I. Introduction
Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity. Christians believe Him to be the Son of God, the Messiah (Christ) prophesied in the Old Testament, and the Savior of humanity. His life and teachings form the foundation of Christian belief, practice, and theology.Teachings
II. Historical Context
Time Period: Jesus lived during the early 1st century CE.
Place: Born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth (Galilee), active mainly in Judea and Galilee, under Roman rule.
Political Situation: The region was part of the Roman Empire, and Jews lived under Roman occupation with complex social, religious, and political tensions.Teachings
III. Life of Jesus
1. Birth and Early Life
Virgin Birth: According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1:26–38).
Birthplace: Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2.
Visited by Magi and Shepherds: Symbolic of His importance to both Jews and Gentiles.
Flight to Egypt: To escape King Herod’s massacre of infants (Matthew 2:13–18).
Return and Upbringing: Grew up in Nazareth; little is known about His youth, except His wisdom at the Temple at age 12 (Luke 2:41–52).Teachings
2. Baptism and Beginning of Ministry
Baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
Divine Confirmation: Voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son…” (Matthew 3:17).
Temptation in the Wilderness: 40 days of fasting and resisting Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1–11).Teachings
3. Public Ministry (approx. 3 years)
Preaching and Teaching: Traveled throughout Galilee and Judea proclaiming the “Kingdom of God.”
Disciples: Chose 12 Apostles to follow Him and carry on His work.
Miracles:
Healing the sick (blind, lame, lepers)
Casting out demons
Raising the dead (e.g., Lazarus)
Controlling nature (e.g., calming the storm, walking on water)
Feeding the multitudes (5,000 and 4,000)
Parables: Taught spiritual truths through stories. Examples:
The Good Samaritan
The Prodigal Son
The Sower and the Seed
Sermons:
Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7): Core ethical teachings.
Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” etc.
Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
4. Conflict with Authorities
Challenged religious hypocrisy, legalism, and corruption.
Criticized Pharisees and Sadducees for focusing on law without love.
Cleansed the Temple: Drove out money changers (Matthew 21:12–13).
5. Passion and Death
Last Supper: Instituted the Eucharist (Holy Communion).
Betrayal by Judas Iscariot.
Arrest in Gethsemane.
Trials: Before the Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, and Herod.
Crucifixion: Executed by Roman authorities around age 33.
Seven Last Words on the cross include “Father, forgive them…” and “It is finished.”
Burial: In a tomb donated by Joseph of Arimathea.Teachings
6. Resurrection and Ascension
Resurrected on the third day (Easter Sunday).
Appeared to many (e.g., Mary Magdalene, Apostles, 500 disciples).
Ascended to Heaven after 40 days (Acts 1:9–11).
Promised to send the Holy Spirit (fulfilled at Pentecost).Teachings
IV. Teachings of Jesus
1. The Kingdom of God
Central message: “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15).
The Kingdom is both present (in the hearts of believers) and future (fulfilled at the end of time).
2. Love and Compassion
Love of God and neighbor is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37–40).
Radical love: love your enemies, bless those who curse you (Matthew 5:44).
Forgiveness: Seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21–22).
3. Humility and Servanthood
“The greatest among you must be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).
Washed His disciples’ feet as an example (John 13:1–17).
4. Faith and Salvation
Emphasized faith in Him as the way to salvation (John 3:16).
Declared: “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6).
Salvation is by grace, not by works (implied in His acceptance of sinners and outcasts).
5. Moral and Ethical Living
Called for purity of heart and motives, not just external righteousness.
Condemned hypocrisy and spiritual pride.
Valued inner transformation over outward ritual.
V. Legacy and Impact
Founder of Christianity.
Followers spread His teachings, leading to the formation of the early Church.
Inspired countless social, cultural, and humanitarian movements.
Recognized by other religions (e.g., Islam regards Jesus as a prophet).
VI. Conclusion
Jesus’ life and teachings have shaped history, morality, and spirituality for over 2,000 years. His message of love, mercy, justice, and eternal hope continues to inspire billions worldwide.
Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, lived during the early 1st century CE in Judea and Galilee, regions under Roman rule. Christians believe that He is the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem—a miraculous birth that fulfilled ancient prophecies. He was raised in Nazareth and began His public ministry around the age of 30 after being baptized by John the Baptist. During His approximately three-year ministry, Jesus traveled extensively, preaching about the Kingdom of God, performing miracles, and teaching moral truths through parables such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son.
His core teachings emphasized love, forgiveness, humility, and righteousness of heart over ritualistic observance. These are central themes in the Sermon on the Mount, where He introduced the Beatitudes and the Golden Rule. His miracles—healing the sick, raising the dead, calming storms—demonstrated divine authority and compassion. While many followed Him, He also encountered opposition from religious leaders, leading to His betrayal, crucifixion, and death under Roman governance. Christians believe that Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection brought salvation to humanity. He appeared to His disciples after rising from the dead and later ascended to heaven, promising the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ life and teachings continue to shape billions of lives and cultures across the world. For a more detailed and spiritually enriching perspective on who Jesus is and how His message is for all, you can read this article:
👉 Jesus for Everyone – We Love God Daily