For many Christians, faith is shaped by sermons, devotional books, and doctrinal summaries. All of these can be helpful, but they are not the starting point.
To understand Christianity at its root, we must listen again — perhaps as if for the first time — to the words and example of Jesus in the Gospels.
Jesus’ Central Call
Across the Gospels, certain themes are repeated again and again:
- Repentance: turning away from sin and returning to God.
- The Kingdom of God: a call to live under God’s rule here and now.
- Obedience: keeping God’s commandments sincerely, not just outwardly.
- Love of God and neighbour: the heart of the Law and the Prophets.
- Prayer, fasting, and giving charity in humility, seeking God’s pleasure rather than human praise.
Jesus’ teaching is intensely practical. It is about how we live, not only what we say we believe.
How Jesus Spoke About Himself
Jesus is presented as the Messiah, a prophet, a teacher, and a servant of God. He speaks of being sent, of doing the will of the One who sent him, and of having no power apart from God.
He never invites people to worship him as God. Instead, he directs worship and prayer to the One he calls “Father” and teaches his followers to do the same.
Jesus and the Law
As seen earlier, Jesus affirms the Law and warns against those who would relax it. He deepens its meaning, moving from outward observance to inner sincerity, but he does not present obedience as optional.
His criticism is most severe not for those who keep the commandments, but for those who use religion for show while ignoring justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Comparing Jesus’ Message to Later Systems
When we place Jesus’ words next to later doctrinal systems, a contrast sometimes appears:
- Jesus emphasises God, obedience, and repentance.
- Later systems often emphasise complex formulas about Jesus himself and detailed theories of atonement.
A thoughtful believer might ask: Is my faith centred where Jesus centred his — on God, obedience, and transformation — or mainly on a system about Jesus?
Listening Again With an Honest Heart
This chapter is not about rejecting Jesus. It is about honouring him enough to let his own words lead.
If Jesus’ message is one of pure devotion to God, sincere obedience, and preparation for the Day of Judgement, then perhaps the next step is to ask:
What does pure worship of the One God look like today?
The final chapter explores this question under the theme of pure monotheism.