earn or deserve salvation – Given by God’s grace Must be humble, have faith and trust in God “Camel through the eye of needle” – Hyperbole yes – People with money tend to think it solves all problems

Regions of his teaching Galilee – Jews & Gentiles just beginning to mix – Zealots hate this Samaria – Jews & Gentiles long ago intermixed, erasing distinctions Judea – Capital of Judaism: Jerusalem

The Teaching The Kingdom of God – Not of this Earth – “active presence of God’s love, justice, truth, and Salvation” – Brought to us by Christ through the Paschal Mystery

Parables Short allegorical stories – Illustrate the Kingdom using prosaic examples Easy to remember – Good Samaritan – Lazarus & the rich man – Prodigal Son – Sowing seeds Point is clear – Inform Christian life and thought