essay on jesus christ

A Guide to Jesus Christ, the Central Figure in Christianity

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Jesus Christ (circa 4 B.C.–A.D. 33) is the central figure and founder of Christianity. Jesus was a first-century Jewish carpenter from Nazareth in Galilee. His life, message, and ministry are chronicled in the four Gospels of the New Testament. He became a master teacher who performed many miracles of healing and deliverance.

The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew-Aramaic word Yeshua , meaning “Yahweh [the Lord] is salvation.” The name Christ is actually a title for Jesus. It comes from the Greek word “Christos,” meaning “the Anointed One,” or “Messiah” in Hebrew.

Who Is Jesus Christ?

• Also Known as : Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Anointed One, or the Messiah of Israel. He is Immanuel (of Emmanuel from the Greek), meaning “God with us.” He is the Son of God, the Son of Man, and Savior of the World.
• Known for : According to the Bible, Jesus Christ is the incarnate Word of God, fully human and fully divine, Creator and Savior of the World, and the founder of Christianity. He called 12 Jewish men to follow him, working closely with them to train and prepare them to carry on the ministry, and he died on a Roman cross to give his life as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world to accomplish human redemption.
• Bible References: Jesus is mentioned more than 1,200 times in the New Testament . His life, message, and ministry are recorded in the four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew , Mark , Luke , and John .
• Occupation : Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, was a carpenter, or skilled craftsman by trade. Most likely, Jesus worked alongside his father Joseph as a carpenter. In the book of Mark, chapter six, verse three, Jesus is referred to as a carpenter.
• Hometown : Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea and grew up in Nazareth in Galilee.

The Life and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ was crucified in Jerusalem by order of Pontius Pilate , the Roman governor, for claiming to be the King of the Jews. He resurrected three days after his death, appeared to his disciples, and then ascended into heaven .

His life and death provided the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. The Bible teaches that humankind was separated from God through Adam's sin but was reconciled back to God through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.

In the future, Jesus Christ will return to earth to claim his bride, the church. At his Second Coming , Christ will judge the world and establish his eternal kingdom, thus fulfilling messianic prophecy .

Accomplishments of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ's accomplishments are too numerous to list. Scripture teaches that he was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life. He turned water into wine and healed many sick, blind, and lame people. He forgave sins, multiplied fish and loaves of bread to feed thousands on more than one occasion, delivered the demon-possessed, walked on water , calmed the stormy sea, and raised children and adults from death to life. Jesus Christ proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God .

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He also laid down his life and was crucified . He descended into hell and took the keys of death and hell. He resurrected from the dead. Jesus Christ paid for the sins of the world and purchased the pardon of men. He restored man's fellowship with God, opening the way to eternal life . These are just a few of his extraordinary accomplishments.

Although difficult to understand, the Bible teaches and Christians believe that Jesus is God incarnate , or Immanuel , "God with us." Jesus Christ has always existed and has always been God (John 8:58 and 10:30). For more information about Christ's divinity, review this study of the doctrine of the Trinity .

Scripture reveals that Jesus Christ was not only fully God but fully man. He became a human being so that he could identify with our weaknesses and struggles, and most importantly so that he could give his life to pay the penalty for the sins of all humankind (John 1:1,14; Hebrews 2:17; Philippians 2:5-11).

Life Lessons

Once again, the lessons from Jesus Christ's life are far too numerous to list. Love for mankind, sacrifice, humility, purity, servanthood, obedience, and devotion to God are some of the most important lessons that his life exemplified.

Family Tree

• Heavenly Father: God the Father
• Earthly Father: Joseph
• Mother: Mary
• Brothers: James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon (Mark 3:31 and 6:3; Matthew 12:46 and 13:55; Luke 8:19)
• Sisters: Not named but mentioned in Matthew 13:55-56 and Mark 6:3.
• The Genealogy of Jesus : Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-37.

Key Bible Verses

Isaiah 9:6–7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (NIV)

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (NIV)

• The 7 Main Christian Denominations: What Are the Differences?
• Get to Know the 12 Apostles of Jesus
• Introduction to the Catholic Religion: Beliefs, Practices, and History
• Who Is the Suffering Servant? Isaiah 53 Interpretations
• The Names and Titles of Jesus Christ
• Meet Joseph - Earthly Father of Jesus
• 7 Things You Didn't Know About Jesus
• The Plan of Salvation in the Bible
• The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
• 16 Christian Christmas Words
• Timeless Easter Movies for Christians
• How Long Did Jesus Live on Earth?
• Philip the Apostle - Follower of Jesus Christ
• The Ultimate List of Christmas Bible Verses to Celebrate Jesus' Birth
• Chronology of the Birth and Life of Jesus Christ
• What Does Redemption Mean?

Biography Online

Biography Jesus Christ

Early Life of Jesus of Nazareth

Adoration of the Shepherds. Gerard van Honthorst (1622)

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea – then part of the Roman Empire, under the rule of Herod. Jesus was born into a Jewish family; his parents were Mary and Joseph of Nazareth. Jesus was born in Bethlehem because his father had to travel to his place of birth to take part in the Roman census. Because of over-crowding due to the census, the family were offered a place in a stable, and hence Jesus was born in the humblest of surroundings – in a manger surrounded by animals.

According to the Gospels, the birth of Jesus was proclaimed to shepherds in nearby fields. Later on, Jesus was visited by three wise men from the east offering gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Shortly after Jesus’ birth, Herod was told a ‘future king of the Jews’ had been born in his kingdom. Feeling his temporal power threatened, he ordered all young Jewish boys to be killed. The Gospels relate how Joseph was warned in a dream and, as a result, took his family to Egypt before returning to Nazareth when it was considered safe.

Not much is known about Jesus’ early life, the Gospels concentrate on the last couple of years when he was active in his ministry. However, Jesus is believed to have followed in his father’s footsteps and trained to be a carpenter. Some have also suggested during this period Jesus travelled to India and Persia where he learned something of India’s spiritual tradition before returning to Nazareth to begin his ministry.

All three synoptic gospels say Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist, in the River Jordan. This symbolic baptism was the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.

Following his baptism, Jesus spent 40 days in the desert where he was tempted by the Devil. However, he passed the test and refused any temptations of wealth or worldly gain.

Sermon On The Mount by Carl Bloch

Jesus’s teachings were characterised by short, pithy statements that used striking imagery to capture the imagination of listeners. His most famous teachings are the sermon on the mount.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

A key characteristic of Jesus’s teachings is an emphasis on forgiveness and unconditional love. This represented a departure from the old scriptures which emphasised “an eye for an eye.” Jesus taught his followers to ‘love their enemy’ and ‘turn the other cheek.’

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

– Matthew 5:38-44

Jesus Christ also taught that the Kingdom of Heaven was within. To attain this state he taught, it was important to be willing to give up attachment to the world and maintain humility and simplicity – to be like a child.

“The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, `Lo, here it is!’ or `There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (or “within you”)

Jesus was also known as a healer. The gospels recount many miracles where Jesus was able to heal the sick and even resurrect the dead. (Lazarus)

Jesus entry into Jerusalem. Carl Bloch

In the last months of his life, Jesus entered into Jerusalem and was greeted enthusiastically by crowds who shouted ‘Hosanna’. Jesus then entered the main temple and created controversy by overturning the tables of the money lenders. Jesus criticised them for conducting business in a sacred temple – claiming they had turned the temple into a ‘den of robbers.’ The radical nature of Jesus’ teachings, in addition to his growing following, aroused the concern of the religious authorities, who felt threatened by the message of Jesus.

Caravaggio – the betrayal of Christ.

Later that week Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his thirteen disciples. He foretold that he would be betrayed by one of his own disciples and turned over to the authorities.

As Jesus had foretold, this occurred. Judas betrayed Jesus to the temple authorities by kissing Jesus. Judas was paid 30 silver coins for his betrayal. But, he later repented of his action and hung himself from a tree.

The Jewish elders asked him if he was the Son of God. Jesus replied ‘It is as you say.’ The Jewish authorities passed him to the Roman authorities with the recommendation he should be charged with blasphemy. It is said that Pontius Pilate was reluctant to have him executed as he didn’t see a crime that Jesus had committed against the Romans. Pilate’s wife had a dream he which she felt Jesus was innocent and his wife tried to persuade Pilate to release Jesus. Pilate ordered Jesus to be flogged in the hope this would appease the Jewish authorities. However, they still wanted to see Jesus executed. On the feast of Passover, it was traditional for the Roman authorities to release one prisoner. However, the crowd chose not Jesus to be released but Barabbas – a convicted criminal. Pilate washed his hands saying it was not his crime.

Crucifixion of Jesus

Jesus was nailed to the cross with an inscription above his head. “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (INRI). He was crucified in between two thieves

As soldiers were dividing up his clothes by casting lots, on the cross Jesus said:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Jesus died on the cross, with a Roman soldier puncturing his side with a spear to prove that he was dead.

The Gospels relate that on the Sunday following the crucifixion, Mary Magdalene visited the tomb of Jesus to find it empty. His disciples come to realise that Jesus has risen from the dead. Though disciples like Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw Jesus Christ in the flesh.

Nature of Jesus Christ

Due to a lack of accurate historical records, there is some dispute over the exact details of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The most widely used sources are the four canonical gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It is estimated that these were written about 70-200 years after the death of Christ. There are also many other non-canonical gospels such as Thomas, Peter and Mary. Of particular interest was the discovery of the dead sea scrolls, which uncovered texts previously lost.

In the history of early Christianity, there was much debate about the nature of Jesus Christ. Some felt Jesus was a direct incarnation of God; others felt he was both divine and human. There were different branches of Christianity emphasising different aspects. For example, the Gnostics emphasised the immanence of God and the ability for followers to have a direct relationship with God.

In 325 AD, the Nicene Creed formalised the Christian church teachings about Jesus. They accepted four Gospels as canonical and rejected many other gospels. The Nicene Creed also gave great emphasis to the writings and letters of St Paul. St Paul emphasised the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the importance of the crucifixion and resurrection.

Different Views of Jesus Christ

Enlightenment views

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

– Jesus Christ, 13:34–35 KJV

Many key figures in the Enlightenment/Renaissance felt Jesus to be a supreme teacher of moral and religious ideals, but rejected claims to divinity and miracles such as the virgin birth. For example, Thomas Jefferson wrote the ‘Life and Morals of Jesus Christ’ (known as the Jefferson Bible. Benjamin Franklin also looked to Jesus Christ as a great moral teacher, but, didn’t accept all the teachings of the Christian church.

In the Hindu/Indian tradition, Jesus Christ is seen as a realised spiritual Master. A person who has achieved self-realisation or God-realisation. Jesus Christ is also looked upon as an Avatar – a realised soul with a special mission to save innumerable souls. Many Indian spiritual Master view Jesus Christ as divine – ‘an incarnation of God’ but they do not accept that Jesus Christ was alone in achieving this spiritual realisation.

In Islamic tradition, Jesus Christ is seen as an important prophet of God.

Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan . “ Biography of Jesus Christ ”, Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net . Published 19th May 2013. Updated 5th March 2018.

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Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

Life of jesus of nazareth.

Plaque with the Ascension

Plaque with the Journey to Emmaus and Noli Me Tangere

The Temptation of Christ by the Devil

Portal from the Church of San Leonardo al Frigido

Workshop of Biduinus

Tabernacle of Cherves

The Adoration of the Magi

• Giotto di Bondone

The Flagellation

Pietà (Vesperbild)

The Presentation in the Temple

• Byzantine Painter

Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece)

Workshop of Robert Campin

The Nativity

Attributed to Zanobi Strozzi

Stained Glass Panel with the Visitation

Baptism of Christ

Workshop of Veit Stoss

• The Last Supper

Netherlandish (Antwerp Mannerist) Painters

The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes

Jacopo Tintoretto (Jacopo Robusti)

The Flight into Egypt

Luca Giordano

The Entombment

Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn)

Michael Norris Department of Education, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

originally published June 2008, last revised September 2008

The life of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Christian Bible has been a principal subject for art since the late Roman empire. Key details of the accounts of his life and ministry are summarized here to facilitate identification and understanding of Christian imagery.

The name Jesus is a form of Joshua, Hebrew for “savior”; “Christ,” as he is known to Christians, is Greek for “anointed,” a translation of the Hebrew word for messiah. Accounts of his life and ministry and the miracles ascribed to him are recorded in the four canonical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. His mother was Mary , the wife of Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth, and a member of the house of the biblical king David. When she was espoused to Joseph, but prior to their marriage, the archangel Gabriel appeared to her to announce that she would be the mother of a child , to be named Jesus (the Annunciation, 56.70 ). Afterwards, Mary visited her pregnant cousin Elizabeth for a three-month stay (the Visitation, 13.64.3ab ). At their meeting, Elizabeth’s baby, who would become John the Baptist, leapt in her womb, apparently in joy at Mary’s pregnancy. Some months later, Joseph took his wife to crowded Bethlehem for the Roman tax census ordered by the emperor Augustus. Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable (the Nativity, 1983.490 ), where shepherds, alerted by angels, came to visit him. In accordance with Jewish law, the baby was circumcised on the eighth day and given the name of Jesus. Some time later—in the Middle Ages , it was believed to be twelve days after his birth—three Magi, or wise men, who had been guided by a star, arrived to see Jesus ( 11.126.1 ), with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh . Thirty-three days after Jesus’ birth, following Jewish law for a mother’s purification after a son’s birth, the family went to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer the sacrifice of a pair of birds. There, in the Presentation in the Temple ( 31.67.8 ), Simeon and Anna proclaimed Jesus to be the Christ.

Meanwhile, King Herod the Great of Judaea (37–4 B.C. ), who had hosted the Magi and had become worried by their search for a newborn supposed to be the king of the Jews , found that they had not returned to him with news of the child as he had requested. He then ordered all children of Bethlehem two years old and younger to be slain—the Massacre of the Innocents. Joseph, warned by a dream, escaped with his family to Egypt (the Flight into Egypt, 61.50 ), returning to Nazareth a few months after Herod had died.

There is only one account of Jesus’ adolescence. When he was twelve, his parents took him to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When it was time to leave, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, unbeknownst to Mary and Joseph, who finally found him a day later in the Temple, discoursing with teachers.

Years later, Jesus began his public ministry by having his cousin, John the Baptist, baptize him in the Jordan River. In this Baptism of Jesus ( 12.130.1 ), the Holy Spirit flew down to him as a dove and a heavenly voice proclaimed him to be a beloved son. Going into the wilderness for forty days, Jesus was then enticed by the devil, the Temptation of Christ ( 61.248 ), all of whose temptations he withstood. Over the next three years, Jesus gathered twelve close followers, known as the disciples or apostles. The Gospels recount numerous miracles of healing , such as the curing of a man born blind and the raising of his friend Lazarus from the dead, as well as other feats, such as feeding a crowd of 5,000, and another of 4,000, with only a few loaves and fish—the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes ( 13.75 ). One of the most notable events ascribed to Jesus’ ministry is his Transfiguration on a mountain. Accompanied by three of his followers, Peter, James, and John, Jesus suddenly changed in appearance—his face shone and his clothes became dazzling white. The Jewish leader Moses and the Jewish prophet Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus, and a voice from a bright cloud claimed Jesus as a beloved son and ordered the disciples to listen to him.

The teachings of Jesus during this time, many delivered in parables, focused on a repentance that would redirect a life to God, a life absolutely obedient to the will of God and following the commandment to love one’s neighbor expressed in Mark 12:28–31. This repentance was linked to a Last Judgment for mankind and the establishment of a reign of justice and peace—the Kingdom of God.

The account of Jesus’ suffering and death —the Passion —begins with his Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem and his Entry into Jerusalem ( 62.189 ). There, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and shared a Seder with them. This final meal with his followers is known as the Last Supper ( 17.190.18a–c ). Afterwards, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane and wrestled with his doubts—the Agony in the Garden. The betrayal by his disciple Judas ended in the Arrest of Jesus by soldiers. After Jewish and Roman authorities briefly questioned him, with Peter outside denying that he knew him (the Denial of Peter), Jesus was beaten (the Flagellation, 64.27.18 ) and forced to wear a crown of thorns. Jesus himself, or the passerby Simon of Cyrene, carried the cross from which Jesus would be hung to the Place of the Skull, or Golgotha (Calvary, in Latin). There, Jesus underwent his Crucifixion ( 1999.295.4 ) and death on Good Friday; he was thirty-three years of age.

The events following Jesus’ death that are often depicted in art include: Jesus’ Descent from the Cross, or Deposition ( 17.190.735 ); the Lamentation over his body ( 2001.78 )—a scene not found in the Bible; his Entombment (20.46.17), hastily done since the Sabbath was about to begin; and his Descent into Limbo or Hell to free the souls there—an event also not found in the Bible. Immediately after the Sabbath, Jesus’ Resurrection was revealed to women coming to his tomb with spices to complete his embalming , the Women at the Tomb. In one account, Mary Magdalene is met by Jesus in the garden behind the tomb, where he asked her not to touch him—the Noli me Tangere scene ( 17.190.47 ). Jesus then appeared at least ten times to his followers over the next forty days, including accompanying two of them in their Journey to Emmaus ( 17.190.47 ). The period ended forty days later with his Ascension, when Jesus rose to heaven with the apostles as witnesses ( 1970.324.2 ). As recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus’ followers gathered ten days after his ascension, for the celebration of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot (“the feast of weeks”), and were empowered by the Holy Spirit ( 65.105 ) to continue his ministry.

Norris, Michael. “Life of Jesus of Nazareth.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jesu/hd_jesu.htm (originally published June 2008, last revised September 2008)

Further Reading

Achtemeier, Paul J., gen. ed., with the Society of Biblical Literature. HarperCollins Bible Dictionary . Rev. ed. San Francisco: HarperCollins Publishers, 1996.

Metzger, Bruce M., and Michael D. Coogan, eds. The Oxford Companion to the Bible . New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.

Metzger, Bruce M., and Michael D. Coogan, eds. The New Oxford Annotated Bible, New Revised Standard Version . New York: Oxford University Press, 1994.

Smith, William. The New Smith's Bible Dictionary . Completely revised by Reuel G. Lemmons in association with Virtus Gideon, Robert F. Gribble, and J. W. Roberts. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1966.

Additional Essays by Michael Norris

• Norris, Michael. “ The Papacy during the Renaissance .” (August 2007)
• Norris, Michael. “ Arms and Armor in Medieval Europe .” (October 2001)
• Norris, Michael. “ Feudalism and Knights in Medieval Europe .” (October 2001)

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• Ethiopian Healing Scrolls
• Fra Angelico (ca. 1395–1455)
• The Ghent Altarpiece
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• Florence and Central Italy, 1400–1600 A.D.
• Florence and Central Italy, 1600–1800 A.D.
• France, 1000–1400 A.D.
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• The Annunciation
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• The Assumption of the Virgin
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Artist or Maker

• Campin, Robert
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Online Features

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Who Is Jesus Christ And What Is His Mission To The World?

Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity and one of the most influential people to have ever lived. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection form the foundation of the Christian faith. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Jesus Christ is believed by Christians to be the Son of God and savior of humanity whose mission was to bring salvation to the world through his death and resurrection .

Now let’s explore this topic in more depth.

In this approximately 3000 word article, we will examine who Jesus Christ is, his origins, his ministry and teachings, his death and resurrection, and his enduring legacy and mission to the world.

The Life and Identity of Jesus Christ

Jesus’s origins and early life.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem around 4 BC. His mother was Mary, a virgin, and his father was God himself. Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. As a child, Jesus grew up in Nazareth with Mary and Joseph.

The Bible says that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus worked as a carpenter.

Jesus’s ministry and public life

Jesus began His public ministry around the age of 30 when He was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan river. For three years, Jesus traveled with His twelve disciples teaching large crowds about the kingdom of God.

He performed many miracles like healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and even raising the dead. Jesus’ teachings often used parables and focused on God’s love, forgiveness, and salvation. Many believed Jesus was the Messiah and Son of God.

However, Jesus also had critics like the Pharisees who opposed His claims.

Jesus’s identity and claims of divinity

Jesus made radical claims about His identity. He declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). On multiple occasions, Jesus overtly claimed to be the divine Son of God. When asked if He was the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus replied “I am” (Mark 14:61-62).

Jesus accepted worship, forgave sins, and stated that He existed before Abraham. To reinforce His authority and divine identity, Jesus performed public miracles. Ultimately, Jesus was crucified for making Himself equal with God. But He proved His divinity by conquering death and rising from the grave.

The Teachings and Parables of Jesus Christ

Overview of jesus’s moral and ethical teachings.

Jesus’s moral and ethical teachings emphasized love, forgiveness, compassion, and service to others. Some of his most important teachings included:

• Love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39)
• Treat others as you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12)
• Forgive others who wrong you (Matthew 6:14-15)
• Help those in need, like the poor, sick, and outcasts of society (Matthew 25:35-45)
• Be humble and serve others rather than seeking power, status, or wealth (Matthew 20:26-28)

Jesus often taught using vivid stories and examples that captivated audiences. His teachings revealed a revolutionary new model of moral leadership – one that uplifted the meek rather than the powerful.

He taught that the kingdom of God was open to all who embodied the virtues of love, mercy, and humility.

Jesus’s teachings on the kingdom of God

A core theme of Jesus’s message was the coming of the kingdom of God. He taught that the kingdom was not a place or government, but rather God’s spiritual reign in the hearts and minds of people. The kingdom was both a present reality and a future hope.

Jesus described what the kingdom of God is like in many parables. It is like a mustard seed that grows into a large tree, showing how God’s reign grows from small beginnings (Matthew 13:31-32). It is like a pearl or hidden treasure that one joyfully obtains at great cost (Matthew 13:44-46).

Jesus compared the kingdom to a wedding banquet open to all (Matthew 22:1-14).

