Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction: Christ Jesus, also known as Jesus of Nazareth, is the central figure of Christianity, believed by Christians to be the Son of God and the awaited Messiah (Christ) prophesied in the Old Testament. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith, and His teachings are recorded in the New Testament of the Bible.
Names and Titles: The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." The title "Christ" comes from the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah." Other titles include "Son of God" (
Matthew 16:16), "Son of Man" (
Mark 10:45), "Lamb of God" (
John 1:29), "King of Kings" (
Revelation 19:16), and "Lord of Lords" (
Revelation 19:16).
Birth and Early Life: Jesus was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel" (
Isaiah 7:14). His birth is celebrated by Christians as the event of the Incarnation, where God became flesh. Jesus grew up in Nazareth and was known as a carpenter's son (
Matthew 13:55).
Ministry: Jesus began His public ministry around the age of 30, following His baptism by John the Baptist. His ministry lasted approximately three years, during which He preached about the Kingdom of God, performed miracles, and taught in parables. Key events include the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the feeding of the 5,000 (
John 6:1-14), and the raising of Lazarus (
John 11:1-44).
Teachings: Jesus' teachings emphasized love, forgiveness, and repentance. He summarized the law with the Great Commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (
Matthew 22:37-39). He also taught about the necessity of faith and the coming of God's Kingdom.
Death and Resurrection: Jesus was crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, an event Christians believe was the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity. As prophesied, He rose from the dead on the third day, an event celebrated as Easter. The resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian belief, as Paul writes, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith" (
1 Corinthians 15:14).
Ascension and Second Coming: After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and many others over a period of 40 days before ascending into heaven (
Acts 1:9-11). Christians believe in His promised return, known as the Second Coming, when He will judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal kingdom.
Significance in Christian Theology: Christ Jesus is central to Christian theology as the mediator between God and humanity. His life and work fulfill Old Testament prophecies and establish the New Covenant. Through His death and resurrection, believers are offered salvation and eternal life. Jesus is also seen as the perfect example of righteousness and obedience to God.
Biblical References: · Birth:
Matthew 1:18-25;
Luke 2:1-20· Baptism:
Matthew 3:13-17;
Mark 1:9-11· Temptation:
Matthew 4:1-11;
Luke 4:1-13· Miracles:
John 2:1-11;
Mark 5:21-43· Crucifixion:
Matthew 27:32-56;
John 19:16-37· Resurrection:
Matthew 28:1-10;
John 20:1-18· Ascension:
Luke 24:50-53;
Acts 1:9-11Conclusion: The life and teachings of Christ Jesus continue to be the foundation of Christian faith and practice, influencing billions of believers worldwide. His message of love, redemption, and hope remains central to Christian doctrine and daily living.