Get to Know Jesus Christ, the Central Figure in Christianity

Jesus Christ (circa 4 BC - AD 33) is the central figure and founder of Christianity. His life, message, and ministry are chronicled in the four Gospels of the New Testament.

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 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 Bible teaches that humankind was separated from God through Adam's sin but was reconciled back to God through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.

In the future, Jesus Christ will return to earth to claim his Bride, the church. At his Second Coming, Christ will judge the world and establish his eternal kingdom, thus fulfilling messianic prophecy.

Accomplishments of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ's accomplishments are too numerous to list. Scripture teaches that 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.

Although difficult to understand, the Bible teaches and Christians believe that Jesus is God incarnate, 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.

Scripture reveals that Jesus Christ was not only fully God, but fully 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 the sins of all humankind (John 1:1,14; Hebrews 2:17; Philippians 2:5-11).

Life Lessons

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

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 Bible Verses

Isaiah 9:6–7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (NIV)

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)