Today,
we can see how his teaching activity was Jesus' central mission of
his public life. Jesus' preaching, however, was very different to
others, and this surprised and amazed people. Despite the fact Jesus
had not studied (cf. Jn 7:15), He, certainly, befuddled the
Jews with his teachings, «for his word was spoken with
authority» (Lk 4:32). His style of speech had the
authority of he who knows He is the “Saint of God”.
It was precisely such
authority in his speech that gave strength to his language. He used
living and specific images, without any syllogisms or definitions;
words and images He pulled out from the very nature or, more often
than not, from the Holy Scriptures. Jesus was, no doubt, a good
observer, a man close to human situations: while we can watch him
teaching, we can also see him so close to people doing good to them
(healing their sicknesses, driving out evil spirits, etc.). In the
book of everyday life He read those experiences that, later on, He
would use in his teachings. Despite this elementary and “basic”
material, the Lord's word was always profound and perturbing,
radically new and definite.
The
greatest thing about Jesus Christ's speech was how He could combine
his divine authority with the most incredible human simplicity. Both
authority and simplicity were possible in Jesus thanks to his
knowledge of the Father and his relation of amorous obedience with
Him (cf. Mt 11:25-27). It is this especial relationship with
the Father that explains that unique harmony between greatness and
humility. The authority of his speech did not adjust to human
parameters; there was no competition, no personal interest or
glitter. It was the kind of authority manifested both by the
sublimity of the word and its humility and simplicity. There never
was in his lips any personal praise, haughtiness or shouting.
Mansuetude, gentleness, understanding, peace, truth, light,
justice..., this was the aroma surrounding the authority of his
teachings.
