====== Jesus ====== | **Resources** | | {{:peter_jensen_-_the_future_of_jesus_boyer_lecture_.mp3}} | | //Above: Boyer Lecture - The Future of Jesus (Peter Jensen, 2005)// | | {{:2019_mark_8_-_you_need_to_know_who_jesus_is.mp4}} | | //Above: Mark 8 - You need to know who Jesus is (Graham Grove, 2005)// | Jesus Christ is the central figure in Christianity and the decisive distinction between it and all other world religions. Christians confess that He is both fully God and fully man, the eternal Creator who entered His creation to redeem it, and the risen Lord who reigns today. According to the Bible, He came into the world at the appointed time ([[Galatians 4]]:4–5), lived a sinless life, taught with divine authority, died on the cross to bear the sins of humanity, and rose from the dead, offering salvation to all who believe in Him (john_3:16|John 3:16; acts_4:12|Acts 4:12). ===== Name ===== See also: [[Titles of Jesus]] The name Jesus is the English form of the Greek greek:2424|Iēsous, itself a translation of the Hebrew Yeshua (or Joshua), meaning “Yahweh is salvation” (matthew_1:21|Matthew 1:21). The title Christ is derived from the Greek greek:5547|Christos, meaning “Anointed One,” equivalent to the Hebrew hebrew:4899|Mashiach (Messiah). It is a title, not a surname, and signifies His divine appointment as Prophet, Priest, and King. Other biblical titles of Jesus include “Son of God” (john_1:49|John 1:49), “Son of Man” (mark_10:45|Mark 10:45), “Lamb of God” (john_1:29|John 1:29), and “Son of David” (matthew_1:1|Matthew 1:1), each carrying theological significance. ===== The Pre-Existence of Christ ===== The Bible affirms that Jesus did not come into existence at His birth, but existed eternally as God the Son ([[John 1]]:1–3; [[Colossians 1]]:colossians_1:16|16–colossians_1:17|17). He shared in the glory of the Father before the world began (john_17:5|John 17:5) and participated in creation itself. This eternal pre-existence indicates His divine nature and authority, making His incarnation a profound act of humility and grace ([[Philippians 2]]:5–7). ===== Nature of Christ ===== See also: [[Nature of Christ]] The doctrine known as the hypostatic union teaches that Jesus Christ is one person with two natures: fully divine and fully human. Scripture affirms His deity (john_1:1|John 1:1 and titus_2:13|Titus 2:13) and His humanity (hebrews_2:14|Hebrews 2:14 and 1_timothy_2:5|1 Timothy 2:5). While human minds cannot fully grasp the mystery, the testimony of the Bible compels Christians to affirm that in Christ “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (colossians_1:19|Colossians 1:19), even as He experienced human weakness and temptation, yet without sin (hebrews_4:15|Hebrews 4:15). ===== Historical Evidence of Jesus ===== Beyond the New Testament, multiple historical sources reference Jesus. Roman historians such as Tacitus and Jewish historians such as Josephus mention His existence, ministry, and crucifixion. The rapid growth of the early Christian movement, despite persecution, testifies to the conviction of His earliest followers that He truly died and rose again. The historical reliability of the Gospels, combined with extra-biblical references, make the existence of Jesus one of the better attested facts of ancient history. ===== Birth of Jesus ===== See also: [[Birth of Jesus]] Jesus was born in Bethlehem ([[Luke 2]]:4–7), likely around 4–6 BC. His mother Mary was a virgin, and His conception was by the Holy Spirit ([[Matthew 1]]:18–23 and [[Luke 1]]:26–35), fulfilling isaiah_7:14|Isaiah 7:14. His earthly father, Joseph, was a carpenter from Nazareth in Galilee. Although the exact date of His birth is unknown, it is traditionally celebrate at Christmas. The nativity events, including the visit of the shepherds and the Magi, demonstrate that His coming was for both the humble and the nations. ===== Teachings of Jesus ===== Jesus was a remarkable teacher. He taught with divine authority, not merely as a commentator on God’s law but as the One who could declare, “You have heard that it was said… but I say to you” ([[Matthew 5]]:matthew_5:21|21–matthew_5:22|22). His teachings, preserved in the Gospels, called people to repentance (mark_1:15|Mark 1:15), love for God and neighbour ([[Matthew 22]]:37–39), and faith in Himself as the only way to the Father (john_14:6|John 