The Three Contexts in which Jesus Spoke

In this challenging year, we all have been graced with the opportunity to look within. For many, it has given the chance to re-define the meaning of their life. Christmas, too, is no exception. Festivals are celebrated in a true sense only when they bring about the right change in our lives.

All over the world, the crucifixion has been known as Jesus’ sacrifice for mankind. But ironically, most people are sacrificing the higher teachings of Jesus today. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the most profound messages of Jesus are being crucified. People are settling for teachings that provide them easy solace.

Jesus addressed people based on their level of understanding. His words varied depending on the receptivity of the audience. Thus, we find that he spoke in three broad contexts.

Son of Man
When Jesus addressed beginners on the path of truth, he would proclaim that he is the son of man. When these seekers venerated him as their master, Jesus would tell them that only the Father (God) should be venerated. He would tell them so because beginners are not adept at contemplation or meditation on the truth. It was essential that they should be inducted into the path of truth with the right conditioning of mind and behavior. Hence, his first teaching to them was: “Love God more than your own life.” He would enjoin them to worship God with uncompromising devotion.

Son of God
To those who were attuned to the divine way of life, Jesus would state, “I am the son of God, conveying my Father’s (God’s) message.” He could say this because the audience was prepared to receive the essence of what he was saying. He spoke to them as the medium of God, considering the possibility that they will apply his teachings and experience that they too are the son of God.

Sun of the World
To those who were his true devotees and were fully receptive, he would proclaim, “I am the Light, I am the Way.” He spoke to them from the standpoint of the Father (God, Self), because the audience was prepared to receive the highest teachings from the Self. Here, the analogy of the sun is used. The world comes into action when the sun rises and goes to sleep when the sun sets. All the activities of the world spontaneously happen in the mere presence of the sun. In the same way, everybody comes alive and functions spontaneously due to God’s presence.

Summary
Jesus’s teachings varied depending on the receptivity and level of awareness of the audience. He addressed beginners on the path of truth as the son of man. With a higher level of understanding of the audience, he addressed them as the son of God. To those with the highest level of receptivity, he proclaimed, “I am the light; I am the way.” But this aspect is ignored today. People merely follow his preliminary teachings as rituals for their own solace.

Jesus wished for everyone to attain the sublime state he was in. He wished for everyone to attain the kingdom of God. On this Christmas, let us resolve to put in our earnest effort to understand and practice the higher teachings of Jesus.

~ Based on the Teachings of Sirshree