Profile of Jesus Christ, the Central Figure in Christianity

Jesus of Nazareth—he is the Christ, the "Anointed One," or the "Messiah." 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.

Jesus is the central figure in Christianity. His life, message, and ministry are chronicled in the four Gospels of the New Testament.

Most Bible scholars agree that Jesus was a Jewish teacher from Galilee who performed many miracles of healing and deliverance. He called 12 Jewish men to follow him, working closely with them to train and prepare them to carry on the ministry.

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 man was separated from God through Adam's sin but reconciled back to God through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. He will claim his Bride, the church, and later return at his Second Coming to judge the world and establish his eternal kingdom, thus fulfilling messianic prophecy.

Accomplishments

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

He 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.

Strengths

Though difficult to understand, the Bible teaches and Christians believe that Jesus is God, 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, visit this study of the doctrine of the Trinity.

Weaknesses

Also difficult to understand, yet the Bible teaches and most Christians believe, Jesus Christ was not only fully God, but full 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 our sins (John 1:1,14; Hebrews 2:17; Philippians 2:5-11).

Check out this resource for more information about why Jesus had to die.

Life Lessons

Once again, the lessons from Jesus Christ's life are 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.

Hometown

Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea and grew up in Nazareth in Galilee.

Referenced in the Bible

Jesus is mentioned more than 1200 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 6, verse 3, Jesus is referred to as a carpenter.

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 Verses

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)