To enter the kingdom, one must have childlike faith and humility (Matthew 18:3-4). It is open to all who accept it in their hearts regardless of social status or righteousness (Matthew 21:31). But it requires persistent effort and sacrifice (Matthew 11:12).

According to Jesus, living by kingdom values was far more important than material wealth or status (Matthew 6:33).

Important parables told by Jesus

Jesus was a master storyteller, and parables made up a large part of his recorded teachings. Here are some of his most famous and impactful parables:

• The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) – Emphasized compassion for others in need
• The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) – Conveyed the forgiving love of God
• The Sower (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23) – Showed how God’s message is received differently
• The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) – Illustrated how God’s kingdom grows from small beginnings
• The Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) – Encouraged using one’s gifts and abilities for God

These vivid stories spoke to the hearts of people, conveying deep spiritual truths through unforgettable characters and imagery. Jesus used parables to challenge and provoke his listeners to discover insights into God’s truths on their own.

The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Jesus’s trial, suffering and crucifixion.

Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and brought before the Sanhedrin council, who condemned Him to death. He was mocked, beaten, and sentenced to crucifixion by Pontius Pilate the next day. Jesus was forced to carry His cross to Golgotha, where He was nailed to the cross between two thieves ( Luke 23:32-33 ).

His suffering fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s sacrificial death for humanity’s sins.

As Jesus hung on the cross, He forgave those who crucified Him and promised eternal life to one of the thieves crucified beside Him. After about six hours on the cross, He said “It is finished” and died ( John 19:30 ).

His death paid the penalty for sin once for all and opened the way for people to have a restored relationship with God.

The resurrection – Jesus rises from the dead

On the third day after His death, Jesus rose again in a resurrected, glorified body. Women who came to His tomb found it empty except for the burial cloths, and angels declared He had risen ( Luke 24:6 ).

Jesus began appearing to His disciples and others for 40 days, showing His resurrected body and teaching them about God’s kingdom ( reference ). His resurrection demonstrated His power over death and His deity as the Son of God.

Jesus appeared multiple times to more than 500 witnesses in His resurrected body over the course of 40 days ( 1 Corinthians 15:6 ). These eyewitnesses testified to the truth of His bodily resurrection, which was foundational to the spread of Christianity.

Significance of the crucifixion and resurrection

Jesus’ death by crucifixion and His miraculous resurrection three days later are at the heart of the Christian faith. Christians believe Jesus willingly took on the punishment for humanity’s sins by dying on our behalf.

His resurrection proved He defeated sin and death, and it represents His victory being offered to all who believe in Him ( 1 Peter 1:3 ).

The crucifixion and resurrection provide the way for people to receive salvation, forgiveness of sins, and reconciliation with God. Those who put their trust in Jesus can spiritually die and rise again with Him to a new, meaningful life ( Romans 6:4 ).

His resurrection also assures believers they too will be resurrected when He returns.

The Enduring Legacy and Mission of Jesus Christ

The worldwide growth of christianity.

Christianity has grown from a small movement in first century Judea to the world’s largest religion practiced by over 2.5 billion people globally . The faith founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ has spread across continents and cultures, adapting unique regional traditions while retaining the core message of salvation through faith in Christ.

A 2021 report by the Pew Research Center found Christianity is still the dominant religion in Europe and the Americas. However, the faith’s influence is also growing rapidly in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

By 2050, researchers predict over 60% of Christians will live in Africa and Latin America .

Jesus Christ’s continuing influence in society and culture

The life and teachings of Jesus have profoundly shaped laws, customs, arts, literature and philosophy across civilization. Concepts like human rights, charity, compassion and forgiveness championed by Christ still inspire movements for social reform and justice worldwide.

Jesus’s call to “love your neighbor” laid the ethical foundation for modern humanitarian efforts. Christian clergy like Martin Luther King Jr. and Desmond Tutu spearheaded anti-racism and reconciliation causes.

And Christian aid agencies like the Red Cross provide disaster and poverty relief globally.

In the arts, Jesus and biblical themes still feature prominently across media, from classic works like Michelangelo’s “Pieta” sculpture to modern films like “The Passion of the Christ.”

Jesus’s mission to bring salvation to the world

The central purpose of Jesus’s life and preaching was to reconcile humankind to God through his sacrificial death and resurrection. This mission of cosmic redemption from sin and death is now carried forward by his followers everywhere.

Christian clergy and missionaries spread this message of salvation to nearly every country today. In 2018 alone, over 250,000 Christian missionaries were working abroad spreading their faith according to data from the Center for the Study of Global Christianity ( source ).

And churches run compassion ministries providing food, education, healthcare and disaster relief to millions in need.

By transforming hearts and serving the poor, modern Christians still strive to continue Jesus’s reconciliation of the world to God – a mission over two millennia in the making that persists changing lives globally.

In conclusion, Jesus Christ is believed by Christians to be the divine Son of God, whose life, teachings, death and resurrection form the basis for the Christian faith. His mission was to bring salvation and redemption to humanity through his sacrifice on the cross.

Jesus changed the course of history, and his influence continues to be felt around the world today. Through his teachings, Christians believe he shows the way to salvation, spiritual truth and everlasting life.

Amanda Williams is a dedicated Christian writer and blogger who is passionate about sharing Biblical truth and encouraging believers in their faith walks. After working as a youth pastor and Bible teacher for several years, she launched her blog in 2022 to minister to Christians online seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. When she's not creating content or connecting with readers, Amanda enjoys studying theology, being out in nature, baking, and spending time with family. Her goal is to provide practical wisdom and hope from a genuine Christian perspective. Amanda currently resides in Colorado with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs.

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Who is jesus to you.

John Piper Twitter @JohnPiper

Heaven’s perspective on suffering, how do i receive the spirit, how a will embraces god, resurrection power for our pain, does providence eliminate my will, don’t devour one another, does the spirit make me a robot.

Founder & Teacher, desiringGod.org

Audio Transcript

Who is Jesus? It is a perennial question. And there must be as many diverse answers to that question as any other person who ever walked on this planet. Even during his life on earth, Christ’s very presence was a point of remarkable debate. Some said Jesus was God, and others said he was demon possessed. Some said Jesus was a good teacher, and others called him a liar. Some said he was brilliant, and others labeled him insane. Jesus was applauded as a prophet, and he was dismissed as a babbling blasphemer. So who is this Jesus? In the words of Hebrews 1:3, we are told Jesus is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.” In a 1996 sermon , John Piper answered the age old question: Who is Jesus?

Who is it that sat down at the right hand? Who is it that went to the cross? Who is it that was buried and rose again? Who is it that upholds all things by the word of his power? Who is Jesus Christ? He is the exact representation of the divine nature, or of God’s nature. What does that mean? Jesus said, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father (John 14:9). Paul said, “He is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15).

Radiance of Glory

But do you know what? You could say that sentence — “He is the exact representation of the nature of God” — and be absolutely wrong in the way you think about it. For example:

• You could say that Jesus is the representation of God the Father the way a painting represents a person. And you would be wrong.
• You could say that Jesus represents the nature of God the way an authorized letter from a king represents the king. And you would be wrong.
• Or you could say that Jesus Christ the Son of God is the exact representation of God the Father in that a wax mold has an impress and it perfectly represents the ring. And you would be wrong.

And the reason we know that would be utterly inadequate to talk that way is because the first phrase tells us how he is a representation, and it isn’t any of those. He is an exact representation of the Father in that “he is the radiance of [his] glory” (Hebrews 1:3). He represents the glory of God the way radiance represents glory.

That is very different than a painting representing a person, a letter, a king, a wax mold, and a ring. Radiance coming out from a light, streaming down from the sun, is not another thing. It is not a different essence than the thing. The radiance of the glory is the glory radiating. That is the profound thing to get a handle on here: Christ is not other than God representing God. He is God representing God. He is the Father streaming out in glory, standing forth in another person whose essence is the same divine essence.

We are talking mystery here, I realize. And we won’t begin to exhaust this or end it, but we can see a little bit. The window can be cracked enough so that we can worship aright and not make heretical statements about the Son being a creature or a mere prophet.

Four Ways the Son Radiates the Father’s glory

Let me give you, in closing, four ways that the Son streams out or is radiating the glory of the Father.

1. The Father and the Son are coeternal.

First, let’s compare him with the sun, the sun radiating out its beams. There is no time when the sun exists that its radiant light does not exist. They are so much a part of each other that when the sun exists, the radiance of the sun exists. When God the Father exists, the Son exists. They are coeternal. The Father did not exist and then say, “I think I shall bring into being a Son.” That is not the way it happened. He is eternally begotten, eternally streaming out. Where there is light, there are rays. Where there is God, there is a Son of God. The radiance is the glory radiating out. It is not essentially different. The Son of God is God. He is not by nature another being.

2. The Son is not created or made.

Compare this with a solar calculator. I think of this because I was using one the other night, getting my tax stuff ready. And I asked Barnabas, “Where is the off switch here?” He says, “It is a solar calculator. Just put it back in the cover. It goes off.” Now what that means is that when the sun or the light in my dining room shines on this little window, a little black number appears. Now it would be fair to say that the light created that or made it, produced it in some way. And that number is not the light.

So don’t ever think of the Son of God like the numbers on a solar calculator — that God made the Son; he brought the Son into being like that. The Son is the light shining on the world and making the world. He is begotten, not made, the old creeds say. The point being that you beget like: Humans beget humans, dogs beget puppies, cats beget kittens, and God begets God.

3. The Son mediates the Father.

It is by means of the rays of the light that we see light. In the first service at this point the sun came out and a big beam just landed on about forty people right there. It was unbelievable. It was great. If you try to look up through that window at the sun when it’s shining, first of all, it will blind you. Don’t do that. And that is just a little reflection of God. God would blind you too. You have to have a means to see God. You have to have a mediator. The mediator is the Son of God, and the Son of God is the radiance of the glory of God.

The light that is on your face right now arrived there eight minutes after it left the sun. About eight minutes ago, while I was preaching it left the sun. These beams went out and they landed right on our faces. Now if you look at those rays you can actually see — if you put on the right glasses — you see a ball, or at sunrise and sundown when it is safe, you can see a ball. Are you seeing the sun? Yeah, you are seeing the sun, but actually you are seeing eight minutes later what the means of the sun’s rays give to you to see. What we are seeing is a ball that is eight minutes old, being mediated to us by light streaming over 93 million miles from the sun. But we are seeing the sun, folks. That is the sun. And when you look at Jesus Christ, you are seeing God.

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Essay on Relationship With Jesus Christ

Students are often asked to write an essay on Relationship With Jesus Christ in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Relationship With Jesus Christ

Understanding jesus christ.

Jesus Christ is a central figure in Christianity. Christians believe He is the son of God and the savior of humanity. Jesus’ teachings are about love, kindness, and forgiveness. He lived a humble life, serving others and spreading God’s word.

