In this book we are considering the essential, fundamental, basic, and elementary ideas, principles, and concepts that Jesus taught. Jesus taught many things. Scripture says that if everything that He did were written down that the world itself could not contain all the books that would be written. But then what we want to do is ask: Out of all the things that the Bible talks about, what are the essentials? We can focus on the things that are most important.
Now, everything Jesus teaches is important; do not get me wrong. Everything that Jesus teaches is rich and full and complete. He can say more with one word than we can say with 1000 words. But the purpose of focusing on the 7 Essential Teachings of Jesus is to help to simplify and reduce the “many things” that we often try to keep track of. Religion tends to over-teach, and over- instruct, and micromanage every aspect of belief and behavior. In my study of Scripture, and especially with these 7 Essential Teachings of Jesus, He keeps it very simple and easy to understand.
Most of the teachings of Jesus can be categorized into these seven basic concepts; and yet, the depth of these simple teachings are such that we may study them and apply them our whole lives. My prayer is that you will return to the simplicity of Christ, if you have not already; and, that you will allow the power of the 7 Essential Teachings of Jesus to transform every area of your life, one teaching at a time.
