Jesus
Jesus is portrayed in the Bible as the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah whose coming fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about a deliverer for Israel and the nations. He lived a sinless life, taught about the Kingdom of God, performed miracles, and voluntarily died by crucifixion to atone for human sin before rising from the dead on the third day. This sequence of events is presented as the pivotal act of divine love that opens the way to forgiveness and eternal life for all who believe. The Gospels and New Testament letters treat these occurrences as the foundation of Christian faith and the guarantee of future resurrection for believers.
Videos from BibleProject
John Overview
Jesus is the Word made flesh who reveals God and offers eternal life to all who believe.
The Messiah
The promised deliverer who confronts evil and rescues humanity through his life, death, and resurrection.
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Biography
- Born
- c. 5-4 BC, Bethlehem
- Died
- c. AD 30-33, Jerusalem (crucified; resurrected)
- Age
- ~33 years
- Occupation
- Rabbi, Carpenter
- Tribe
- Judah
- Father
- God (earthly: Joseph)
- Mother
- Mary
- Era
- New Testament
- Nationality
- Jewish, Galilean
- Also Known As
- Christ, Messiah, Emmanuel, Son of God, Son of Man
Family
Did You Know?
Jesus' genealogy in Matthew intentionally incorporates four Gentile women. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Uriah's wife. Highlighting the inclusion of outsiders in the messianic lineage contrary to typical Jewish genealogical emphasis on purity.
Jesus paid the annual temple tax by instructing Peter to catch a fish whose mouth contained the exact coin needed, a detail unique to Matthew 17 that blends miracle with practical provision in first-century Jewish life.
Jesus exclusively taught the crowds in parables to fulfill Isaiah's prophecy of hearing without understanding, reserving explanations for his disciples alone as described in Mark 4.
Jesus appeared to over five hundred people at one time after his resurrection, a mass sighting noted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 that provides early corroboration beyond the Gospel accounts.
Jesus had female disciples who traveled with and financially supported his ministry, an uncommon practice in first-century Judaism detailed in Luke 8:2-3 with specific names like Joanna and Susanna.
Key Passages
Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-20
The eternal God enters creation as a helpless infant born to peasants in a borrowed stable - the most stunning act of humility in history, fulfilling centuries of prophecy.
1nd it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5:1-16
Jesus redefines righteousness from external compliance to internal transformation, revealing the radical ethics of God's kingdom where the poor are blessed and enemies are loved.
1nd seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
Crucifixion
John 19:17-30
The central event of all Scripture - God's Son willingly dies to bear the sins of humanity. Every Old Testament sacrifice, prophecy, and promise points to this moment of substitutionary atonement.
17nd he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
Resurrection
John 20:1-18
Christ's bodily resurrection validates His claims, defeats death, and guarantees the future resurrection of all believers. Without this event, Paul says, Christian faith is worthless.
1he first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus' final command sends His followers to all nations with His authority, His message, and His presence - defining the church's mission until He returns.
16hen the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
Commentary
Covenants: God's Unbreakable Promises
Through Jesus, God made a new covenant based on grace.
You're Not Good Enough? Good.
Jesus came for the broken, the outcasts, and the failures.
Anxiety: God Is Not Frustrated With You
Even Jesus in Gethsemane was in deep distress.
Grief: Jesus Wept With You
The God of the universe understands what it's like to ache with loss.
The Sermon on the Mount: Radical Living
Jesus taught a way of living that turns the world's values upside down.
Commentary by Bible Navigator.
This commentary is for inspirational and educational purposes only. It is not professional counseling, therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for professional help. If you are in crisis or need support, please reach out to a licensed professional or call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).