Introduction

You haven't necessarily to be a theologian to be able to understand the "Sermon on the Mount" of Jesus' parables. Trivial stories for simple people, migrant workers, tax collectors, prostitutes. For the righteous and the sinners. We can't witness the miracles firsthand, but the stories by Jesus are simple and understandable for those who listen to them with open hearts.

Unfortunately, we have to miss the charisma of the storyteller Jesus. I can only imagine how he betokened with shining eyes and a burning heart, with wide arm movements, the greatness of God's love and mercy, how he sat at the feet of the poorest, and how he drew with his fingers pictures in the sand to make his stories more vivid.

Jesus' Ministry and Teachings

Jesus simply comes along, a wandering preacher with dusty feet and unwashed hands, and forgives sins. That he does with God's power. And everything he is doing becomes a sign as God means it with his humans. Jesus sees the essential because he knows God's heart.

The dirty hands during the meal don't make the human impure, but what comes out of his mouth—bad words out of a bad heart—makes the human impure. The commandments are for humans, not against them. Therefore, he heals on the Sabbath and picks grain with his disciples from the field.

Childlike Faith and Love

The theologians haven't the last word, but let the little children come to me, for they understand God's realm. With Jesus, everything suddenly becomes quite simple. Love God and your neighbor like yourself—that's it. Even a faith as small as a mustard seed can set mountains. Don't worry about tomorrow, but trust in God.

Jesus and Jewish Piety

Jesus himself was deeply anchored in Jewish piety. He knew God as a son knows his father.