A Biblical Vision, Part I: Mastering the Old Testament Witness to Christ

Append i x

221

Appendix 40 The Magnetism of Jesus’ Teaching: Where Did It Come From? From Robert H. Stein, The Method and Message of Jesus’ Teachings

Why was Jesus such a fascinating teacher? What caused these large crowds to follow him? In reply one might say that it was what Jesus said that drew the crowds. With Jesus the voice of prophecy had once again returned to Israel after 400 years. In the ministry of Jesus, the Spirit of God was once again active in Israel (cf. Matt. 12.28; Luke 4.16-21). God was once again visiting his people and proclaiming his will. One reason people came to hear Jesus was that many were convinced that God was speaking through Jesus of Nazareth and that what he was saying was indeed the Word of God (Luke 5.1; 11.28; Mark 4.14-20). . . . No doubt an additional factor that enters the picture involves the personality of Jesus, for the personality of Jesus gave life and vitality to his message. It was the Word made flesh (John 1.14) which was the medium through which and by which the Word of God came. People loved to listen to Jesus because of the kind of person he was. Publicans, sinners, children, the crowds – all found in Jesus one whom they enjoyed being near. It was therefore not only what he taught but also who he was that attracted people to hear him. . . . The what of his message and the who , i.e., the “personality” and “authority” of the messenger, all played a part in making Jesus an exciting teacher.

~ Robert H. Stein. The Method and Message of Jesus’ Teachings . Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1978. pp.7-8.