What He Taught

First, consider what Jesus taught. The theme of his message was "the good news of the kingdom." (Luke 4:43) That was highly important because of the role of the Kingdom would play in vindicating Jehovah's sovereignty and in bringing lasting blessing to mankind. In his teaching, Jesus also offered wise counsel for everyday living. He proved himself to be the foretold "Wonderful Counselor." (Isaiah 9:6) Indeed, how could his counsel be anything but wonderful? He had a profound knowledge of God's Word and will, a keen understanding of human nature, and a deep love for humankind. Hence, his counsel was always practical and in the best interests of his listeners. Jesus uttered "sayings of everlasting life." Yes, when followed, his counsel leads to salvation. -John 6:68

The Sermon on the Mount is an outstanding example of the unparalleled wisdom found in the teaching of Jesus. This sermon, as recorded in Matthew 5:3-7:27, would likely take only 20 minutes to deliver. Its counsel, however, is timeless-as relevant today as when it was first given. Jesus covered a wide range of subjects, including how to improve relations with others (5:23-26, 38-42; 7:1-5, 12), how to keep morally clean (5:27-32), and how to live a meaningful life. (6:19-24; 7:24-27). But Jesus did more than just tell his listeners what the course of wisdom is; he showed them by explaining, reasoning and offering proof.

Consider, for example, Jesus' wise counsel on how to deal with anxiety about material things, as stated in Matthew chapter 6. "Stop being anxious about your souls as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to what you will wear," Jesus advises us. (Verse 25) Food and clothing are basic necessities, and it is only natural to be concerned about obtaining these. But Jesus tells us to "stop being anxious" about such things. Why?

Listen as Jesus reasons convincingly. Since Jehovah has given us life and a body, can he not provide food to sustain that life and raiment to clothe that body? (Verse 25) If God provides birds with food and he clothes the flowers with beauty, how much more will he care for his human worshipers! (Verses 26, 28-30) Really, undue anxiety is pointless anyway. It cannot extend out life even by a fraction. (Verse 27) How can we avoid anxiety? Jesus counsels us: Continue giving worship of God priority in life. Those who do so can be confident that all their daily needs "will be added" to them by their heavenly Father. (Verse 33) Finally, Jesus give a most practical suggestion-take one day at a time. Why add tomorrow's anxieties to those of today? (Verse 34) Besides, why worry unduly about things that may never happen? Applying such wise counsel can spare us much heartache in this stressful world.

Clearly, the counsel Jesus provided is as practical today as it was when it was given nearly 2,000 years ago. Is that not evidence of wisdom from above? Even the best advice from human counselors tends to become outdated and is soon revised or replaced, The teaching of Jesus, however, have stood the test of time. But that should not surprise us, for this Wonderful Counselor spoke "the sayings of God." -John 3:34.

Next time: His Manner Of Teaching

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002