Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Jesus, known as the Anointed One, is the central figure of Christianity, revered as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament and the incarnate Son of God. His life, death, and resurrection are foundational to Christian faith, fulfilling the divine plan for humanity's redemption. Names and Titles: The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." The title "Christ" comes from the Greek "Christos," translating the Hebrew "Mashiach" (Messiah), meaning "Anointed One." Other significant titles include "Son of God" (Matthew 16:16), "Son of Man" (Mark 10:45), "Lord" (Philippians 2:11), and "Savior" (Luke 2:11). Birth and Early Life: Jesus was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. His birth is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, highlighting His Davidic lineage and divine conception by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38). The visit of the Magi and the flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:1-15) underscore His royal and prophetic significance. Ministry: Jesus began His public ministry around the age of thirty, following His baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). His ministry included teaching, preaching the Kingdom of God, performing miracles, and calling disciples. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) encapsulates His ethical teachings, emphasizing love, humility, and righteousness. Miracles: Jesus performed numerous miracles, demonstrating His authority over nature, illness, and spiritual realms. Notable miracles include turning water into wine (John 2:1-11), feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21), walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33), and raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). These acts affirmed His divine identity and compassion. Teachings: Central to Jesus' teachings is the call to repentance and faith in the Gospel (Mark 1:15). He taught in parables, using everyday accounts to convey spiritual truths about God's Kingdom (Matthew 13:1-52). His teachings emphasized love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40), forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15), and the necessity of new birth (John 3:3-7). Death and Resurrection: Jesus' crucifixion is the pivotal event of His earthly mission, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 53. He was betrayed by Judas, tried, and sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:1-26). His sacrificial death atones for humanity's sins, as articulated in 1 Peter 2:24: "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree." The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming His victory over sin and death. On the third day, He rose from the dead, appearing to His disciples and many others (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). The resurrection validates His divine nature and promises eternal life to believers (John 11:25-26). Ascension and Second Coming: After forty days, Jesus ascended into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God (Acts 1:9-11). His ascension marks the beginning of His heavenly intercession and the promise of the Holy Spirit's coming at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Christians await His promised return, when He will judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal Kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16). Significance: Jesus' life and work are central to Christian doctrine, embodying God's redemptive plan. He is the mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5), the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets (Matthew 5:17), and the source of salvation for all who believe (John 3:16). His teachings and example continue to guide and inspire believers worldwide. |