The New Testament tells us many things about Jesus. There are stories about his birth, his death and resurrection - about his healing ministry, and about his miracles - walking upon the water, stilling storms, feeding thousands of people on a few loaves and fishes; and so on.

There is also evidence of his teaching and preaching. He taught, says St. Matthew in 7:29, as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. He re-interpreted the teaching of the law of Moses and of the great prophets - Isaiah and Ezekiel - in the section of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, known as the 'sermon on the mount'. The main thrust of his teaching, however, was devoted to the coming of God's rule in the world - God's...