The Gospel of Jesus

Jesus spent 3 1/2 year on earth. He utilized that time to preach the Gospel. Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:14. Jesus “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.” Acts 10:38.

What kind of sermons did Jesus preach? Most modern preachers refer to the writings of Paul – using them even more than the words of Jesus, Himself. And Paul’s words were inspired of God. And all scripture is truth and profitable. But our message should be Jesus’ message. Our preaching should sound like His preaching. He was perfect; He was a master of everything He attempted. No man can ever preach as well as Jesus; but every church should ring with the sound of a minister who is diligently trying to preach the same message that Jesus preached.

What did Jesus preach about? Are His messages still pertinent today? Was His gospel some syrupy message of a pseudo-love that does not demand change? Or did His message confront people, and point out their sins? Did He cover up their short-comings and arrogance, or did He demand that they repent and change?

What is the message that men of God should preach today?

Jesus was not a popular preacher 2000 years ago. I am not sure He would be popular today. Most modern preachers would not let Him preach in their pulpits. Christianity has drifted so far from Christ’s message and His style. His Gospel would seem strange, even foreign, to the churches of today.

Jesus was very kind and compassionate with the poor; the downtrodden, and the sick. He reached out to help those who were hurting, and afflicted. He was a gentle shepherd seeking those who were lost and in trouble.

Jesus was very demanding of His disciples. He asked them to sacrifice all that they had to follow Him. He promised them no earthly treasure, no comforts of life, no fame or fortune.

Jesus was very stern with the self-righteous leaders of His day. He gave the Pharisees and Sadducees a hard time.

Jesus was known for His boldness and authority. Matthew 7:28-29. He was not afraid to confront the Pharisees in public. Matthew 23:13-33. Jesus made a whip and cleansed the temple. John 2:15-16. Not many preachers today are noted for such boldness and fearlessness.

Jesus taught a message of forgiveness that was astonishing to His disciples. They were to forgive 70 times 7. Matthew 18:22. (The Jewish Talmud had said to forgive seven times in the day.) Jesus said to forgive your brother 490 times in a day. That is more than 30 times each waking hour, or an average of once every two waking minutes.

How long does it take you to “get over” an offense? How long does your anger burn before you can think clearly, and forgive? Can you get over one offense and be ready for the next one in two minutes?

People get tired of forgiving. They can take one offense, or two, or maybe even several. But when the same person offends repeatedly, we find it hard to keep forgiving. But Jesus said to forgive the same person – every two minutes! That is a message that should be preached in modern pulpits.

Jesus preached that many would call Him Lord, and even do wonderful works, but i would be unacceptable to Him. Matthew 7:21-23. He rejected praise from those who taught false doctrine. Matthew 15:7-9. He taught of virgins who lose out on the opportunity to enter in. Matthew 25:1-12. That is a message that should be preached in modern pulpits.

The ministry of Jesus was one that demanded change. he preached repentance and conversion. He confronted sin, and demanded confession and turning. Only those who put the work of the Lord first were going to inherit life. Has the message of Jesus changed? Are modern preachers preaching the same message?

Jesus was a straight shooter. he didn’t coddle wrong. he was merciful to those in need, but had no patience with the smug, the self-righteous, and those who though they had it made.

May the Lord help us to preach bold, life-changing messages – like the message Jesus preached when He walked this earth.