14:6). The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is one of the most influential moral discourses in history. ===== Parables of Jesus ===== See also: [[Parables of Jesus]] Parables were a hallmark of Jesus’ teaching. These short, vivid stories illustrated spiritual truths, often using everyday images. Some conveyed clear moral lessons, such as the Good Samaritan ([[Luke 10]]:25–37), which commands love for all. Others, like the Parable of the Sower ([[Matthew 13]]:1–23), reveal the varied responses to the gospel. Jesus sometimes used parables to veil truth from the hard-hearted while revealing it to those with faith (Matthew 13:10–17). ===== Miracles of Jesus ===== See also: [[Miracles of Jesus]] The Gospels record numerous miracles including healings, exorcisms, control over nature, and even raising the dead. These acts were not mere displays of power but were signs of the [[Kingdom of God]] breaking into the world (luke_11:20|Luke 11:20). They confirmed the divine identity of Jesus ([[John 20]]:john_20:30|30–john_20:31|31) and expressed His compassion, as when He healed the leper ([[Mark 1]]:40–42) or fed the hungry ([[Matthew 14]]:13–21). ===== Death of Jesus ===== See also: [[Death of Jesus]] Jesus was crucified on a cross in Jerusalem around AD 30 under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Though condemned by the Jewish leaders for blasphemy, Jesus willingly laid down His life ([[John 10]]:17–18) to bear the penalty of human sin ([[Isaiah 53]]:5–6; 2_corinthians_5:21|2 Corinthians 5:21). The cross is the central event of salvation history: through it, God’s justice against sin and His mercy toward sinners meet. ===== Resurrection of Jesus ===== See also: [[Resurrection of Jesus]] On the third day after His death, Jesus rose bodily from the grave, as He had foretold (matthew_16:21|Matthew 16:21 and [[Luke 24]]:luke_24:6|6–luke_24:7|7). His resurrection was witnessed by many, including the apostles, over a period of forty days ([[1 Corinthians 15]]:3–8; acts_1:3|Acts 1:3). This event vindicated His claims, demonstrated His victory over death, and guarantees the future resurrection of believers ([[1 Corinthians 15]]:20–22). ===== Ascension and Present Ministry of Christ ===== See also: [[Resurrection of Jesus]] Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven ([[Acts 1]]:9–11), where He now reigns at the right hand of the Father (hebrews_1:3|Hebrews 1:3). He intercedes for His people (romans_8:34|Romans 8:34 and hebrews_7:25|Hebrews 7:25), sends the Holy Spirit (john_16:7|John 16:7), and prepares a place for His followers ([[John 14]]:john_14:2|2–john_14:3|3). ===== Bible Prophecies Regarding Jesus ===== See also: [[Messianic Prophecies]] The Old Testament contains hundreds of prophecies fulfilled in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. [[Isaiah 53]] describes the Suffering Servant who bears the sins of many. [[Psalm 22]] vividly portrays the crucifixion centuries before it was practiced. micah_5:2|Micah 5:2 foretells His birth in Bethlehem, and zechariah_9:9|Zechariah 9:9 predicts His humble entry into Jerusalem. These fulfillments affirm the divine inspiration of Scripture and the identity of Jesus as the promised Messiah. ===== Second Coming of Christ ===== See also: [[Second Coming of Jesus]] The [[New Testament]] promises that Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead ([[Matthew 25]]:31–46; [[Revelation 19]]:11–16). This second coming will consummate His Kingdom, bring final justice, and usher in the new heavens and new earth ([[Revelation 21]]:1–5). For believers, this is the blessed hope (titus_2:13|Titus 2:13). ===== Conclusion ===== Jesus Christ is the living Son of God who calls all people to repent and believe the good news. His life, death, and resurrection are the heart of the Christian faith, offering salvation by grace through faith. To know Him is to have eternal life (john_17:3|John 17:3). ===== Quotes ===== No Jesus, No peace; Know Jesus, Know peace. - //Anonymous Quote// There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus. - //Blaise Pascal// Jesus, like any good fisherman, first catches the fish; then He cleans them. - //Mark Potter// Jesus does not give recipes that show the way to God as other teachers of religion do. He is himself the way. - //Karl Barth// ---- Return to: [[Start|Home Page]] -> [[Christianity]] -> [[God]]