Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: The Lord Jesus, also known as 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 foundational to Christian faith and theology. The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation," while "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." Birth and Early Life: The birth of Jesus is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. According to Matthew 1:23 , "Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" (which means, "God with us"). Jesus was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 7:14. His earthly father, Joseph, was a descendant of King David, establishing Jesus' royal lineage. Ministry: Jesus began His public ministry around the age of thirty, following His baptism by John the Baptist. As recorded in Matthew 3:16-17 , "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" His ministry included teaching, preaching, healing, and performing miracles, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion. Teachings: Jesus' teachings are central to Christian ethics and theology. He emphasized love, forgiveness, and the coming Kingdom of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5-7, Jesus expounded on the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer, and the Golden Rule. He taught in parables, using everyday accounts to convey spiritual truths, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Death and Resurrection: The crucifixion of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christian theology, seen as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity. As prophesied in Isaiah 53, Jesus suffered and died on a Roman cross. According to John 19:30 , "When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished.' And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit." His resurrection on the third day is celebrated as the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming His victory over sin and death. As stated in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 , "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." Ascension and Second Coming: After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and many others over a period of forty days. He then ascended into heaven, as described in Acts 1:9-11 : "After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? 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.'" Christians await His promised return, known as the Second Coming, when He will establish His eternal kingdom. Titles and Names: Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is referred to by various titles that reflect 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), "King of Kings" (Revelation 19:16), and "The Word" (John 1:1). Each title reveals a different aspect of His identity and work. Significance: The Lord Jesus is the focal point of Christian worship and devotion. His life and teachings continue to inspire and guide believers worldwide. Through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, Jesus offers salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him, as affirmed in John 3:16 : "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." |