Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity, revered as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. His life, death, and resurrection are the cornerstone of Christian faith, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing the New Covenant. Jesus is recognized as both fully divine and fully human, embodying the perfect union of God and man. Names and Titles: Jesus is known by various names and titles that reflect His divine nature and mission. "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." Other significant titles include "Emmanuel" (God with us), "Son of God," "Son of Man," "Lamb of God," "King of Kings," and "Lord of Lords." Birth and Early Life: The birth of Jesus is a fulfillment of prophecy, as foretold in 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." According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit. His birth was announced by angels and witnessed by shepherds and wise men from the East (Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 2:8-20). Ministry: Jesus began His public ministry around the age of thirty, following His baptism by John the Baptist and His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 3:13-17; 4:1-11). His ministry lasted approximately three years, during which He preached the Kingdom of God, performed miracles, and taught with authority. Key teachings include the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the parables, and the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Miracles: Jesus performed numerous miracles, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion. These include healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, and controlling nature. Notable miracles include turning water into wine at Cana (John 2:1-11), feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21), and walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). Death and Resurrection: The crucifixion of Jesus is the pivotal event in Christian theology, seen as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Jesus was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate. His death is described in all four Gospels, with significant emphasis on its redemptive purpose: "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24). Three days after His death, Jesus rose from the dead, as He had foretold (Matthew 16:21). The resurrection is a testament to His victory over sin and death, providing the foundation for Christian hope in eternal life. The risen Christ appeared to His disciples and many others over forty days before ascending into heaven (Acts 1:3-9). Ascension and Second Coming: Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for believers (Mark 16:19; Romans 8:34). Christians await His promised return, known as the Second Coming, when He will judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal kingdom (Matthew 24:30-31; Revelation 19:11-16). Theological Significance: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, the mediator of the New Covenant, and the head of the Church. His life and teachings provide the model for Christian living, emphasizing love, humility, and obedience to God. Through His death and resurrection, believers are reconciled to God, justified by faith, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live transformed lives. Scriptural References: · Birth: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20 · Ministry: Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15 · Miracles: John 2:1-11; Matthew 14:13-21 · Death: Matthew 27:32-56; John 19:16-30 · Resurrection: Matthew 28:1-10; John 20:1-18 · Ascension: Acts 1:9-11 · Second Coming: Matthew 24:30-31; Revelation 19:11-16 |