The History of Jesus the Person

Jesus of Nazareth, also known as Jesus Christ, is the central figure of Christianity and one of the most significant figures in world history. He was born in Bethlehem, Judea, around 4 BC, and spent most of his life in Nazareth, a town in Galilee. Jesus is considered by Christians to be the son of God and the Messiah (or savior) prophesied in the Old Testament.

The historical evidence of Jesus' life is based primarily on the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which were written by his followers in the decades following his death. These texts provide accounts of his birth, teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. However, scholars have debated the accuracy and reliability of these accounts, as they were written many years after Jesus' death and may have been influenced by theological concerns.

There is also some evidence of Jesus' life outside of the Gospels. For example, the Roman historian Tacitus wrote about "Christus" in his Annals, describing how he was crucified under Pontius Pilate and his followers were called Christians. Similarly, the Jewish historian Josephus mentioned Jesus in his Antiquities of the Jews, referring to him as a wise man and miracle worker who was put to death by Pilate.

From these sources, it is generally accepted that Jesus was a Jewish preacher who gained a following in Galilee and Jerusalem during the early 1st century. He was baptized by John the Baptist and began preaching about the coming of God's kingdom and the need for repentance. He performed many miracles, including healing the sick and feeding the hungry, which attracted crowds of people.

Jesus' teachings challenged the religious and political authorities of his time, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were the dominant religious groups in Judea. He criticized their hypocrisy and emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and forgiveness. This led to his arrest and trial before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who sentenced him to death by crucifixion.

After his death, Jesus' followers claimed that he had risen from the dead and appeared to them. This belief became the foundation of Christianity and led to the growth of a new religion that spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.

In conclusion, while the historical evidence of Jesus' life is limited, there is enough information available to suggest that he was a real person who lived in Judea during the early 1st century. His teachings and actions had a profound impact on his followers and continue to influence millions of people around the world today.

Please watch Pastor Steve’s YouTube video for more information: https://youtu.be/7W5rw1SnWx4

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

Crucifixion by Giovanni Donato da Montorfano, 1495, opposite Leonardo's Last Supper

Last Supper painting as it appears on the refectory wall (Credit: https://joyofmuseums.com)