Who is Jesus?

 

Jesus is one of the most influential and controversial figures in human history. Christians believe that he is the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world. But who was he really? What did he teach? What did he do? And why does he matter?

The History of Jesus

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a town in Judea, around 6 to 4 BC. He grew up in Nazareth, a village in Galilee, where he learned the trade of carpentry from his father Joseph. He was also a devout Jew who followed the Law of Moses and studied the Scriptures.

When he was about 30 years old, he began his public ministry, which lasted for about three years. He travelled around Galilee and Judea, preaching the good news of the kingdom of God, teaching with authority and wisdom, performing miracles and healings, and gathering disciples. He also challenged the religious leaders of his day, who often opposed him and accused him of blasphemy.

He was arrested in Jerusalem during the Passover festival after one of his disciples betrayed him. He was tried by the Jewish Sanhedrin and then handed over to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who sentenced him to death by crucifixion. He died on a cross outside the city walls, along with two criminals.

His followers buried him in a tomb nearby, but on the third day after his death, they found the tomb empty. They claimed that he had risen from the dead and appeared to them alive. They also said that he ascended to heaven and promised to return one day.

The Christ of Christianity

The early Christians believed that Jesus was not just a human prophet or teacher, but also the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Lord. They confessed that he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin named Mary. They affirmed that he was fully human and fully divine, sharing in the nature and glory of God.

They also believed that he died for their sins and rose again for their salvation. They saw his death as a sacrifice that paid the price for their forgiveness and reconciliation with God. They saw his resurrection as a victory over death and evil, and a guarantee of their own resurrection and eternal life.

They also believed that he founded the Church, which is his body and bride. They regarded him as the head and source of their faith, hope, and love. They worshipped him as their Lord and Savior and followed his teachings and commands.

They also believed that he sent the Holy Spirit to empower them to be his witnesses and servants in the world. They expected him to come back again to judge the living and the dead and to establish his kingdom of peace and justice on earth.

The Revelation of Jesus

Jesus is not just a figure of the past, but also a living presence in the present. Christians believe that he is still alive and active in their lives and in history. They claim that he can be known personally through faith and prayer and that he can transform anyone who trusts in him.

Jesus is also not just a matter of personal preference, but also a universal truth. Christians believe that he is not one among many ways to God, but the only way to God. They believe that he is not just a teacher of morality, but also a giver of grace. They believe that he is not just an example of love, but also a source of love.

Jesus is also not just a challenge to religion, but also a challenge to culture. Christians believe that he is not bound by any human tradition or institution, but transcends them all. They believe that he is not subject to any human authority or power, but challenges them all. They believe that he is not conforming to any human standard or value, but transforms them all.

Jesus is therefore not only relevant, but also essential for anyone who wants to know God, experience life, and make a difference in the world.

Conclusion

Jesus is the historical Jesus who lived in Palestine 2,000 years ago. He is the Christ of faith who died and rose again for our salvation. He is the relevance of Jesus who still speaks and acts today.

He is more than a man; he is God incarnate.
He is more than a prophet; he is the Messiah.
He is more than a teacher; he is the Savior.
He is more than a leader; he is the Lord.

He invites you to know him, love him, follow him, and serve him.

Will you accept his invitation?

We hope this blog post has helped you understand who Jesus is. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Thank you for reading!