Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction Jesus, the Christ, is the central figure of Christianity, revered as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. His life, death, and resurrection are foundational to Christian theology and soteriology. The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation," while "Christ" is from the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah."
Birth and Early Life The birth of Jesus is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. According to
Matthew 1:18-25, Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the prophecy of
Isaiah 7:14: "Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" .
Luke 2:1-20 details His birth in Bethlehem, in accordance with
Micah 5:2, and the announcement to shepherds by angels, proclaiming, "Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!" (
Luke 2:11).
Ministry Jesus began His public ministry around the age of thirty, following His baptism by John the Baptist (
Luke 3:21-23). His ministry included teaching, preaching, healing, and performing miracles, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John. Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God, calling for repentance and faith. In
Mark 1:15, He declares, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel" .
Teachings Jesus' teachings emphasized love, forgiveness, and righteousness. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) encapsulates His ethical teachings, including the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer. He taught in parables, using everyday accounts to convey spiritual truths, such as the Parable of the Sower (
Matthew 13:1-23) and the Parable of the Prodigal Son (
Luke 15:11-32).
Miracles Jesus performed numerous miracles, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion. These include healing the sick, raising the dead, and controlling nature. Notable miracles include the feeding of the 5,000 (
Matthew 14:13-21), walking on water (
Matthew 14:22-33), and raising Lazarus from the dead (
John 11:1-44).
Death and Resurrection The crucifixion of Jesus is central to Christian belief, seen as the atoning sacrifice for sin. According to the Gospels, Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified under Pontius Pilate. His death fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, such as
Isaiah 53. Jesus' resurrection on the third day is recorded in all four Gospels, affirming His victory over sin and death. In
Matthew 28:5-6, the angel announces, "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said" .
Ascension and Second Coming After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over forty days before ascending to heaven (
Acts 1:3-9). The ascension signifies His exaltation and the promise of His return.
Acts 1:11 records the angels' message: "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven" .
Titles and Roles Jesus is referred to by various titles, each reflecting His divine nature and mission. These include "Son of God" (
John 1:34), "Son of Man" (
Mark 10:45), "Lamb of God" (
John 1:29), and "Good Shepherd" (
John 10:11). He is also recognized as Prophet, Priest, and King, fulfilling the Old Testament offices and mediating between God and humanity.
Theological Significance Jesus' life and work are central to Christian theology. His incarnation, atonement, and resurrection are pivotal doctrines. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the significance of Jesus' resurrection in
1 Corinthians 15:17: "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" . Jesus' role as the mediator of the New Covenant is highlighted in
Hebrews 9:15, affirming His unique position in salvation history.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 10:25-37And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Epistle of St. James
... in slowness to speak' (AB Davidson, Biblical and Literary ... in the divine Law or Word,
and in Jesus Christ (ii.1 ... the two are a unity; Yes, James answers his critic ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm
Resources
Who is Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.orgIs there power in the name of Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus God? Did Jesus ever claim to be God? | GotQuestions.orgJesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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