John 3:16
Who Was Jesus Christ?
Jesus of Nazareth is the central figure of the Bible and of the Christian faith — the Son of God who became flesh, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of humanity, and rose again on the third day. Born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem, He grew up in Nazareth and began His public ministry around age 30. For approximately three years, He preached the kingdom of God, performed miracles, called twelve apostles, and taught with an authority that astonished all who heard Him. His death and resurrection are the foundation of the gospel — the good news that God offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe. Jesus fulfilled hundreds of Old Testament prophecies and is confessed by Christians as Lord, Christ, and the only way of salvation.
Key Events
Birth in Bethlehem
Jesus was born to the virgin Mary in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2. Angels announced His birth to shepherds, and wise men from the East came to worship Him, offering gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Baptism and Public Ministry
Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, where the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and the Father's voice declared, "This is my beloved Son." He then began preaching, healing, and calling disciples.
The Crucifixion
Jesus was betrayed, arrested, tried, and crucified outside Jerusalem. On the cross He bore the sins of humanity, declaring "It is finished" before giving up His spirit. His death fulfilled Isaiah 53 and provided atonement for all who believe.
The Resurrection and Ascension
On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, appearing to His disciples over 40 days and commissioning them to take the gospel to all nations. He then ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Key Scriptures
John 3:16
John 14:6
Romans 5:8
Lessons from Jesus Christ
- God's love for humanity is so great that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish.
- True greatness is found in humble service — Jesus, the King of kings, came not to be served but to serve.
- The resurrection proves that death is defeated and that hope in Christ is certain and eternal.
Family Discussion & Activity
Discussion Questions
- ? Why do you think Jesus is called "the way, the truth, and the life"? What does each of those words mean?
- ? Jesus showed love to people everyone else rejected. Who in our community might need us to show them that kind of love?
- ? What does the resurrection of Jesus mean for our family and our future?
Family Activity
Read about Jesus Christ in the Bible this week. Have each family member draw or write about what they admire most about Jesus Christ and share with the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jesus God?
Yes, the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man. John 1:1 declares "the Word was God," and verse 14 says "the Word was made flesh." Jesus accepted worship (Matthew 14:33), forgave sins (Mark 2:5-7), and claimed equality with the Father (John 10:30). Thomas confessed Him as "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28), and Colossians 2:9 says "in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."
How many prophecies did Jesus fulfill?
Scholars have identified between 300 and 400 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Jesus, including His birthplace (Micah 5:2), virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), ministry in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1-2), triumphal entry on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9), betrayal for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13), crucifixion details (Psalm 22), and resurrection (Psalm 16:10). The mathematical probability of one person fulfilling even a fraction of these by chance is essentially zero.
What miracles did Jesus perform?
The Gospels record approximately 37 specific miracles of Jesus, including turning water to wine, healing the sick and blind, raising the dead (Lazarus, Jairus's daughter, the widow's son), calming storms, walking on water, feeding 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, and casting out demons. John 21:25 says that Jesus did so many things that "the world itself could not contain the books that should be written."
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