Jesus quotes: 25 sayings and what they mean

You probably are not searching for a list. Perhaps this week has been difficult for you, or you have a family member in distress and are trying to get a word of comfort from Jesus. This collection of Jesus quotes is just what you need.

These Jesus quotes are the sayings attributed to Jesus as recorded in the Bible, primarily in the New Testament gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Below, you will find 25 quotes of Jesus relevant to the situations described above.

Famous quotes of Jesus

1. “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

Thomas had just inquired how anyone could find such a path, and Jesus had responded by uttering his own name. For Christians, this answers the question of what it is to be a follower of Jesus; it means believing in him as a person and not just blindly following commands.

2. “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) 

Jesus spoke these words in Jerusalem during a fiesta. The meaning is quite therefore straightforward: those who choose to follow him are not to be left in ignorance.

3. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) 

This is the most vital point of the Word, where Jesus says that this way of thinking is a summary of the Law of Moses and the prophets, which means that you ought to do what you have to do without waiting for the other party to do the same thing first.

4. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) 

Here Jesus is speaking to people tired of carrying burdens on their own. He even uses the term yoke in the very next verse, which means that the rest is only the beginning of being a devoted follower.

5. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) 

Jesus Christ spoke these sentiments with followers, and first made a condition to it: remain to his word. Freeing from sin refers to the same idea.

Jesus quotes about love

1. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34)

He delivered it during the meal which is traditionally known as the Last Supper (after he had washed the feet of his disciples). Command was no new thing, although scale was.

2. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)  

Christ made it clear that being a disciple of his is not signing up and showing off to others, but rather how one treats people around him, what others see.

3. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) 

He spoke it to devoted disciples just before he was to be captured by Romans. To Christians, crucifixion preaches the same love.

4. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Mark 12:31)

One of the scribes asked Christ what the most important commandment is, and He replied with two commandments. There is Love for God first of all, and then love your neighbor which is described in the parable about the Samaritan.

5. “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” (Matthew 5:44) 

The quote stems from the Sermon on the Mount, and probably it is the hardest quote among the whole list. Jesus calls for the blessing of enemies and not revenge.

Jesus quotes about life and hope 

1. “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25) 

Jesus contrasts this with a robber who seeks to kill and destroy. The term "more abundantly" refers to a life that is full rather than one that is full of possessions.

2. “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

He said this to Martha after her brother Lazarus had died. After this, Lazarus is brought back to life. The message is one of hope about death. 

3. “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) 

He said this to the disciples on the eve of the cross. Coping with fear was about to become their main concern. The peace he offers is not dependent on the situation.

4. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20) 

Jesus speaks here with complete frankness. He indicates that trouble will definitely come, but he points to himself as the source of the courage to face it.

5. “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)

This represents the last thing Jesus tells his disciples before he departs from them. The assurance given is not that life will be comfortable. It is that he will be with them through life.

Jesus quotes about faith and trust 

1. “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mark 9:23) 

A father expressed his desire that Jesus heal his son “if you can”. In reply, Jesus does not accept the qualifier but instead tells the father that a little faith is enough.

2. “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove.” (Matthew 17:20)

When disciples do not succeed in healing a child, they ask Jesus for an explanation. To demonstrate that faith does not have to be strong or developed, he shows them a mustard seed.

3. “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)  

When Jesus appears to Thomas and Thomas claims he will not believe unless he can see for himself, Jesus gives him what he wants and also announces a blessing to everyone with faith after him.

4. “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

The followers of Jesus wanted to know who could be saved. Jesus pointed out that it is impossible for man alone to be saved, however God is able to save him.

5. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.” (Matthew 6:34) 

Prior to talking about the disciples’ salvation, Jesus was talking about birds, flowers, food and clothing. He advises the disciples to take care of today’s troubles and leave the worries of tomorrow for tomorrow.

Short Jesus quotes

1. “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1) 

Jesus teaches to avoid judging people too harshly. In the verses that follow, he emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s shortcomings.

2. “Ask, and it shall be given you.” (Matthew 7:7)

This sets off a longer phrase: ask, seek, knock. Jesus continues the comparison of God to the father who gives good gifts to his children.

3. “It is finished.” (John 19:30) 

In John, it is thus concluded the last speech of Jesus hanging on the cross. It is a one-word statement in Greek meaning that the mission of Jesus Christ is accomplished.

4. “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17) 

Jesus said this to Peter, who denied him three times. After asking Peter three times whether he loved him, Jesus gives him work.

5. "Be not afraid, only believe." (Mark 5:36)

Jairus heard the bad news that his daughter was dead. Jesus told him to stay in belief and he was accompanying him to his house.

Want more Scripture to lean on? Read our 50 Bible verses about faith, or read more of our ministry resources here.