About Jesus Christ
The story of Jesus Christ, his life and his ministry began more than 2,000 years ago. We learn about Christ’s life in the writings of the people who lived with and followed him. These documents are found in the New Testament of the Bible.
In fulfillment of prophecies written centuries earlier, an angel foretold that Mary would give birth to the Son of God. Having maintained a virtuous life, we know that Mary was a virgin at the time of her vision. Surely, as time would tell, this prophecy came true and Mary became pregnant.
Although there were no available inns or rooms to be found, Mary and her betrothed Joseph, found themselves accepting the kindness of an innkeeper who offered his stable as a resting place. During their stay in Bethlehem (known today as Palestine), Mary gave birth to a son whom she named Jesus.
Although as a babe, he was hunted by King Herod (ruler of the land in which he was born) for most of his life, Jesus lived in relative anonymity. The Bible tells us that at the age of thirty, Jesus began to teach and speak publicly about the relationship between God and himself. In addition, Jesus began to perform miracles. It is well documented that he healed the sick, ministered to the afflicted, extended love to the unlovable of that day, reached out to the outcast, welcomed children into his presence, raised the dead and controlled forces of nature.
The stories of Jesus Christ tell us that “the common people heard him gladly,” and that he taught “as one who had authority,” (Matthew 7:29). This was not in the same manner as the teachers of the law (the law, in this case, refers to the laws of Judaism as it was being taught).
The message that Jesus Christ preached was both shocking to his listeners and threatening to the established government. Jesus made increasingly dramatic statements that diminished his role as a teacher or prophet. Instead, he began to speak of himself as one with God (John 10:30). This greatly disturbed Judaic leaders and disrupted the hierarchy of religion and government.
With growing aggression, the Jewish leaders baited and attempted to trap Jesus into making statements that were against the Jewish law. It is shared by the gospel writers, that during his entire three-year crusade, Jesus gave his opposition no real evidence for their case against him.
During his lifetime, all evidence purports that Jesus’ message of love, faith, humility, submission, silent sufferance in the face of insult, acceptance, forgiveness and repentance – strictly spiritual and moral doctrine - was well accepted by his followers. His teachings were neither philosophical nor political yet they totally disrupted what was most valued in the world then (and now!). He lived a life that was sinless – pointing out to those who had worked hard to find fault with him – that they were unable to actually prove him guilty of any wrongdoing. He demonstrated power over forces of evil, nature and science. Though some would say he was disillusioned or mad, his behavior is only consistent with that of a person in great self-control, tranquility and of sound mind. And although his arrival had been prophesied for many centuries, teachers and leaders of his chosen people did not recognize him.
Jews of that day believed that God desired a relationship with a nation. Jesus Christ taught that in fact, God desired a relationship with individuals. It was the belief of the period that sin could only be forgiven through animal sacrifice. Christ taught that he was the doorway through which people could reach God. He taught that he was the one sacrifice for all. It was also believed that life, upon death, ended. Jesus taught that through him, life could continue eternally.
Jewish leaders were threatened by a new order in which an individual promise could exist – directly – between man and God.
Eventually, Jesus was arrested for “false teaching” and sentenced to die by crucifixion. He was beaten, tortured and made to carry his own cross (which would have weighed hundreds of pounds) through the streets of the city to a hillside just outside the city walls. There, alongside two criminals, he was nailed to the cross at his feet and through his hands. Mockingly, the government officials placed a crown of thorny vines on his head and taunted him throughout the time he hung there.
Near death, Jesus spoke words that have changed the hearts of believers for centuries. He said: “Father, forgive them (meaning his accusers), for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:32) Even on the brink of death, Jesus Christ prayed for his enemies, asking for God to forgive their grievous sins.
Within six hours, the Bible tells us that Jesus succumbed to death. His body was removed from the cross, wrapped in linens and laid to rest inside a tomb donated to him for burial. As was the custom of the time, an enormous rock was rolled to cover the entrance of the tomb and it was believed that Jesus Christ had left this world.
As one would expect, Jesus’ followers mourned his loss deeply. So much so, that several women returned to the stone tomb three days later. We can imagine that these women longed to be close to the man they had known as teacher and friend. Upon arriving at the tomb entrance, they found the stone was removed and Jesus’ body was gone.
Turning to run from the empty tomb, we know that Mary Magdelene was immediately stopped by the presence of Jesus – a man she had helped to bury three days prior. He appeared to her, alive and well, speaking her name and instructing her to tell all that he was not dead.
Upon hearing the news of Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples were anxious to understand. Some doubted, some believed but none could deny the story when sometime later, they themselves stood in conversation with the risen Jesus Christ.
According to Scripture verses in the Bible, Jesus said to them:
"This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised.” (Luke 24: 46 – 49)
Weeks later, after enjoying a final meal with his disciples, Jesus ascended into heaven before their very eyes. He had completed his mission, on Earth. He had journeyed from a newborn babe in a distant village to serving as the human sacrifice for all sinners. Because of God’s abounding love for His creation, Jesus Christ was sent to pay the price of our sins. Because of God’s desire to know us in relationships individually, He sent His Son to make that possible.
Because of Jesus Christ, today, there is hope and assurance for every follower of Christ to someday encounter the living God in eternal life.
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