What is the main difference between the image of self in the proclamation of Jesus?

The main difference between the image of self presented in Jesus' proclamation and other prevalent views of the time centers around **authority and origin**.While many religious figures and leaders derived their authority from lineage, established institutions, or adherence to strict legal interpretations, Jesus claimed authority rooted directly in his unique relationship with God, whom he referred to as "Father" in an intimate and unprecedented way. He didn't position himself merely as a prophet interpreting God's will, but as the embodiment and revelation of God's own being and purpose.This is evident in several ways:* **Divine Sonship:** Jesus' frequent use of "Son of Man" and "Son of God" wasn't simply a messianic title. It signified a unique ontological connection with God, implying a shared divine nature and authority unlike any other.* **Kingdom of God:** Jesus proclaimed the arrival of the "Kingdom of God," not as a future political entity, but as a present reality breaking into the world through his words and actions. This kingdom was characterized by love, forgiveness, and radical inclusion, challenging existing social and religious hierarchies.* **Miracles and Teachings:** Jesus' miracles were not just displays of power, but demonstrations of the Kingdom's transformative power at work. His teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, offered a radical reinterpretation of the law, emphasizing inward transformation and ethical living rooted in love.* **Forgiveness of Sins:** Jesus claimed the authority to forgive sins, a prerogative traditionally reserved for God alone. This further underscored his unique relationship with God and his claim to divine authority.In essence, Jesus presented an image of himself not as another intermediary between God and humanity, but as the divine presence itself, making God's love and power accessible to all. This direct connection with God and the inherent authority it implied was the radical departure that distinguished Jesus' self-understanding from other figures of his time.