Building a Relationship with Jesus Christ

Building a relationship with Jesus Christ involves faith, prayer, and understanding His teachings. Faith is believing in Jesus and accepting Him as your savior. Prayer is a way to communicate with Him, express gratitude, and seek guidance. Understanding His teachings helps us live a life of love and kindness.

Importance of a Relationship with Jesus Christ

Having a relationship with Jesus Christ brings peace, joy, and purpose in life. It helps us to be kind, forgiving, and loving towards others. It gives us strength in difficult times and guides us in making the right decisions. It is a spiritual journey that brings us closer to God.

Strengthening the Relationship with Jesus Christ

To strengthen your relationship with Jesus, read the Bible, pray regularly, and live according to His teachings. The Bible is the source of His teachings. Praying helps in building a personal connection with Him. Living His teachings means showing love, kindness, and forgiveness to others.

250 Words Essay on Relationship With Jesus Christ

Who is jesus christ, our relationship with jesus christ.

Having a relationship with Jesus Christ means that we try to follow his teachings in our daily lives. It’s like having a close friend who always guides us to do the right things. This relationship is based on love, trust, and respect.

Prayer and Jesus Christ

Prayer is an important part of this relationship. When we pray, we talk to Jesus, thanking him for his love and asking for his guidance. It’s like having a conversation with a friend.

Jesus Christ’s Teachings

Jesus taught us to love others as we love ourselves. He also taught us to forgive those who hurt us. Following these teachings helps us to build a strong relationship with him.

Benefits of a Relationship with Jesus Christ

Having a relationship with Jesus Christ can give us peace and happiness. It can guide us in making good decisions and help us to be kind and loving to others.

In conclusion, a relationship with Jesus Christ is about love, trust, and respect. It involves following his teachings and talking to him through prayer. This relationship can bring us peace, happiness, and guidance in our lives.

500 Words Essay on Relationship With Jesus Christ

Building a relationship with jesus.

To build a relationship with Jesus, you need to believe in him and his teachings. This includes accepting him as your Savior and recognizing that he died for the sins of humanity. This belief is the first step in establishing a relationship with Jesus.

Prayer and Communication

Prayer is a key part of a relationship with Jesus. It is how we talk to him. Through prayer, we thank him for his blessings, ask for his help, and seek his guidance. It’s not just about asking for things, but also about thanking and praising him. It’s a way to build a strong bond with Jesus.

Reading the Bible

Living a christ-like life.

Having a relationship with Jesus means trying to live a life that reflects his teachings. This includes being kind to others, forgiving those who hurt you, and helping those in need. It’s not always easy, but it’s what Jesus taught us to do.

Attending Church

Church is a place where Christians gather to worship Jesus. Attending church is a way to strengthen your relationship with Jesus. It’s a place to learn more about him, pray, and meet other people who also have a relationship with Jesus.

The Role of Faith

In conclusion, having a relationship with Jesus Christ is about believing in him, communicating with him through prayer, reading the Bible, living a Christ-like life, attending church, and having faith. It’s a personal journey that can bring peace, joy, and purpose to your life.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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“Why Is Jesus Christ Important in My Life?” New Era, Jan. 2015, 10–13

Why Is Jesus Christ Important in My Life?

By Michael R. Morris

Church Magazines

When we understand everything the Savior does for us, He becomes the most important person in our lives.

Recently I read a blog post where the author talked about how the Savior plays a vital role in her daily life. I was happy she was willing to share her feelings, but I was saddened by one reader’s response: “He is of no importance whatever in my life—never has been and never will be.”

That reader couldn’t be more wrong. Sooner or later, all of us will need the Savior. We all make mistakes we cannot fix, experience losses we cannot recover, and face pains, persecution, tragedies, burdens, and disappointments we cannot handle alone.

The good news is that we don’t have to handle them alone.

“In a moment of weakness we may cry out, ‘No one knows what it is like. No one understands.’ But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He has felt and borne our individual burdens,” said Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “And because of His infinite and eternal sacrifice (see Alma 34:14 ), He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy.” 1

Jesus is important to us because through His Atonement, teachings, hope, peace, and example, He helps us change our lives, face our trials, and move forward with faith as we journey back to Him and His Father.

Jesus Makes Repentance Possible

One of the reasons Jesus is so important to those who sincerely try to follow Him is that all of us fall short and need the gift of repentance offered through the Atonement.

When we stumble and fall, Satan wants us to think we’re not good enough to get up and get back on the right path. He also wants us to forget that the gospel is “the gospel of repentance” ( D&C 13:1 ; emphasis added). But we know that “the grace of Christ is real, affording both forgiveness and cleansing to the repentant sinner.” 2

The power of Jesus Christ’s Atonement is available to each of us, but we have to choose to let it work in our lives. Imagine giving a special gift to a friend—something your friend really needs and something you prepared through personal sacrifice. Then imagine your friend responding, “Thanks, but I don’t really want your gift.” How would you feel?

When we don’t invite Jesus to help us become clean through repentance, it’s as if we’re rejecting His gift.

Jesus Teaches Truth

On one occasion, after a number of people refused to walk any longer with Him, Jesus asked the Twelve Apostles, “Will ye also go away?” Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” ( John 6:67–68 ).

You can find the Savior’s “words of eternal life” in the scriptures, the teachings of the living prophets, and the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. They offer a foundation for “happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come,” 3 and they guide us safely back to our Heavenly Father and our Savior.

What are some of the great truths the Savior taught? President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, listed four in a recent general conference talk:

“Our Father has given His children the great plan of happiness.”

“Through the Atonement … , we can live forever with our loved ones.”

“We will have glorious, perfect, and immortal bodies, unburdened by sickness or disability.”

“Our tears of sadness and loss will be replaced with an abundance of happiness and joy.” 4

Jesus Offers Hope

When we face serious challenges, sometimes we find it difficult to trust in the Lord. But trusting in Him brings us the hope we need in order to face our challenges.

That’s what happened with members of the Gatrell family, who live in Sister Jean A. Stevens’s ward. Sister Stevens, first counselor in the Primary general presidency, said the family held tight to the gospel and to their temple covenants after Brother Gatrell was diagnosed with cancer. Doing so gave them hope in God’s promises that they would be together again after this life.

Through the difficult days before her husband passed away, Sister Gatrell said, “I knew the Lord was watching over us. If you trust in the Lord, truly you can overcome any of life’s challenges.” 5

The gift of the Atonement gives us the hope of eternal life—something we need when we suffer trials or the death of a loved one.

“Our loving Heavenly Father gave us the gift of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior,” said President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency. “That great gift and blessing of the Atonement of Jesus Christ brings a universal inheritance: the promise of the Resurrection and the possibility of eternal life to all who are born.” 6

Jesus Offers Peace

If you’ve ever faced a natural disaster, been the subject of cruel gossip, experienced a life-changing challenge, had a falling-out with a friend, or stood up for what’s right, you know you need the Lord’s peace. “The peace of the Savior,” said Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “subdues the swirling whirlwinds of the world.” 7

During a recent general conference, Elder Andersen shared a story about a Laurel who was ridiculed and called names for standing up for traditional marriage. Ridicule, she learned, is sometimes the cost of “being true to God and to the teachings of His living prophets.” 8

But standing up doesn’t mean standing alone. We can always turn to the Prince of Peace when we feel alone or overwhelmed, sad or worried, afraid or worthless. We do so by:

Praying to Heavenly Father for the Spirit to be with us.

Reading the Lord’s words in the scriptures and as revealed by living prophets.

Attending the temple.

Studying the Savior’s life at church and in seminary.

Applying His Atonement by repenting of our sins.

Sharing our testimonies of Him.

When we feel the Savior’s peace, our hearts need not be troubled or afraid (see John 14:26–27 ).

“Only the Master knows the depths of our trials, our pain, and our suffering,” said President Thomas S. Monson. “He alone offers us eternal peace in times of adversity. He alone touches our tortured souls with His comforting words.” 9

Jesus Sets the Example

Throughout His ministry, Jesus doesn’t just point the way to happiness—He leads the way. Through His Atonement, He leads us to love. Through His teachings, He leads us to eternal truths. Through His perfect life, He leads us to the path of obedience.

“The greatest example who ever walked the earth is our Savior, Jesus Christ. His mortal ministry was filled with teaching, serving, and loving others,” said Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Savior, he added, “invites us to follow His perfect example.” 10

When we understand that the Savior makes possible repentance and resurrection, teaches vital truths, offers hope and peace, and sets the perfect example, He becomes the center of our lives. And with Him as our friend, we have the courage to cast out fear and move forward with faith.

Jesus Christ and His Mission essay

Jesus Christ is a man who once lived on earth, about 2000 years ago. He was sent by God to save the people. Jesus’ birth was predicted by John, born to Elizabeth. Elizabeth was a friend of Mary, Jesus’ mother. The stories of these predictions can be found in the beginning of Luke, chapter 1. Once Jesus was born, it quickly became obvious that he was no ordinary baby. People called him the Messiah and came from miles around to pay homage to him.

Herrod, the current king, was very threatened by this new baby, whom everyone said would become the king (Matthew 1:18 to 2:23). Jesus performed many miracles will on earth. He cured lepers (Matt. 8:1 – 3), made blind men see, healed the sick, raised the dead. He also spoke frequently in parables; for example, the parable of the seed (Matt. 13:3 – 9). In the end, Jesus was betrayed, and he was crucified. Three days later, on what is now Easter, Jesus rose from the dead, and later ascended into heaven.

All of these miracles were predicted before Jesus even lived; he predicted his own betrayal and death (Matt. ). Jesus came to earth in order to teach lessons about loving God and following his teachings. He reinforced the Ten Commandments, he taught the Beatitudes, and he used many parables to show that those who live in God are the only ones who live. He also taught that any who believe in him will have an eternal life in heaven.

Another important point was that all of the people who come last on earth – poor people, children, etc. – will come first in heaven. He spoke often about making oneself “meek,” “lowly,” and “humble,” and he himself practiced these ideals. He spoke also of the “sheep” and “shepherd” metaphor, inviting people to follow his lead. His teachings have led to a multitude of similar religions, all based on self-sacrifice, loving and forgiving others, caring for others, and doing good in the world.

Related essays:

• In the Name of God and Allah essay
• Jesus Christ and Mohammed essay

Jesus also taught worship through prayer and praise to God, a tradition that continues today. Jesus’ teachings continue to be a huge influence on the way the world works, even today. His ideas and ideals are pervasive throughout the world, and many people openly worship him. Most also believe that he will come again, as stated in several places in the Bible. Jesus is a timeless person who continues to look down on all people today, and accept believers into heaven for eternal life.

Bibliography

The Bible, Matthew and Luke.

110 Jesus Christ Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best jesus christ topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on jesus christ, 💡 most interesting jesus christ topics to write about, ❓ questions about jesus christ.

