Jesus Christ of Nazareth, (possible date of the crucifixion)[1][2][3] (b. circa 4 BC)

Jesus, often known as Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ, stands as one of history's most profoundly influential figures. Born in the first century BC, likely around 4 BC, and concluding his earthly life between AD 30 and 33, he was a Jewish preacher and religious leader whose teachings laid the foundation for a global faith.

The Central Figure of Christianity

At the heart of Christianity, the world's largest religion, Jesus is revered as its paramount figure. For the vast majority of Christians, he is understood to be the incarnation of God the Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity, and the long-awaited Messiah (or Christ), whose coming was prophesied in the sacred texts of the Hebrew Bible, which Christians refer to as the Old Testament.

The Historical Jesus: A Scholarly Perspective

While theological interpretations abound, the historical existence of Jesus is a point of broad consensus among virtually all modern scholars of antiquity. However, the academic pursuit known as the "quest for the historical Jesus" has also highlighted the complexities in precisely reconstructing his life. The primary sources for understanding Jesus's life are the Gospels within the New Testament, which are deeply theological accounts. Scholars continually examine these texts to discern the historical reliability of their narratives and to understand how closely the Jesus portrayed in these sacred writings reflects the actual historical individual.

Life and Ministry of Jesus

Early Life and Ministry

Jesus was a Galilean Jew, hailing from a region in the northern part of ancient Israel. His public ministry commenced after he was baptized by John the Baptist, a significant prophetic figure of that era. During his ministry, Jesus was often addressed as "rabbi," a title signifying a respected teacher of Jewish law and tradition. His teachings, initially transmitted orally among his followers, centered on how individuals could best live in accordance with God's will. He engaged in theological debates with fellow Jews, performed acts of healing, taught profound lessons through parables, and gradually gathered a devoted group of disciples.

The Path to Crucifixion

The culmination of Jesus's earthly life involved his arrest and trial by the Jewish authorities of the time, who subsequently turned him over to the Roman government. He was ultimately sentenced to death by crucifixion on the order of Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect governing Judea from his base in Jerusalem. Crucifixion was a brutal and public form of execution employed by the Romans.

Resurrection and the Early Church

Following his death, a pivotal belief emerged among his followers: they were convinced that Jesus had risen from the dead. This profound conviction ignited a movement that led to the formation of a community which eventually grew into what we now know as the early Christian Church.

Core Christian Doctrines and Celebrations

Fundamental Beliefs

Central to Christian doctrine are several foundational beliefs about Jesus:

• He was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin named Mary.
• He performed numerous miracles, demonstrating divine power.
• He is credited with founding the Christian Church, though it developed from his teachings and the apostles' work.
• His death by crucifixion is understood as a sacrificial act to achieve atonement for sin, reconciling humanity with God.
• He physically rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion.
• He ascended into Heaven, from where Christians believe he will eventually return in what is known as the Second Coming.

Commonly, Christians believe that through Jesus, individuals are enabled to find reconciliation with God. The ancient Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian belief, further asserts that Jesus will judge both the living and the dead, an event often linked with the Second Coming and the bodily resurrection of believers in Christian eschatology (the study of last things). The vast majority of Christians worship Jesus as the incarnation of God the Son, who is the second person within the three persons of the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). It is worth noting that a small minority of Christian denominations hold differing views, rejecting Trinitarianism, either wholly or in part, as not being explicitly scriptural.

Commemorations and Calendar

The birth of Jesus is joyfully celebrated annually on December 25th as Christmas, a holiday observed worldwide. His crucifixion is solemnly honored on Good Friday, and his resurrection is celebrated with immense joy on Easter Sunday. So profound was his impact that the world's most widely used calendar era—the system where the current year is designated as AD (Anno Domini) or CE (Common Era)—is based on the approximate date of his birth.

Jesus in Other Faiths

The Islamic Perspective

Jesus, often referred to by his Quranic name ʿĪsā, holds a highly revered position in Islam. Muslims consider him a pivotal prophet of God, second only to Muhammad, and also recognize him as the Messiah. Islamic teachings affirm that Jesus was born of a virgin mother, Mary, echoing Christian narratives. However, a fundamental distinction lies in the belief that Jesus was neither God nor a son of God. The Quran explicitly states that Jesus never made a claim to divinity. Furthermore, most Muslims believe that Jesus was not killed or crucified but that God miraculously raised him into Heaven while he was still alive.

The Jewish Perspective

In contrast to both Christianity and Islam, Judaism holds a different view of Jesus. It fundamentally rejects the belief that Jesus was the awaited Messiah, arguing that he did not fulfill the specific messianic prophecies found in the Hebrew scriptures. From a Jewish perspective, Jesus was neither divine nor resurrected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the generally accepted dates for Jesus's life?

A: Scholars generally place Jesus's birth around 4 BC and his death between AD 30 and 33.

Q: Is there historical evidence for Jesus outside of the Bible?

A: While the New Testament Gospels are the primary sources, references by Roman historians like Tacitus and Jewish historian Josephus, though brief, corroborate aspects of his existence and the early Christian movement. However, they do not offer extensive biographical details beyond what's found in Christian scriptures.

Q: How do Christians view Jesus's divinity?

A: The vast majority of Christians believe Jesus is divine, specifically as the incarnation of God the Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. This means they believe God became human in the person of Jesus.

Q: What is the significance of "Messiah" and "Christ"?

A: Both terms translate to "anointed one." In Jewish tradition, the Messiah was an anticipated leader and deliverer. Christians believe Jesus fulfilled these prophecies, thus referring to him as Jesus Christ, or Jesus the Messiah.

Q: How do Islamic and Jewish beliefs about Jesus differ from Christian beliefs?

A: In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is a revered prophet and Messiah, born of a virgin, but explicitly not divine or crucified; he was raised to Heaven alive. Judaism rejects Jesus as the Messiah, and does not consider him divine or resurrected, as he did not fulfill their understanding of messianic prophecies.