Intro to Christianity

✝️Intro to Christianity Unit 3 – Jesus Christ: Person and Work

Jesus Christ, a Jewish preacher from Nazareth, is central to Christian faith. His life, teachings, and ministry in first-century Judea challenged religious authorities and emphasized love, forgiveness, and repentance. Jesus' parables and miracles demonstrated his divine power and authority. Jesus' crucifixion, ordered by Pontius Pilate, and subsequent resurrection form the cornerstone of Christian theology. His death is seen as atonement for humanity's sins, while his resurrection offers hope of eternal life. Jesus' impact on world history and culture remains profound.

Who Was Jesus?

  • Jesus, also known as Jesus Christ or Jesus of Nazareth, was a Jewish preacher and religious leader who lived in the first century CE
  • Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah (Christ) prophesied in the Old Testament
  • Jesus was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth in Galilee
  • Little is known about Jesus' childhood and early life
  • Jesus began his public ministry around the age of 30, after being baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River
  • He selected twelve disciples to follow him, learn from his teachings, and spread his message
  • Jesus taught about the kingdom of God, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and repentance
  • His teachings often challenged the religious authorities of his time (Pharisees and Sadducees)

Historical Context

  • Jesus lived during the Second Temple period, when Judea was under Roman rule
  • The Jewish people were expecting a Messiah who would free them from Roman oppression and establish a new kingdom
  • Religious life centered around the Temple in Jerusalem, where sacrifices were performed and festivals celebrated
  • Jewish society was divided into several groups, including Pharisees (emphasized strict observance of the law), Sadducees (aristocratic priests), and Essenes (ascetic community)
  • The Sanhedrin, a Jewish council of religious leaders, held significant authority in Jewish society
  • Greco-Roman culture had a strong influence on the region, with Greek being a common language and Roman law governing daily life
  • Tensions between Jewish religious identity and Roman rule were high, occasionally leading to revolts and uprisings

Key Teachings and Parables

  • Jesus taught using parables, short stories illustrating moral or spiritual lessons
  • The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) contains many of Jesus' core teachings, including the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer
  • Jesus emphasized the importance of love, both for God and for one's neighbor
  • He taught about forgiveness, instructing his followers to forgive others as God forgives them
  • The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) teaches the importance of showing compassion to all people, regardless of their background
  • Jesus stressed the need for repentance and turning away from sin
  • The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates God's love and forgiveness for those who repent
  • Jesus taught about the kingdom of God, describing it as a spiritual reality that was both present and future

Miracles and Ministry

  • The Gospels record numerous miracles performed by Jesus, demonstrating his divine power and authority
  • Jesus healed the sick, including lepers (Luke 5:12-16), the blind (John 9:1-41), and the paralyzed (Mark 2:1-12)
  • He cast out demons, freeing people from spiritual oppression (Mark 5:1-20)
  • Jesus performed nature miracles, such as calming a storm (Mark 4:35-41) and walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33)
  • He fed large crowds with minimal resources, as in the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-14)
  • Jesus raised the dead, most notably Lazarus (John 11:1-44), demonstrating his power over life and death
  • These miracles were signs of Jesus' divine identity and the coming of God's kingdom
  • Jesus' ministry focused on preaching, teaching, and healing, often reaching out to the marginalized and oppressed in society

The Crucifixion

  • Jesus' teachings and actions led to conflict with religious leaders, who saw him as a threat to their authority
  • Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, betrayed him to the religious authorities
  • Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and brought before the Sanhedrin
  • The religious leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God
  • Jesus was then brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who found no fault in him
  • However, pressured by the crowd and religious leaders, Pilate sentenced Jesus to crucifixion
  • Jesus was mocked, beaten, and forced to carry his cross to Golgotha, the place of crucifixion
  • He was crucified between two criminals, with a sign above his head reading "King of the Jews"
  • Jesus died on the cross after several hours, with his last words recorded as "It is finished" (John 19:30)

Resurrection and Its Significance

  • After Jesus' death, his body was placed in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea
  • On the third day, women followers of Jesus discovered the tomb empty
  • Jesus appeared to his disciples and many others over a period of 40 days, proving his resurrection
  • The resurrection demonstrates Jesus' victory over sin and death, confirming his divine identity
  • It is the foundation of Christian faith, as it validates Jesus' teachings and promises
  • The resurrection gives hope to believers, assuring them of eternal life and a future resurrection
  • It also serves as a sign of God's power and love, demonstrating his plan for the redemption of humanity
  • The resurrection is celebrated by Christians on Easter Sunday, the most important feast in the Christian calendar

Jesus in Christian Theology

  • Christian theology affirms that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, a doctrine known as the Incarnation
  • Jesus is believed to be the second person of the Trinity, along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit
  • As the Son of God, Jesus is co-eternal and co-equal with the Father
  • Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are central to the Christian understanding of salvation
  • Through his death on the cross, Jesus atoned for the sins of humanity, making reconciliation with God possible
  • Jesus is seen as the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system
  • His resurrection demonstrates his victory over sin and death, offering hope and new life to believers
  • Jesus is believed to be the mediator between God and humanity, the only way to the Father (John 14:6)
  • Christian theology also affirms Jesus' role as the head of the Church, which is seen as his body on earth

Impact on World History and Culture

  • Jesus' life and teachings have had a profound impact on world history and culture
  • Christianity, which emerged from Jesus' followers, is the world's largest religion, with over 2 billion adherents
  • Christian values and ethics have shaped Western civilization, influencing art, literature, music, and philosophy
  • The calendar used by much of the world today is based on the presumed year of Jesus' birth (AD/CE)
  • Christian missionaries have spread the message of Jesus globally, leading to the growth of the Church in diverse cultures
  • Jesus' teachings on love, forgiveness, and compassion have inspired countless individuals to work for social justice and human rights
  • The example of Jesus' life and his sacrificial love has motivated many to serve others and dedicate their lives to humanitarian causes
  • Jesus' parables and teachings continue to be studied and applied in various fields, such as ethics, psychology, and leadership


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.