The Wisdom of Jesus in 12 Quotes

The wisdom of Jesus needs no introduction. Born to a peasant woman and reared in an insignificant village, Jesus of Nazareth lived his short life on earth as a carpenter and travelling Rabbi. His words and actions aroused intense hostility from Jewish and Roman authorities, who eventually charged him with treason and crucified him as an enemy of the state. However, Jesus’ words continue to change lives, even today – and he predicted his own resurrection, which was reported by hundreds of his contemporaries.

Jesus never trained as a formal speaker or philosopher, and his style of speech is not ‘polished’ by classical standards. Still, Jesus speaks with clarity, simplicity, and penetration – getting to the heart of man and his problems. Although it is difficult to summarize Jesus’ wisdom, here are twelve quotes that reveal his powerful ability to speak truth to the human condition.

1 – Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)

Jesus spent his life as a humble teacher, despised by the elite of his day. He taught his followers that humility and submission to God are ultimately rewarded. However, those who pursue status and rank will ultimately be disappointed. Far more than mere ‘karma,’ Jesus taught that his Father directs human affairs and will bring justice in the end.

2 – No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Matthew 6:24)

There is no room for compromise in Jesus’ teaching about God. God demands our complete, undivided loyalty. This is difficult in a world that obsesses over wealth. Those who would follow God are no longer able to serve, love or be devoted to riches or the pursuit of riches. In fact, Jesus taught that riches are one of the greatest hindrances to being a true follower of God.

3 – Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person. (Matthew 15:10-11)

Surrounded by cultural taboos and religious regulations, Jesus gave his followers immense freedom in how they serve God. He taught that true obedience to God comes from the heart, rather than through man-made regulations. However, what people do with their freedom is telling. The actions that one chooses – and especially the words that one uses – show whether his heart is ‘defiled.’

4 – Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. (John 8:34)

For Jesus, humanity can be divided into those who are ‘slaves of sin’ and those who have been ‘set free.’ The test of character is not particularly difficult: those who practice sin are slaves to it, no matter what excuses or explanations they may come up with.

5 – Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:31-32)

Jesus spent little time with those who felt spiritually sufficient. Instead, Jesus spent his time with those who recognized their broken spiritual condition. Defining himself as a spiritual ‘physician,’ Jesus recognized that sinners come into spiritual health when they practice repentance.

6 – For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matthew 16:26)

Sometimes Jesus provided logical arguments to encourage his followers to consider the importance of following God. One of his most persuasive arguments has to do with the significance of your soul. Because it is priceless, nothing should keep you from preserving it. Even the world itself is not sufficient reward if you lose your soul.

7 – And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

Jesus warned his followers that they would have a tough time in this world. He warned that many of them would face rejection, beatings, and even death because they chose to follow him. However, he reminded them that God deserves fear, not man, because God has ultimate jurisdiction over human souls.  

8 – Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. (Luke 20:25)

When Jesus was asked questions about taxes and submitting to human institutions, he readily shook them off. He recognized that followers of God have duties to pay to their fellow-men, but these duties are overshadowed by a much greater duty: to render honor and obedience to God.

9 – Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. (Luke 13:23)

Jesus did not teach that it was easy to obey God or be his follower. Instead, he described it as a ‘narrow way’ that is entered through a ‘narrow door.’ Because it is not easy to enter or remain on this path, he recommended that his followers make every effort to pursue it, rather than taking it for granted.

10 – Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)

Forgiveness was a prominent feature of Jesus’ teaching, and he reminded his followers that God does not forgive the unforgiving. This quotation comes from Jesus’ crucifixion, as he looked at those who were guilty of flogging him and then nailing him to a wooden beam. It shows how willing he was to extend forgiveness, even to those who killed him.

11 – I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:26)

Jesus saw himself as the ultimate cure for spiritual death, and he often urged his followers to believe in him. He taught that ultimate spiritual life, including final bodily resurrection at the end of the world, are attained only through him. His followers must do more than simply obey his commands: they need to place their trust in him as the ultimate solution to their own spiritual brokenness.

12 – Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:4-44)

Jesus prophesied repeatedly that he would return at the end of the world, bringing justice and completion to world history. Because there is no way of predicting when he will return, Jesus argued that his followers must live constantly on the alert, avoiding sin and preparing for that moment when he would arrive.