Final answer:
Jesus claimed to be greater than Jonah and the temple, highlighting his authority and divine nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, he claimed to be greater than various individuals or entities. One example is when Jesus said he was greater than Jonah, who was a prophet in the Hebrew Bible. Jesus explained that while Jonah was in the belly of a fish for three days, he would be in the earth for three days and then rise again. Another example is when Jesus said he was greater than the temple, which was a sacred place in Judaism. Jesus stated that if the people truly understood the meaning of God's mercy, they would not condemn innocent people in the temple.
These statements by Jesus emphasize his authority and divine nature. Jesus’ role, as indicated in his teachings and miracles, was to impart a message of redemption and to enact God's will as a savior, thus being considered greater than any earthly power or historical figure through his divine nature and the redemptive qualities of his earthly mission.