• Accusations Against Jesus and Defense Against Them The following are some of the things that Jesus was accused of for which I am going to defend him. He was accused of being Christ the Son of God Luke 23:1-3.
• Jesus and Mohammed: Comparison and Contrast Religion is defined as the belief and reverence in a supernatural power considered as the creator and ruler of the universe and it consists of a system based on the belief and worship of that […]
• The Inner Circle of Jesus In both verses, John is under the impression from his witnessing the Transfiguration for during the transfiguration episode he saw Jesus in light and glory and heard the voice of God who ordered John and […]
• Hellenic Jews and Jesus as Messiah This led to the merging of the east and west of the Mediterranean and due to trade Hellenism took root in the Jews.
• The Image of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Luke Each of the authors demonstrate Jesus Christ in the new and special light, depending on the assorted theme of the composition, focal points and different groups of people observing the retelling of the life and […]
• The Life of Jesus Christ The rich and powerful Jews teamed up with the occupiers of the land the Romans so as to guard their possessions and interests.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” by Andrew Lloyd Webber The rock opera is special in its content due to the political and personal battles that are clearly presented in throughout the work between Jesus and Judas Iscariot.
• What Does it Mean to Have Eternal Life thru Jesus Christ Eternal life is a critical aspect of Christianity and it is the one of the foundational doctrines of Christianity exemplifying the life of Christ through His resurrection.
• What is the Real Relationship between Jesus and God? The Bottom-Line Between God the Son and God the Father The Trinitarian believers puts the position of Jesus while trying to explain whom he was in comparison to the father in a better and more comprehensive fashion, that the Father is God, as well as […]
• Pluralism and the Uniqueness of Jesus Some people might not believe in the Bible and the history of religion as there is no significant evidence of Jesus’s existence.
• Jesus’ Mission Described in The Gospel of Mark Jesus provides the disciple with the pieces of wisdom that allow the person to enter the sacred place of Heaven and be closer to the Lord.
• Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection The result of man’s sins is death but due to Gods love to the human race, he found a way in which the entire human race could be saved and that is through sacrifice of […]
• Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of Mankind Although he does not embrace the notion of Jesus as the son of God and the savior of mankind, Gandhi acknowledges that the teachings and life of Jesus are worth emulating.
• Jesus and Paul’s Teachings Analysis Comparing the teachings of Jesus and the teachings of Paul as presented in different books of the bible, this paper asserts that Paul not only knew of the person of Jesus but was also adequately […]
• The Characteristics of the Follower of Jesus Followers consider themselves children of Christ and therefore have the will to sacrifice their lives for Jesus as he sacrificed his life for them.
• Confucius and Jesus Christ Among them, Jesus Christ and Confucius have become some of the most prominent figures in the history of the world. The purpose of this is essay is to compare the lives and the teachings of […]
• Contemporary Ministry That Focuses on Jesus Christ Prayer is to be conducted in a format that recognizes God as the Father and overall, Jesus as His Son and the Holy Spirit as our Helper, “ministering in the Spirit, ultimately we go in […]
• Evidence Outside the Bible for the Existence of Jesus Christ In a literal sense, evidence means proof that validates the establishment of something with the view of arriving at a certain conclusion or a chosen matter. It is this type of evidence that shows the […]
• The core teaching of Jesus The core of Jesus’ teachings was on the fact that God love us and that we should love each other just as he has demonstrated his love to us.
• Jesus’ Power Encounter in Mark’s Gospel It is a turning moment in the course of continuing spiritual battle and takes place within the framework of continuing confrontation between the kingdoms of God and Satan.
• Jesus: Dressed Like a Servant, Acting Like a Slave At the same time, BSL has two aspects of serving God in the first place and then serving the followers disciples in the case of Jesus, parishioners in the case of ministers, and Gentiles, in […]
• Historical Facts of Jesus of Nazareth Thus, it is essential to establish the emergence of questions about Jesus of Nazareth and the theological significance of this historical information.
• Jesus the Resurrection and the Way The disciples of Jesus did not steal his body after death and burial: the most logical and provable reason behind the loss of Jesus’s body is the resurrection that occurred after three days.
• “Jesus in Our Wombs” by Lester Lester attempts to relate a theory of the ego and the self to a concept of the physical body in Jesus in Our Wombs.
• “The Book of Revelation”: The Revelation of Jesus Christ The Book describes the struggle between the forces of good and evil that will occur when the present age comes to an end.
• Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ The book of Philippians chapter 1 verses 12-18 generally speaks about the spreading of the gospel of Christ. Paul, the servant of Christ, is imprisoned because he was spreading the gospel.
• Evangelism Methods by Jesus: From the Gospels to the 21st Century The gospel model includes the prologue, Jesus’s Ministry, the turning point, the journey to Jerusalem, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the epilogue.
• Christian Beliefs About Jesus’ Identity Jesus as the Son of God or a second person of the Blessed Trinity indicates the existence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• The Dome of the Rock. The Place where Adam, Moses, and Jesus Meet The Dome of the Rock is a magnificent edifice sitting on the Temple Mount, and it is visible from all over the old city of Jerusalem.
• The Gospel of John where Jesus’ Great High Priestly Prayer has Concluded Review He asks that we be united as he and the Father are united, that our unity be a sign of God’s presence in the world. The ultimate goal of Jesus’ prayer for unity is that […]
• Variant Images of Jesus: Reasons In the second collection of writings, the opposite tendency can be seen as the change of the authors’ attention from the light of the person to the light of Jesus supported by the last three […]
• Who Killed Jesus? Jesus was killed on the order of Roman authorities on the reason of provocation by Hebrew religious leaders. They thought that the value of Jesus life was a ransom for people’s sins which entered the […]
• “Religion: “Jesus of Montreal” Film by Denys Arcand” The movie “Jesus of Montreal” attempts to reconstitute the Jesus story in the contemporary world, and one of the principal director’s instruments in this way is an in-depth elaboration of characters, their identification with real […]
• The Jesus Factor in G. W. Bush’s Political Career This time marked the turning point in the life of George Bush as he was able to receive Jesus as his personal savior this was how Bush explained. The friends of Bush were able to […]
• Genji, Hamlet, Oedipus and Jesus Christ Character Analysis This paper will attempt to asses the characters in the following set of books and plays: The New Testament, Oedipus the King, Shakespeare Hamlet and Shikibu the tale of the Genji.
• An Objective Way of Understanding Jesus Christian doctrine says that the New does not replace the Old, but they point to the one and main objective the salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ.
• How Jesus Is Presented in the Book of Mark and Luke: A Comparison The book of Luke portrays Jesus in genuine humanity – how he lived and reveals the work of the Holy Spirit whereas the book of Mark portrays Jesus as a teacher.
• Jesus’ Depiction in the Gospels of Mark and Luke The proponent of this study would like to follow this assumption that Mark purposely omitted other parts of Jesus biographical information because he wanted his readers to know the most important aspects of Jesus life […]
• Jesus Driven Ministry and Necessities for Successful Ministry It is necessary that we must learn to identify with people so we can better meet their needs, receive and maintain the power of the Holy Spirit, understand how God affirms us, and spend time […]
• The Lost Tomb of Jesus: Docudrama The Lost Tomb covers the discovery of a tomb in 1980, during the construction of apartment housing in the Talpiot neighborhood of southern Jerusalem; and presents archeological, genetic, and statistical evidence that this Talpiot Tomb […]
• The Characteristic of Jesus by Christians The second personality characteristic about the kind of person Jesus is which also tends to create some tension is that He only blesses those who obey Him but does not bless or forgive sinners and […]
• Jesus and Greek Ways: An Attempt to Discover the Historical Jesus There is also not much that can be heard in the Western world when it comes to the passionate search for the historical Buddha and not the deified person that now sits in Buddhist temples.
• Historical Jesus and His Message The historical Jesus is the personality that is mentioned in the documents of the first century. As Hoffman stated, people believed that Jesus could lead them to the Kingdom of God.
• Pluralism of Christian Message “Jesus as Savior” One of the elements of pluralism that has served to confuse today’s secular culture is the various approaches that have been taken to the ‘true faith.’ According to Carson, a great deal of the confusion […]
• “Living Jesus: Learning the Heart of the Gospel” by Luke Timothy Johnson This is illustrated in the tile of the book “Living Jesus: Learning the Heart of the Gospel” The author brings out the criticism to the way Christianity was practiced for instance he questions the stand […]
• New Testament: “The Jesus I Never Knew” by Philip Yancey The book The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey discusses the personal attitude and relations of the author with God and his understanding of God.
• Jesus and the Jews: Reflection on the Relationship However, the views on the nature of the relationship between Jesus and his teachings and those of the Jewish community vary. In that sense, he was a product of his upbringing and was a part […]
• God, People, Self-Identity in the “Jesus” Movie One of the most memorable descriptions of God by Jesus, as seen in the film, is that according to Christ, God’s ways are counterintuitive and one may never cease to experience the sensation of humility […]
• The Message to Think of Jesus as God Ye that travailest to keep the good spirits at the hard times; though that hath stood the times of lament and cry; ye that hath no fear for anything but the Wrath of God, are […]
• Most Admirable and Interesting Pictures of Jesus The temptation of Jesus by the devil is the second most admirable and interesting picture in the movie. What was the third most admirable, interesting picture of Jesus in this movie to you?
• Historical Jesus and Paul in Early Christianity The historical Jesus refers in an actual sense as the person Jesus was during his lifetime and not the Jesus of Christian doctrines.
• Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth In this paper, the life and nature of Jesus will be evaluated and analyzed to explain the development of related historical events, the causes of the conflict with Rome, and the reasons that people were […]
• Jesus’s Nativity in Islam, Christianity, Judaism The aim of the current research is to assess the origin of Jesus in Islam and compare this with Christianity and Judaism views on the same. It is also evident that Allah guided Mary throughout […]
• Evangelicalism in McKnight’s The King Jesus Gospel The book, The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited, Scot McKnight argues that evangelicalism in the modern world concentrates on personal salvation while it diminishes the essence of Gospel as the center of […]
• “Jesus and the Disinherited” by Howard Thurman Importantly, the author stressed the religion of Jesus to be able to address this community and inspire people to follow the Jewish tenets.
• Miracles of Jesus in Gospels: Different Viewpoints Moreover, the pattern of the healings, including the sense of wonder and the fast-paced occurrence of the miracles, can be considered the common thread of the Gospels.
• Religion Doctrine “Jesus is the Jewish Messiah” This paper aims to discuss the historical accounts that support the theory that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah. According to Norman, all the facts that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah are in the Hebrew Bible.
• Documentary Movie Analysis: “Jesus Camp” Through the roles played by Tory, Rachael and Levi, the audience is in a position to understand events in the camp, the learning process and purported gifts that children can use to draw America back […]
• The Quran Highlights of Jesus’ Life The Quran indicates that Jesus was just a prophet, born of a virgin mother, and raised to manifest the power of God.
• The Figure of Jesus in Islam However, the problem is in the fact that Christians are often not aware of the role of Jesus in Islam, and Muslims often interpret the figure of Jesus in their religion in the most literal […]
• Jesus Christ’s Humility Following the example of Jesus, Christians should know that it is their obligation to surrender and submit fully to the will of God. The example of Jesus’ humility to God should be followed by Christians […]
• Film Studies: “Jesus Camp” by Rachel Grady The acclaimed documentary called “Jesus Camp” that was released in 2006 and filmed in 2005 divided the United States and its audience into the people that perceive “Jesus Camp” as a revealing creation that debunks […]
• Portrays Jesus in the Bible They object that God could not be portrayed as a human being due to the weakness of man, and therefore Jesus could not be God.
• Teachings of Jesus and Kant According to the rules by Jesus, there is no need of fixing rules to guide moral judgments because when people are guided by love for each other they do the right things.
• Comparing and Contrasting how Human is Jesus, According to Theologists The discrepancies might be determined by the fact that the Gospel of Mark was written before the Gospel of John; thus, the author might have experienced less impact of the social vision of God.
• Christopher Wright: Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament Additionally, it is the authors’ objective for the readers to have a greater understanding of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and why Jesus is the representation of God’s spirit.Dr.
• The Orchestration of Jesus Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem In the fulfillment of the prophecy, Jesus made the triumphal entry on the first day of the week and many people accompanied Him.
• Bible Study in the Quest for the Plausible Jesus by Winter Dagmar Redaction criticism is another method employed by today’s scholars to analyze how the writers in the bible shaped their source material, to reconstruct the community and to establish the role of the writers of the […]
• The Character of Jesus The author of the book intends to provoke those proclaiming to be Christians to develop a deeper and unwavering commitment to Christ and to encourage those not already professing Christianity, to have an interest and […]
• “A God of Incredible Surprises: Jesus of Galilee” by Virgilio Elizondo God is Almighty, omniscient and omnipresent but one of the greatest miracles, revelation and mystery is the transformation of the Son of God from divine to human.
• Jesus Christ’ Sign Miracles It was a routine that the Angel of God came and troubled the water and the first person to enter the pool was healed.
• Jesus & Muhammad: Influence on Religion To a large extent, the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad play a pivotal role in the decision making process of their followers.
• An Interpretation of the Phrase ‘Jesus: The Son of God’ Jesus was called the Son of God to mean the chosen one on behave of God to come and rescue the people of the world who were sinners.
• Is Jesus Christ God? Priest and scribes accused Jesus Christ on the account that he blasphemed the name of God for He called Himself the Son of the living God and claimed to have the ability to forgive sins.
• Biblical basis of Jesus’ Humanity and Deity The doctrine of ‘The Two Natures of Jesus’ suggest that Jesus possessed two forms- divine and human. In the bible, there are several evidences that supporting the idea that Jesus was a human and a […]
• Comparative Analysis of the View of God, Jesus, and Salvation among Adoptionists and Gnostics Thus, the main postulates of Christianity such as the view of God, Jesus, and Salvation among the representatives of those two groups of Christians as Adoptionists and Gnostics were absolutely different. The view of God […]
• Concept of the Jesus Resurrection in Christianity Thus, dwelling upon the vision of the Jesus’ resurrection and their view of the apocalyptic world, it is possible to say that Jesus’ divine, immortality and other specific characteristics connected with the resurrection may be […]
• Jesus in the Gospel Besides, Satan attempted to convince Him to jump from the top of the temple and authorize the angels to save Him to prove that he was the son of God.
• How does ‘Jesus’ use of parables For instance, in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, Jesus compared the lives of poor Lazarus and the rich man in the world and heaven.
• Christianity: Theological Themes in Jesus Life The sensitivity of the matter have drawn the attention of many theologians to add their views and understanding of the events and circumstance of the life of Jesus Christ and his role as the founder […]
• Evangelism is following the example of Jesus Derived from the word Christ, Christians have tried to emulate the works and behaviors of the founder of the faith. This paper intends to compare and contrast evangelism in the early church and the present […]
• Herman Melville’s Billy Budd, Sailor: A Retelling of the Story of Jesus’ Crucifixion Melville’s inability to come to a clear position on religious matters shines in Billy Budd, Sailor, a story which presents the disturbing dilemma of the execution of an innocent man, essentially a victim of envy […]
• Who Was Jesus Christ?
• Did Jesus Christ Say That He Is God?
• What Is the Best Description of Jesus Christ?
• How the Novel “Godhanger” Is a Allegory for the Life of Jesus Christ?
• What Is Jesus Christ’s Mission to the World?
• Why Is Jesus Christ Important in Our Life?
• How Practical Are Jesus Christ’s Teachings in Today’s World?
• What Is Jesus Christ Mean?
• Was Jesus Christ the Messiah?
• What Are the Reasons for Examining the Issue of Jesus Christ’s Peccability?
• How Jesus Christ Fulfilled the Covenants God Made With?
• What Was Jesus Christ’s Mission?
• What Is Jesus Christ All About?
• What Are the Three Central Teachings of Jesus Christ?
• What Are the Similarities and Differences Between Jesus Christ and Siddhartha Gautama?
• What Nationality Is Jesus Christ?
• What Is the Most Compelling Argument for the Bible, the Word of God?
• What Does Jesus Christ Say About God’s Word?
• What Kind of Foods Did Jesus Eat?
• When Was Jesus Actually Born?
• How Did Jesus Prove His Deity?
• How Does Jesus Christ Answer Prayers?
• How Does Theology Describe the Link Between God and Disciples Through Jesus Christ, the Church, and Sacraments?
• What Is the Message of Jesus Christ?
• How Do People See Jesus Christ?
• What Is the Gospel Jesus Is the Good News?
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104 Jesus Christ Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on jesus christ, ✍️ jesus christ essay topics for college, 👍 good jesus christ research topics & essay examples, 💡 simple jesus christ essay ideas, ❓ questions about jesus christ.

