During his three-and-a-half-year ministry, Jesus covered a large part of the territory of Israel. Did he do this in a clandestine way or visit solely a closed group of the initiated? No. He preached his message publicly, often before crowds. Shortly before his death, when interrogated by the Jewish religious authorities about his manner of teaching, he explained: “I have spoken to the world publicly. I always taught in a synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret.”​—John 18:20.

Did you note that Jesus’ message is addressed to a vastly greater audience than just Palestine? It is directed to the whole world! Jesus did not say: ‘I have spoken the word to all people,’ that is, to all Jews. Instead, being prophetic, he selected the specific word for “world.”a Thus, Jesus preached no esoteric doctrine; it was for everyone, everywhere.