Final answer:
The teachings of Jesus propose a life focused on humility, spiritual devotion, and compassion as the means to achieve joy and fullness within the kingdom of God. Central to these teachings is the principle that material wealth can be an obstacle to spiritual growth, while living by God's commandments brings true happiness. Jesus's own life set an example of service and love, laying the foundation for the principles of Christianity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jesus's teachings on obtaining joy and a full life within the kingdom of God emphasize humility, compassion, and spiritual devotion over material wealth. In multiple instances in the New Testament, Jesus spoke of the challenges wealth brings in the pursuit of a spiritual life. For example, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" (Matt. 19.24). This metaphor highlighted the hindrances possessions can create in seeking spiritual fulfillment.
Moreover, Jesus's prescription for living a life aligned with the kingdom of God involved loving others as oneself, echoing earlier sentiments from different belief systems, such as Jainism, which also promoted treating all creatures with the same regard as one's self. Jesus taught that following God's laws and commandments would bring joy to the heart, as seen in Psalms 19:7-8. His emphasis on spiritual laws over material concerns suggested that a life of service, forgiveness, and devotion to God was the pathway to true happiness and eternal life.
Through his teachings and parables, Jesus expressed that the pursuit of righteousness, rather than earthly success, was essential for entry into the kingdom of God. He exemplified this through his own life, as he commenced his ministry at the age of thirty after a humble life as a carpenter, preaching a message of salvation and forgiveness. His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection served as the cornerstone of Christian faith, promoting the belief that salvation and fullness of life are attainable through faith in God and adherence to Jesus's teachings.