The Specific Locations and Inspiration of Jesus’ Words in the Bible

Introduction

The question of where the actual words of Jesus are found in the Bible is a nuanced one that involves a deep dive into the structure and composition of the Christian New Testament. This article aims to explore the locations where Jesus' words are found, the historical context behind the use of red letters, and the inspiration and propagation of his teachings through biblical texts.

Where Are Jesus' Words Found in the Bible?

Jesus' words are mostly found within the four Gospels: Matthew, Marcus, Luke, and John. These books are the primary sources for understanding the teachings, miracles, and life of Jesus Christ. However, it's important to note that the specific phrasing of Jesus’ words can vary between these texts due to the unique perspectives and adaptations of the authors.

The Inspiration for Rubricating Jesus' Words

The use of red letters to highlight the words of Jesus in a Bible dates back to the late 19th century and has its roots in biblical prophecy. The concept of rubricating Jesus' words comes from Luke 22:20: “And as they were eating, [Jesus] took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” This verse, along with others, inspired the idea of differentiating Jesus' words from those of the other authors.

The inspiration for this practice was first conceived by Louis Klopsch, the editor of The Christian Herald magazine. Klopsch sought the opinion of his mentor, Rev. Thomas De Witt Talmage, who endorsed the idea and provided scriptural support:

You drinketh up “they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind and they shall gather the captivity as the sand.” Hab 1:8-9

This scriptural endorsement was seen as a validation of Klopsch's idea to use red letters for Jesus' words.

Understanding the Differences in Jesus' Teachings

It is important to recognize that the Gospels were written at different times and in different contexts, leading to variations in the specific details of Jesus' teachings. For instance, in Matthew 21:18-22 and Mark 14:3-9, there are differences in the narrative of the fig tree story and the anointing of Jesus, respectively. Similarly, the anointing stories in Mark 14:3-9, Matthew 26:6-13, Luke 7:36-50, and John 12:1-8 all share similarities but also contain unique details.

These differences highlight the fact that the Gospels were not intended to be strictly historical accounts but theological teaching documents. Their primary focus is on conveying the theological significance of Jesus’ life and teachings rather than detailed historical events.

The Purpose and Structure of the New Testament

The New Testament, including the Gospels, is not a work of critical history but propaganda designed to convince readers and listeners that Jesus is the Son of God. These books, along with Acts and the other epistles, were crafted by literate elites to promote the Christian message and ensure its spread and acceptance.

In the context of Christianity, Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are pivotal events that provide salvation and eternal life to those who believe in these actions. This belief system is rooted in the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament, which is seen as a nationalist propaganda work by some scholars.

The structure and content of the Bible, particularly the New Testament, reflect a methodical and structured approach to shaping and spreading a religious and ethical message that resonated with its contemporary audiences.

Conclusion

Understanding where Jesus’ words are found in the Bible involves looking at the specific locations within the Gospels and appreciating the historical and theological context in which these texts were written. The use of red letters is a powerful way to draw attention to these words, while recognizing the variations and unique perspectives within the Gospels provides a deeper insight into the message they convey.

The Bible, particularly in its red letter edition, serves as a rich source of spiritual and ethical teachings that continue to influence people around the world.