• Jesus Christ’s Ministries and Chaplain Behaviors
• Jesus Role in Fulfilling God’s Plan to Save the World
• The Healing Ministry of Jesus
• Is Jesus Both Human and Divine?
• Jesus’s Teaching Methods and Messages
• Transformational Leadership of Jesus Christ
• The Crucifixion of Jesus in Old and New Testament
• Lead Like Jesus: Critical Book Review by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges In the book Lead Like Jesus, the authors Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges develop an entirely new approach to leading and influencing servant leadership.
• Jesus and Confucius Comparison Christianity and Confucianism are well-known systems of belief, based on the number of adherents and their significance.
• Is Jesus God? Critical Evaluation, Arguments for and Against This paper will show that Jesus is God and biblical teachings manifest that Jesus possessed the characteristics and abilities of God.
• In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do? by Charles Sheldon “In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?” carries the message for everyone: before doing something, it is necessary to consider whether this action is virtuous.
• Catechism of the Catholic Church on Jesus Christ The only one lord Jesus had a paramount duty to serve and suffer for man, born of a virgin woman through the power of the Holy Spirit as such one substance with God the father.
• Jesus Christ’s Natural Divinity The divinity of Christ is vital for Christians because it shows that the deification of the human body is possible, as well as the divine embodiment in the personality.
• “Sharing Jesus Without Fear” by William Fay William Fay has done remarkable work as an evangelist, seeking out to reach the masses to invite and arouse their interest in the words of the Gospel.
• In the Name of Jesus: Critical Review Nouwen’s thesis is that the historical situation on the eve of the 21st century necessitated the reinvigoration of Christian leadership
• Jesus’s Parables in Modern Settings In the Bible, Jesus tells his followers a number of parables. These parables were aimed at explaining God’s plan to the common folk based on examples they could understand.
• Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and Jesus’ Teachings In Buddhism, the Noble Eightfold Path is the last of the Four Noble Truths. The principles laid out in the Eightfold Path find some reflection in Jesus’ teachings.
• Comparison of Jesus and Mohammed This paper intends to compare and contrast the two Religious personalities (Jesus and Mohammed) in terms of history and influential capacities on their followers.
• The Deity of Jesus Christ in New Testament Jesus deity is expressed in New Testament with links from the Old Testament. Monotheism renders any form of claim to be blasphemous.
• The Salvation of Humans by Jesus Christ The history of our salvation and redemption in Jesus Christ makes it easier to understand who people are in this world and what they were created to be.
• How the Jesus Movement Became The Church The paper relates to the Jesus movement and responds to why the action continued and flourished; people’s faith in Jesus was strong, and they wanted to unite with Jesus Christ.
• Christian Evidences of Jesus in the Bible There are references to him in historical documents from the time period in which he lived, including Roman census records and letters written by first-century historians.
• Jesus and Expectations of Messiah Through the Jews’ expectations, three significant types of messiahs could be defined: the prophet, the priest, and the King.
• Discussion of Jesus as a Servant Leader The paper argues Jesus is an undoubted servant leader who wanted not to be served like a king but rather to serve others.
• Comparative Analysis of Socrates and Jesus of Nazareth Jesus and Socrates were considered a threat to society due to their uniqueness, and the knowledge they brought helped everyone understand their shortcomings.
• Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman The book Jesus and the Disinherited written by Howard Thurman is devoted to the religious and race aspects and their positions in the modern world.
• Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament. This paper tries to tell about Jesus and what the Gospel writer attempts to say to his audience by putting the parables together.
• Principle of Utility and Golden Rule of Jesus This paper discusses the principle of utility and how it relates to maximizing social goods, higher and lower pleasures, and Mill’s empirical method.
• The Figure of Jesus in Islam and the Quran This paper discusses the figure of Jesus in the Islamic religion by highlighting His reference in the Quran, specifically his birth, death, and return.
• “How God Became Jesus?” a Book by Michael Bird How God became Jesus is Michael Bird’s book that deconstructs claims by Bart Ehrman in his How Jesus Became God: The Exaltation of a Jewish Preacher from Galilee.
• Jesus’ Teaching About the Kingdom and About Himself Faith and religion are very personal concerns that could be treated in different ways depending on what a person wants to see, understand, and believe in.
• The Core of Christian Belief: Where Is Jesus? The Creeds not only teach Christians that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and a divine man but also propose the meaning of authentic kingship or leadership.
• Role of Jesus Christ in Religion Jesus Christ, revered as a prophet and religious leader, established Christianity and is recognized as the Son of God in certain denominations or as a physical manifestation of God.
• Overcoming Racism in “The Blood of Jesus” Film Belittling the status of a person based on his gender or race is impossible and terrible in modern society, but it is the tendency of the present time.
• The Exhibition Christian Sorrow: Panorama of the Crucifixion of Jesus The exhibition Christian Sorrow: Panorama of the Crucifixion of Jesus shows the saddest scenes of Jesus’s life, who suffered due to his immense love for people.
• Qureshi’s Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus Book Nabeel Qureshi transformed from a devout Muslim into a confident Christian. His book “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” offers a reevaluation of Muslim beliefs.
• Education for Truth and Service: Jesus and Martin Luther King Jesus and Martin Luther King insisted on service delivery to the poor, aware of their impending deaths; Jesus was sacrificed, and King was assassinated.
• “Jesus’ Son” and “The Lame Shall Enter First” Comparison Despite the apparent differences in style and the approach, Johnson and O’Connor’s stories bear a resemblance one should acknowledge.
• King James Bible: Did Jesus of Nazareth Actually Exist? One significant point mentioned is that God knows the hearts of men, and there is no point in expecting that people will come to Christ when we expect them.
• The Gospel of Matthew: The Temptation of Jesus One’s personal growth is accompanied by various distractions of the present-day world, which prevent them from achieving important goals and having meaningful lives in general.
• Christianity: Afterlife and Relationship With Jesus Theoretically, having a personal relationship with Jesus is enough to keep a person spiritually right with God according to Christianity.
• “Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament” by Christopher J.H. Wright Dr. Christopher J.H. Wright Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament is a complete analysis of the roles of prophets and law had in Jesus’ experiences with self-reflection.
• Deviations in the Perception of the Personality of Jesus Christ of Nazareth The issue regarding the veracity of the claim that Jesus is the Son of God will only affect those who are brought up in a monotheistic faith.
• On the Death of Jesus in Early Christianity This writing reflects on the book ‘The Death of Jesus in Early Christianity’ by Carroll and Green and proposes a unique approach and interpretation of the primary text.
• Jesus’ Concerns for the Women and Sick Jesus demonstrated his concern for the women and attended to them. He also had a great concern for the sick and told the Jews to lend a hand to the sick.
• Jesus Christ in “Resurrected as Messiah” by Ortlund Article “Resurrected as Messiah: The Rise Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King” by Ortlund is about the rise of Christ in three different forms, as a prophet, a priest, and a king.
• Jesus’ Identity: God, Man, or Both? The Gospel of Matthew poses to us and say that Jesus is a divine creature who came to us as a human being and showed the way to save our souls and find the way to God.
• The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus Christ’s Thinking This paper observes chapters 3-5 of the Gospel of Mathew in the New Testament to narrate the author’s insights into Jesus’ thinking as he moved from baptism to Sermon.
• The Transfiguration of Jesus – Literary Criticism The paper presents literary criticism of a passage on the Transfiguration of Jesus, including context and structure analysis, redaction criticism, as well as theological analysis.
• The Evidence That Proves the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
• How does Jesus Christ answer Prayers From the Story of Lorraine?
• The Importance of Seven Deadly Sins and Jesus Christ
• How Jesus Christ Fulfilled the Covenants God Made With?
• Jesus Christ: Scripture’s Most Controversial Bachelor
• Jesus Christ: Fully Human and Fully Divine
• How Practical Are Jesus Christ‘s Teachings Today‘s World?
• The Holy Eucharist: The Metaphorical Cannibalism of the Body of Jesus Christ Justified
• How the Novel Godhanger Is an Allegory for the Life of Jesus Christ?
• Problems Associated With Determining the Birthplace of Jesus Christ
• The Biblical Prophecies and the Coming of Jesus Christ
• Dealing With Death Penalty in the Trials and Death of Socrates and Jesus Christ
• The Divine and Human Nature of Jesus Christ
• Suffering Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Why the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ Are Significant for Christianity?
• Contemporary World and Jesus Christ’s Wisdom
• Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ According to the Gospels of John and Mark
• Comparing the Death and Burial of Jesus Christ
• Solace and Peace Through Our Jesus Christ
• Preachers Should Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ
• Jesus Christ and Functionalist and Conflict Theory
• The Different Encounters With Jesus Christ in the Four Gospels of the New Testaments
• Jesus Christ for Eternal Life Through His Death and the Power
• The About Attending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
• Communicating the Good News Through the Message of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
• How Many Times Is Jesus Christ Mentioned in the Quran?
• Why Was Jesus Christ Crucified Under Roman Law?
• Did Jesus Christ Walk on Water?
• What Are the Strongest Biblical Arguments for the Divinity of Jesus Christ?
• Was Jesus Christ Buried in the Shroud of Turin?
• Can Jesus Christ Be Considered the Messiah?
• Is There Any Historical Evidence of Jesus Christ?
• Is Yeshua Hamashiach the Proper Hebrew Name of Jesus Christ?
• What Were the Key Events in the Life of Jesus Christ?
• Where Was Jesus Christ for the Three Days Between His Death and Resurrection?
• How Can Jesus Christ Be Both God and Man at the Same Time?
• Has the Lost Tomb of Jesus Christ Been Discovered?
• What Does It Mean That Jesus Christ Is the Lamb of God?
• What Trials Did Jesus Christ Face Before His Crucifixion?
• What Language Did Jesus Christ Speak?
• What Does It Mean That Jesus Christ Is the “First-Born” Over Creation?
• How Is Jesus Christ Different From Other Religious Leaders?
• What Is the Meaning and Importance of the Ascension of Jesus Christ?
• What Does It Mean That Jesus Christ Is God’s Only Begotten Son?
• At What Age Did Jesus Christ Die?
• What Are the Different Names and Titles of Jesus Christ?
• Is Jesus Christ Just a Copy of the Pagan Gods of Other Ancient Religions?
• Do the Narratives of Jesus Christ’ Birth Contradict Each Other?
• What Was the Significance of Jesus Christ Being Dead for Three Days?
• What Are Some of the Most Famous Sayings of Jesus Christ?
• What Does It Mean That Jesus Christ Is Prophet, Priest, and King?
• Why Did Jesus Christ Curse the Fig Tree?
• What Is the Meaning of the Crown of Thorns on the Head of Jesus Christ?
• Why Is Jesus Christ Often Referred to as Jesus of Nazareth?
• How Did Jesus Christ Interact With Children?

