The words of Jesus, recorded in the Gospels, form the foundation of Christian faith and practice. His commands were not merely moral guidelines but living invitations to a transformed life rooted in love, humility, and obedience to God.
When asked to summarize the law, Jesus gave two simple yet all-encompassing commands: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–39). He said, “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Every other instruction flows from these words.
Jesus called His followers to radical love and forgiveness. “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37). His teaching turned the world’s logic upside down, commanding compassion instead of revenge and mercy instead of judgment.
He also urged humility and service: “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26). “Take up your cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34). His command to deny oneself was not a call to self-hatred, but to surrender — to exchange pride and ambition for obedience and faith.
Jesus repeatedly emphasized truth, purity, and peace: “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.” (Matthew 5:37). “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9). “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36). These were not abstract ideals but commands to reflect God’s character in daily life.
He also warned against hypocrisy: “First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5). And He called for faith over fear: “Do not worry about tomorrow.” (Matthew 6:34). “Believe in God; believe also in Me.” (John 14:1).
Jesus commanded repentance, not merely belief: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17). He told His followers to bear fruit worthy of that repentance and to live as light in a dark world: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
And finally, His Great Commission stands as His enduring command to all believers: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20).
The commands of Jesus are not burdens but blessings — words that call us to love, forgive, serve, and live truthfully in a world that often does the opposite. As He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15).