Observing Jesus involves examining the life, teachings, and works of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament. This observation is central to understanding His role as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of humanity. The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—provide the primary accounts of Jesus' life and ministry, offering a comprehensive view of His divine nature and human experience.

Birth and Early Life

The birth of Jesus is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, as seen in Isaiah 7:14, which speaks of a virgin bearing a son. The Gospel of Matthew records, "Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" (Matthew 1:23). Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as prophesied in Micah 5:2, and His early life was marked by events such as the visit of the Magi and the family's flight to Egypt to escape King Herod's decree (Matthew 2:1-15).

Ministry and Teachings

Jesus began His public ministry around the age of thirty, following His baptism by John the Baptist and His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 3:13-4:11). His teachings, often delivered through parables, emphasized the Kingdom of God, repentance, love, and forgiveness. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) encapsulates many of His core teachings, including the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer.

Jesus' ministry was characterized by miraculous works, which served as signs of His divine authority. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and performed nature miracles, such as calming the storm (Mark 4:39) and feeding the five thousand (John 6:1-14). These acts demonstrated His compassion and power, affirming His identity as the Son of God.

Death and Resurrection

The crucifixion of Jesus is central to Christian theology, representing the atonement for sin. Jesus Himself foretold His death and resurrection, saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life" (Luke 9:22). His death on the cross fulfilled the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, as He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

The resurrection of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian faith, providing hope of eternal life for believers. The Gospel of Matthew records the angel's announcement at the empty tomb: "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said" (Matthew 28:6). The risen Christ appeared to His disciples and many others, offering proof of His victory over death and His divine nature.

Ascension and Ongoing Presence

After forty days, Jesus ascended into heaven, as described in Acts 1:9-11. This event marked the end of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His exalted reign at the right hand of the Father. Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would empower His followers to continue His work on earth (Acts 1:8).

Observing Jesus today involves recognizing His ongoing presence and influence in the lives of believers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus continues to guide, comfort, and transform those who follow Him, fulfilling His promise, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).