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These essay examples and topics on Jesus Christ were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

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Newly deciphered manuscript is oldest written record of Jesus Christ's childhood, experts say

By Kerry Breen

Updated on: June 13, 2024 / 11:23 AM EDT / CBS News

A newly deciphered manuscript dating back 1,600 years has been determined to be the oldest record of Jesus Christ's childhood, experts said in a news release .

The piece of papyrus has been stored in a university library in Hamburg, Germany, for decades, historians at Humboldt University announced. The document "remained unnoticed" until Dr. Lajos Berkes, from Germany's Institute for Christianity and Antiquity at Humboldt University in Berlin, and professor Gabriel Nocchi Macedo, from Belgium's University of Liège, studied it and identified it as the earliest surviving copy of the "Infancy Gospel of Thomas," a document detailing Jesus Christ's childhood. 

The translation marks a "significant discovery for the research field," Humboldt University said. Until now, it was believed that the earliest version of this gospel was a codex from the 11th century. 

The document translated by Berkes and Macedo was dated between the 4th and 5th century. The stories in the document are not in the Bible, the news release said, but the papyrus contains anecdotes that would have been widely shared in the Antiquity and the Middle Ages. The few words on the fragment describe a "miracle" that Jesus performed as a child, according to the Gospel of Thomas, which says he brought clay figures of birds to life. 

The document was written in Greek, Macedo said, confirming for researchers that the gospel was originally written in that language. The fragment contains 13 lines in Greek letters and originates from late antique Egypt, according to the news release. 

The papyrus went ignored for so long because past researchers considered it "insignificant," the news release said. New technology helped Berkes and Macedo decipher the language on the fragment and compare it to other early Christian texts. 

"It was thought to be part of an everyday document, such as a private letter or a shopping list, because the handwriting seems so clumsy," Berkes said in the news release. "We first noticed the word Jesus in the text. Then, by comparing it with numerous other digitised papyri, we deciphered it letter by letter and quickly realised that it could not be an everyday document."

Macedo and Berkes said in the news release that they believe the gospel was created as a writing exercise in a school or monastery. That would explain the clumsy handwriting and irregular lines, they said. 

Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.

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Research News

Deciphered 1,600-year-old manuscript reveals new clues about a young jesus.

Researchers say some ancient writing on a scrap of papyrus, that went unnoticed for years, is part of the earliest surviving copy of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas.

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An account of Jesus as a boy is decoded from an ancient papyrus scrap

The 1,600-year-old manuscript had sat unnoticed for decades at a German university. Experts say it may be the oldest written document detailing Jesus’ childhood.

Key takeaways

Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed.

• The 1,600-year-old manuscript had sat unnoticed for decades at a German university.
• Experts say it may be the oldest written document detailing Jesus’ childhood.
• The manuscript was previously deemed insignificant because of the clumsy writing.

Did our AI help? Share your thoughts.

For decades, a clumsily written document sat unnoticed at a university library in Germany, believed to be nothing more than a very old, everyday note, such as a private letter or a shopping list. Now, more than a millennium and a half after it was written, researchers believe the papyrus fragment is no ordinary memo, but the oldest surviving written copy of a gospel detailing Jesus’ childhood.

Lajos Berkes from Humboldt University of Berlin and Gabriel Nocchi Macedo from the University of Liège in Belgium, two papyrologists, date it to the 4th or 5th century, according to a news release .

They deciphered the fragment and identified it as a passage from the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, a work that is apocryphal — or outside the accepted canon of scripture — and is believed to have been originally written in the 2nd century A.D. That makes it the oldest extant copy of that particular gospel.

The fragment is “of extraordinary interest for research,” Berkes said in the statement, noting it offers “new insights into the transmission of the text.” Nocchi Macedo said it confirms assessments that the Infancy Gospel of Thomas was originally written in Greek.

After researchers noticed the word “Jesus” in the document, they decoded it “letter by letter and quickly realized that it could not be an everyday document,” Berkes said. Key terms including “crowing” and “branch” allowed them to compare it to other early Christian texts and identify it as an early copy of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. The manuscript’s clumsy writing was long seen as a sign that it was an insignificant document, but now researchers believe it was created as an exercise at a school or monastery.

Biblical apocrypha , from the Greek apokryphos, or “hidden,” are stories that did not make it into the Bible but were read widely in antiquity and the Middle Ages, the statement notes. While Christian sects disagree over the status and extent of the apocrypha, they have long been studied, providing context to understanding the backdrop to the New Testament, according to the Center for Christian Apologetics, Scholarship and Education in Australia.

Michael Zellmann-Rohrer, a papyrologist at Macquarie University in Sydney who studies ancient religion and magic, called the fragment’s decoding an “exciting find.”

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“Here we have one more witness to the diversity of Christian scripture before the development of a fixed canon,” he said in an email, noting it also offers “a detailed look at the shape in which one such noncanonical text was copied and read in Late Antiquity.”

Certainty is “difficult when faced with fragmentary texts like papyri,” he added, but called the proposed identification “highly probable.”

He notes that while the birth of Jesus is already recounted in the canonical gospels, this is the “earliest manuscript record that attests the childhood of Jesus in detail.”

The words on the fragment are believed to be part of a story in which a 5-year-old Jesus is playing near a stream and molding clay that he finds in the mud into sparrows. When Joseph scolds him and asks him why he is doing this on the Sabbath, or the day of rest, Jesus claps his hands and the figures come to life.

Zellmann-Rohrer said the episode’s playfulness, the claim of Jesus creating of life from an inanimate substance, and “the texture of the relationship between Jesus and Joseph” depicted adds “significantly to the picture of the childhood of Jesus that we get from the canonical gospels.”

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The Names and Titles of Jesus

Other essays.

The New Testament ascribes to Jesus the very names of God (God, Lord) and describes his identity and mission through a variety of titles rich with Old Testament symbolism.

