Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction: Christ Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, is recognized as the Messiah (the Anointed One) and the Son of God. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing the New Covenant. The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation," while "Christ" comes from the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One."
Birth and Early Life: The birth of Jesus is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. He was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary, fulfilling the prophecy of
Isaiah 7:14, "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." His birth was announced by angels and witnessed by shepherds and wise men from the East, signifying His divine and royal nature.
Ministry: Jesus began His public ministry around the age of thirty, following His baptism by John the Baptist. His ministry lasted approximately three years, during which He preached the Kingdom of God, performed miracles, and taught with authority. Notable teachings include the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the parables, which conveyed deep spiritual truths. His miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and feeding the multitudes, demonstrated His divine authority and compassion.
Death and Resurrection: The crucifixion of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christian theology. He was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, arrested, and tried by the Jewish and Roman authorities. Despite His innocence, He was sentenced to death by crucifixion. His sacrificial death is seen as the atonement for humanity's sins, fulfilling
Isaiah 53:5, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
Three days after His death, Jesus rose from the dead, as recorded in all four Gospels. His resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming His victory over sin and death. As Paul writes in
1 Corinthians 15:20, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."
Ascension and Second Coming: After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and many others over a period of forty days. He then ascended into heaven, as described in
Acts 1:9-11. The ascension signifies His exaltation and the promise of His return. Christians await His Second Coming, when He will return in glory to judge the living and the dead, as prophesied in
Revelation 19:11-16.
Titles and Roles: Jesus holds numerous titles that reflect His divine nature and mission. He is called the "Son of God" (
John 3:16), "Son of Man" (
Mark 10:45), "Lamb of God" (
John 1:29), "Good Shepherd" (
John 10:11), and "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (
Revelation 19:16). Each title reveals aspects of His character and work, from His sacrificial role to His sovereign authority.
Theological Significance: Christ Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant, as described in
Hebrews 9:15, "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant." His life and teachings form the basis of Christian doctrine, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the call to live a life of holiness and service.
Conclusion: The life and work of Christ Jesus are central to the Christian faith, embodying the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity. His teachings, sacrifice, and resurrection continue to inspire and transform lives, offering hope and salvation to all who believe.