Where in the Bible can I find the teachings and commandments of Jesus?

The teachings and commandments of Jesus are foundational to the Christian faith and are primarily found in the four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each of these books provides a unique perspective on the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus, offering a comprehensive view of His message to humanity.

The Gospel of Matthew is often considered the most structured and systematic presentation of Jesus' teachings. One of the most significant collections of His teachings is the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. This sermon includes the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), which describe the attitudes and behaviors that are blessed by God. It also covers a wide range of moral and ethical teachings, such as loving your enemies (Matthew 5:43-48), the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), and the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). Jesus concludes the sermon with a call to action, urging His listeners to not just hear His words but to put them into practice (Matthew 7:24-27).

In the Gospel of Mark, the focus is more on the actions and miracles of Jesus, but it also contains essential teachings. For example, in Mark 12:28-31, Jesus summarizes the greatest commandments: to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. These commandments encapsulate the essence of Jesus' teaching and are echoed in the other Gospels as well.

The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed account of Jesus' life and teachings, often emphasizing His compassion and concern for the marginalized. One notable section is the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), which teaches about the importance of showing mercy and love to others, regardless of their background or status. Luke also includes the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), which illustrates God's boundless grace and forgiveness.

The Gospel of John offers a more theological perspective on Jesus' teachings, emphasizing His divine nature and relationship with God the Father. One of the key teachings in John is the concept of being "born again" (John 3:3-8), which Jesus explains to Nicodemus as a spiritual rebirth necessary for entering the kingdom of God. John also records Jesus' "I am" statements, such as "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35) and "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), which reveal His identity and mission.

Beyond the Gospels, the teachings and commandments of Jesus are also reflected in the writings of the apostles. For instance, the Apostle Paul often refers to Jesus' teachings in his letters, providing further insight and application for early Christian communities. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul expounds on the nature of love, drawing from Jesus' commandment to love one another. Similarly, in Philippians 2:5-11, Paul encourages believers to have the same mindset as Christ, highlighting His humility and obedience.

In addition to the explicit teachings recorded in the New Testament, the life and actions of Jesus serve as a model for Christian living. His compassion for the poor, His healing of the sick, and His willingness to forgive sinners all exemplify the principles He taught. For example, in John 13:34-35, Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, setting a high standard for selfless, sacrificial love.

To understand the teachings and commandments of Jesus fully, it is essential to read the Gospels in their entirety, as each one provides a different facet of His message. Together, they offer a rich and nuanced portrait of the historical Jesus and His enduring impact on the world.

In summary, the teachings and commandments of Jesus can be found throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books provide a comprehensive account of His message, emphasizing the importance of love, compassion, humility, and obedience to God. By studying these texts, believers can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings and how to apply them in their own lives.