The New Testament picture of Christ cannot be reduced to the names and titles he bears. His divine identity is also disclosed by his saving actions, the attributes of deity ascribed to him, and the adoration that he receives. Still, the names and titles of Christ provide one entry point into the biblical portrayal of his person and work. His given name, Jesus, already reveals his identity as the Savior. He also bears the very names of God (e.g., “God,” theos ; “Lord,” kurios ), and he is described by means of a rich variety of titles, such as “the Christ” (the anointed one), “the Good Shepherd,” “the light of the world,” and many more.

The Name “Jesus”

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, announcing to him that Mary would conceive and bear a son, Joseph was told to name the child Jesus, “for he will save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21). The name Jesus ( Yeshua /Joshua) means “the Lord saves.” Like Joshua of old, Jesus will deliver his people from their bondage and bring them into the true promised land of God’s forgiveness. But Jesus bears this name not merely as an instrument or conduit of God’s salvation. He embodied this salvation in his own person as Immanuel, “God with us” (Matt 1:23; Isa 7:14).  

Jesus’s Divine Names

In addition to his personal name, Jesus’s identity is also disclosed by the various divine names that are ascribed to him. The New Testament picture of Christ cannot be reduced to the names and titles he bears. His divine identity is also disclosed by his saving actions, the attributes of deity ascribed to him, and the adoration that he receives. Still, the names and titles of Christ provide one entry point into the biblical portrayal of his person and work.

God . Most often in the New Testament, the name “God” ( theos ) is used to refer to the Father (though on a few occasions it refers to the Holy Spirit; e.g., Acts 5:4). But nine different times, the name “God” is used with reference to Jesus. John’s Gospel identifies Jesus, the Word of God, with God himself (John 1:1), indeed as the “only begotten God” (John 1:18). At the end of John, Thomas confesses to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). In the Acts of the Apostles, Paul speaks of “the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). The letters of the New Testament also refer to Jesus as God a number of times. Christ is “God blessed forever” (Rom 9:5), “our great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13), “our God and Savior” (2Pet 1:1), and the “true God and eternal life” (1Jn 5:20). The book of Hebrews cites Psalm 45:7–8 and applies it to Jesus: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (Heb 1:8). Some dispute the referent for a few of these passages, and there are textual variants that complicate a couple of the texts (particularly John 1:18 and Acts 20:28). But a strong case can be made that each of these passages simply refer to Jesus as “God.” The diversity of occasions (Gospel, Acts, Pauline epistles, general epistles) underscores the consistency of this early practice of applying the name of God to Jesus.

Lord . Jesus is also identified as “Lord” throughout the New Testament. The Greek term that is translated “Lord,” kurios , has a range of meanings. It can simply serve as a term of respect meaning, “lord,” “master,” or even “sir.” But it was also the word chosen by the translators of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, to render the divine name (rendered in the Hebrew as YHWH ). Some of the characters in the gospels who address Jesus as Lord may have had the more mundane usage in mind, but the authors of the New Testament clearly deploy the term as a divine title for Jesus. For example, note how Matthew quotes Isaiah 40:3 (“Prepare the way of the Lord”) as a reference to John’s preparation of Jesus. “Lord” often appears in conjunction with “Jesus” and with “Jesus Christ.” The full name and title appear often in Paul especially: Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., Rom. 5:1). But sometimes “the Lord” appears alone as a reference to Jesus, underscoring its usage as a divine name (e.g., Luke 7:13; 10:1, 41).

Son, Son of God, Only Begotten Son . The title “son of God” has a rich Old Testament background . The nation of Israel is sometimes spoken of as the son of God (Hos 11:1), and the Davidic king in particular bears this identity (2Sam 7:14; Psa 2:7). When the New Testament speaks of Christ as the Son of God, it has this background in view: Christ is the true Israel, the greater David. But the name also takes on a depth and a scope that extends beyond these referents. Jesus is not just the Davidic Son; he is also the eternal Son of the eternal Father. Jesus has a consciousness of being the Son of God in a unique sense. He has a relationship with the Father that is unsurpassed: “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son” (Matt 11:27). John even speaks of Jesus as the “only begotten Son” (John 1:14; 3:16). The Son is the definitive revelation and the exact reflection of the Father’s nature (Heb 1:1–4). The one who has seen the Son has seen the Father (John 14:9). As such, “Son of God” is not only a Davidic title but also a divine name.

Son of Man . It might seem odd to include “Son of Man” as a divine title. But “Son of Man” was the favorite self-designation of Jesus and certainly entails Christ’s humanity. But the likely background of the term is Daniel 7 which speaks of a mysterious figure “like a son of man” who arrives on the clouds and receives from the Lord, the Ancient of Days, the very dominion, glory, and kingdom that belong properly only to God himself. In the fullness of revelation in Christ, it becomes apparent that the Son of Man figure is both divine and human. What is most striking is that Jesus infuses this Danielic divine-human image with the themes of suffering and death that more characterize Isaiah’s Suffering Servant (Isa 53; cf. Mark 10:45).

The Titles of Jesus

The titles of Jesus in Scripture are almost too many to list. The treatment below, then, must be selective and brief.

The Christ . It is sometimes quipped that Christ is not Jesus’s last name. Christ is instead the title most often appended to his name. Greek term Christos translates the Hebrew term Mashiach (Messiah) and means “the anointed one.” In the Old Testament it is a title of the Davidic king and a figure for the promised redeemer of Israel (e.g., Psa 2:2; 18:50). The roots of the word lie in the ancient practice of anointing a king in order to consecrate him for his regal service. It has often been pointed out that there were three offices in Old Testament Israel that were at least sometimes marked out by the anointing of oil: prophets, priests, and kings. As such, this New Testament title for Jesus implies a great deal about his identity and mission.

The “I Am” Statements . Seven times in John’s Gospel, Jesus describes himself with an “I am” formula. The predicates of these seven “I am” statements are listed below:

• The Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48, 51)
• The Light of the World (John 8:12; 9:5)
• The Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7, 9)
• The Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14)
• The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
• The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)
• The True Vine (John 15:1)

Each of these titles is rich with Old Testament symbolism. Taken together, they provide a fascinating insight into Jesus’s own understanding of his identity. What is interesting is that in each case, he frames his identity in terms of his saving mission on behalf of others: bread for the hungry; light for those in darkness; the gate and shepherd for wayward sheep; resurrection and life for those who will die; the way, truth, and life for those seeking the Father, and the vine that gives life to the branches.

A Cornucopia of Other Titles . Jesus is the Lamb of God , who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29, 36). He is the last Adam , who brings righteousness and resurrection life where the first Adam brought sin and death (Rom 5:15–19; 1Cor 15:45). He is the image of God , not only in terms of his true humanity but also as the one who eternally reflects the Father’s nature (1Cor 11; 2Cor 4:4; Col 1:15; Col 3:10; Eph. 4:24). He is the Mediator between God and man (1Tim 2:5). He is the Savior who rescues his people from sin and death (Luke 2:11; John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23; Eph 5:23; 2Pet 1:1, 11; 1Jn 4:14). He is the faithful witness , the firstborn from the dead , and the ruler of the kings on earth (Rev 1:5). He is the first and the last (Rev 1:17; 22:13). He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah , the Root of David , and the Lamb who was slain (Rev 5:5–6). He is the rider on a white horse , coming again to judge and to save (Rev 19).

We could go on. When it comes to explaining the names, titles, and descriptions of Jesus’s work in the New Testament, we might paraphrase what the apostle John said about the deeds of Christ: Were every one of them to be expounded upon, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Further Reading

• Harris, Murray J. Jesus as God: The New Testament Use of Theos in Reference to Jesus . Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992.
• Macleod, Donald. The Person of Christ . Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1998.
• Oakes, Edward T., S. J. Infinity Dwindled to Infancy: A Catholic and Evangelical Christology . Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2011.
• Wellum, Stephen J. God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ . Wheaton: Crossway, 2016.

This essay is part of the Concise Theology series. All views expressed in this essay are those of the author. This essay is freely available under Creative Commons License with Attribution-ShareAlike, allowing users to share it in other mediums/formats and adapt/translate the content as long as an attribution link, indication of changes, and the same Creative Commons License applies to that material. If you are interested in translating our content or are interested in joining our community of translators,  please reach out to us .

A New Discovery Could Offer Some Clues About Jesus’ Childhood

A newly deciphered papyrus fragment is earliest example of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas.

• One of the biggest pieces missing from biblical accounts of Jesus’ life is his childhood. But apocryphal accounts, such as the Gospel of Thomas , do talk about Jesus’ reportedly miraculous early years.
• The earliest known version of this book is a codex from the 11th century CE, but a new papyrus fragment appears to contain an even older piece of the text—one that dates from the 4th or 5th century CE, which is much closer to the book’s origination around the 2nd century CE.
• Not only does this give an intimate glimpse into stories that attempt to depict the childhood of the religious figure of Jesus, but it also shows how these stories spread throughout the centuries.

Of course, that doesn’t mean accounts don’t exist.

While the Bible represents the biblical canon of the Christian faith, many other stories—otherwise known as apocrypha—exist, and they range from texts with potential historicity to what is likely some sort of religious fanfic. Hidden among this collection of apocrypha, going unnoticed for decades at the Hamburg Carl von Ossietzky State and University Library, was a papyrus fragment originating from Egypt known by its inventory number “P.Hamb.Graec. 1011.”

Analyzing this fragment, which measured roughly four inches by two inches and containing only 13 Greek lines (with around 10 letters per line), papyrologists Lajos Berkes from the Institute for Christianity and Antiquity at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Gabriel Nocchi Macedo from the University of Liège in Belgium have discovered that it is actually the earliest example of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas—an apocryphal book that was popular during antiquity and the Middle Ages. The results of the study were published in the journal Zeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik .

“It was thought to be part of an everyday document, such as a private letter or a shopping list, because the handwriting seems so clumsy,” Berkes said in a press statement . “We first noticed the word Jesus in the text. Then, by comparing it with numerous other digitized papyri, we deciphered it letter by letter and quickly realized that it could not be an everyday document.”

Until this discovery, a codex from the 11th century was the earliest version of the Gospel of Thomas. But this fragment pushes that date back to sometime around the 4th or 5th century CE, though the original text is believed to have been written around the 2nd century CE.

The two papyrologists theorize that the fragment was likely a writing exercise in some school or monastery as the handwriting and line construction is particularly clumsy. The text itself is the beginning of a story called the “vivification of the sparrows” where, as his second miracle, Jesus molds sparrows from the clay near a rushing river.

“The fragment is of extraordinary interest for research ,” Berkes said. “On the one hand, because we were able to date it to the 4th to 5th century, making it the earliest known copy. On the other hand, because we were able to gain new insights into the transmission of the text.”

So, maybe this one’s a bit more than religious fanfic.

Darren lives in Portland, has a cat, and writes/edits about sci-fi and how our world works. You can find his previous stuff at Gizmodo and Paste if you look hard enough. 

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