Who is Jesus Christ?
Also known as: Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Anointed One, or the Messiah of Israel. He is Immanuel (derived from Emmanuel in Greek), signifying "God with us." He is the Son of God, the Son of Man, and the Saviour of the World.
Bible References: Jesus is referenced over 1,200 times in the New Testament. His life, teachings, and ministry are chronicled in the four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Occupation: Jesus' earthly father, Joseph, practised carpentry as a skilled craftsman. It is probable that Jesus worked alongside his father, Joseph, as a carpenter, as mentioned in the book of Mark, chapter 6, verse 3.
Hometown: Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea and raised in Nazareth in Galilee.
The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew-Aramaic word Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh [the Lord] is salvation." The term Christ is, in fact, a title for Jesus, originating from the Greek word "Christos," meaning "the Anointed One," or "Messiah" in Hebrew.
Jesus Christ was crucified in Jerusalem at the behest of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, for asserting his claim as the King of the Jews. He resurrected three days after his demise, appeared to his disciples, and subsequently ascended into heaven.
His life and death served as the atoning sacrifice for the world's sins. The Bible posits that humanity, separated from God due to Adam's transgression, was reconciled to God through Jesus Christ's sacrificial act.
In the future, Jesus Christ is anticipated to return to earth to claim his Bride, the church. During his Second Coming, Christ will adjudicate the world and establish his eternal kingdom, thereby fulfilling messianic prophecy.
Accomplishments of Jesus Christ
The accomplishments of Jesus Christ are too numerous to enumerate. Scripture maintains that he was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. Leading a sinless life, he performed various miracles such as turning water into wine, healing the sick, blind, and lame, forgiving sins, multiplying food to feed thousands, delivering the demon-possessed, walking on water, calming stormy seas, and resurrecting the dead. Jesus Christ proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God.
He sacrificed his life on the cross, descended into hell, obtained the keys of death and hell, and then resurrected. Jesus Christ bore the burden of the world's sins and secured pardon for humanity. By restoring fellowship with God, he opened the path to eternal life. These represent just a few of his remarkable achievements.
Though challenging to comprehend, the Bible asserts that Jesus is God incarnate, or Immanuel, "God with us." Jesus Christ has perpetually existed and has always been God (John 8:58 and 10:30). To delve deeper into Christ's divinity, one can explore the doctrine of the Trinity.
Scripture reveals that Jesus Christ wasn't merely fully God but also fully man. He assumed human form to empathise with our vulnerabilities and struggles, ultimately sacrificing his life to atone for the sins of all humankind (John 1:1,14; Hebrews 2:17; Philippians 2:5-11).
Life Lessons
Once again, the lessons from Jesus Christ's life are too extensive to itemise. His life exemplified virtues such as love for mankind, sacrifice, humility, purity, servanthood, obedience, and devotion to God.
Family Tree
Heavenly Father - God the Father Earthly Father - Joseph Mother - Mary Brothers - James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon (Mark 3:31 and 6:3; Matthew 12:46 and 13:55; Luke 8:19) Sisters - Not named but mentioned in Matthew 13:55-56 and Mark 6:3. The Genealogy of Jesus: Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-37.
