The teachings of Jesus are not for the nations except in a general sense. Some of the Old Testament prophecies talked in general terms about the nations and their fate. The teachings of Jesus are specifically for individuals who accept Him as their Saviour and Lord.

The Proof

Jesus primarily taught His disciples. Jesus told them I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, Matthew 15:24. However, as in the sermon on the mount, Matthew 5-7, the crowds could hear what He was saying. Jesus also said, He who has ears to hear, let them hear, Matthew 11:15. Like Pharoah, many had hardened hearts towards the message of the Gospel.

A Canaanite woman came to Jesus crying for mercy. He said to her, It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs, Matthew 15:24. She replied, Yes Lord, but even the dogs feed on the crumbs that fall from the master’s table.

Jesus then commended her for the greatness of her faith. This Gentile woman called Jesus Lord. Yet, the vast majority of His own people refused to recognize who He was.

Kingdom of God

We can say the teachings of Jesus are universal. They are applicable for all people regardless of background, nationality, gender, age, or status. The disciples were instructed to go and make disciples of all the nations. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. They were to teach the Gentiles, or heathens, to observe all that He had commanded. Matthew 28:19, 20.

In Revelation the kingdom of God is made up of people from ever tribe, language, people and nation. They were purchased for God with the sinless blood of Christ, Revelation 5:9. For God so loved the world He gave His only Son, John 3:16, not wishing any to perish, 2 Peter 3:9.

Everyone is a sinner, Romans 3:23, and must come to Calvary in repentance. All must be Born Again of the Spirit of God in order to enter the Kingdom of God, John 3:5. That means having a personal relationship with the Creator, the great I Am Who I Am, Exodus 3:15.

Sheep Nation

The nations are represented as the lion with wings, the bear or beast with four heads, and the leopard with bird wings, Daniel 7:1-6. These nations are identified historically, as Babylon, the Medo-Persian Empire, and Greece. A terrible fourth beast with 10 horns was the Roman empire. Nations that rose and fell and disappeared.

However, Israel is seen as a ‘sheep nation’, its inhabitants as weaponless sheep. Christians also are represented as being weaponless sheep, living in the midst of wolves who would devour them 1 Peter 5:8.

Their survival is dependent on accepting and staying close to their Shepherd, Lord and Saviour. The Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep, John 10:11.

Comprehension

Even many non-Christians are familiar with parts of the teachings of Jesus. However, unless we apply them to our lives, they are just another set of beliefs.

How many times did Jesus tell His disciples He was going to die and on the third day rise again. Yet, like Thomas they doubted, John 20:25. They all heard His teaching and saw miracles, but being totally human, they could not comprehend the depth of what they were hearing.

We live this side of Calvary and also have the benefit of the insightful teaching of Paul. Do the vast majority of Christians around the world live and thoroughly embrace what Jesus taught? How much do they grieve the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 4:30, the great Comforter. He was sent to teach us all things, John 14:26. He is the One who searches the deep things of God, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16. The Holy Spirit is the One who who can help us understand and live the teachings of Jesus.

Followers of Christ

True followers of Christ abide in Him and He in them, John 15:4. They not only know the teachings of Jesus they value who He was, who He is and what He is about to do. The days of ‘playing church’ are over. It is not enough to be Christian in name, but must be in reality.

Now is the time to be committed to what Jesus taught. Time to stand up as a child of God, Galatians 3:26. A people set apart acting as kings of the eternal kingdom, 1 Peter 2:9. We are to be seen as fellow-heirs of Jesus Christ, Ephesians 3:6, with all His authority, Luke 10:19.

That is not some religious, sanctimonious way of life, but a life sold out to being led by the Spirit of God, who indwells us, John 14:23.  We need to be a people who live true to their word, Mattherw 5:27, and  full faith in the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. We are to be an example not by words or deeds only. Fully committed to making disciples of all who have an ear to hear.

Teachings of Jesus

In these last days we need to not only know the teachings of Jesus, we must apply them to our daily life. Now is the hour to live in faith and not in fear, as we daily see Old Testament prophecy being fulfilled. Jesus said, Do not worry about your life….. Seek first the Kingdom of God, Matthew 6:25-33.

Never have we been at a time when we are close to the Bridegroom calling away His bride. These will not be those who casually call themselves Christian, but only those who are totally sold out to the Lord Jesus Christ. The ones who are not afraid to be seen as His servants and seek to live lives that give glory to God.

There is an excited expectancy in the true followers of Christ. We do not know the hour or the day He will call His people away. The dead in Christ will rise first and those who are alive and remain will be caught up in the air to join them 1 Thessalonians 4:17. This is the day of our salvation. If He catches His bride away tonight, will you be in the bride company? Do you steadfastly stive to mature into the stature that belongs to Jesus Christ, Ephesians 4:13?

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Dr. Wendy Stenberg-Tendys is a servant of the Lord who enjoys researching Biblical topics and sharing words of encouragement from the Word of God. She asks the hard questions.

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