✝️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.
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