Topical Encyclopedia Introduction Jesus Christ, referred to as "our Lord," is the central figure of Christianity, believed to be the incarnate Son of God and the Savior of humanity. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing the New Covenant. Jesus is recognized as both fully divine and fully human, a mystery that underscores His unique role in salvation history. Names and Titles Jesus is known by various names and titles throughout the Scriptures, each reflecting a different aspect of His identity 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" (Matthew 1:23), meaning "God with us," "Son of God" (John 1:34), "Son of Man" (Mark 10:45), and "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (Revelation 19:16). Birth and Early Life The birth of Jesus is recounted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary, His birth was announced by angels and marked by the visitation of shepherds and Magi (Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 2:8-20). His early life was spent in Nazareth, where He grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). At the age of twelve, Jesus demonstrated His understanding of His divine mission during a visit to the Temple (Luke 2:41-50). 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 included teaching, preaching, healing, and performing miracles, which authenticated His divine authority. Central to His teaching was the proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15) and the call to repentance and faith. Teachings Jesus' teachings, often conveyed through parables, emphasized love, forgiveness, and righteousness. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) encapsulates His ethical teachings, highlighting the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer. He taught the greatest commandments: to love God with all one's heart and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-39). Miracles The Gospels record numerous miracles performed by Jesus, demonstrating His power over nature, illness, and even death. These include turning water into wine (John 2:1-11), feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21), walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33), and raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). His miracles served as signs of His divine authority and compassion. Death and Resurrection The crucifixion of Jesus is the pivotal event in Christian theology, seen as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, tried, and sentenced to death by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:1-26). His death fulfilled the prophecies of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53) and established the New Covenant. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, appearing to His disciples and many others (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), confirming His victory over sin and death. Ascension and Second Coming After forty days, Jesus ascended into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 1:9-11). Christians believe in His promised return, the Second Coming, when He will judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal kingdom (Matthew 24:30-31; Revelation 22:12). Role in Salvation Jesus is the mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5), offering salvation to all who believe in Him. Through His death and resurrection, He provides redemption, reconciliation, and eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 5:8-11). His role as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) ensures continual intercession for believers. Conclusion The life and work of Jesus Christ remain the cornerstone of Christian faith, inspiring worship, devotion, and the mission to spread the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). His teachings and example continue to guide believers in their spiritual journey and relationship with God. |