Jesus, also known as Yeshua, was a Jewish man who lived 2,000 years ago. The earliest accounts of his life come from the eyewitness testimony of his followers in the four gospels.
Some key points about Jesus include:
* He grew up on the scriptures of Israel and claimed that he was fulfilling them by bringing God's Reign to the world.
* He announced the good news of the Kingdom of God to the poor and the sick.
* He challenged the corrupt leaders of Israel in Jerusalem, knowing it would lead to his death.
* He was enthroned as king by dying for the sins of his people.
* After his death, his followers visited his tomb and found it empty, and he appeared alive to many, saying he was the king of the world and offering a new future for humanity.
* His followers spread the good news of his reign around the world.
Many people have different perspectives on who Jesus was.
* Some considered him a madman.
* Others believed he was a revolutionary who changed men’s lives. However, he never led a revolution against Rome.
* Some said he was an establishment man, but he is actually building an eternal kingdom.
* Some people thought he was evil.
* Many plays, books, operas, and movies have been made about Jesus, and he remains a subject of conversation.
Jesus was fully human.
* He experienced hunger, thirst, tiredness, friendship, and grief.
* He was tempted in every way that humans are, but never sinned.
Jesus claimed to be more than just a man.
* He claimed to be the unique, only-begotten, incarnate Son of God.
* He claimed pre-existence, stating that he existed before Abraham and that he was with God before time began.
* He claimed to be God in the flesh.
* He taught a higher standard of ethics that included not only outward actions but also inward thoughts and intents.
Jesus's authority was demonstrated in various ways:
* He forgave sins.
* He had authority over nature, calming storms and controlling the wind and sea.
* He had authority over disease, healing the blind, deaf, and mute, and raising the dead.
* He had authority over demons, casting them out and restoring sanity to the possessed.
Jesus was crucified after being beaten, mocked, and having a crown of thorns placed on his head.
* He was helped in carrying his cross by a black man.
* He asked for forgiveness for those who crucified him.
* On the cross, he said, "It is finished," signifying that his plan of salvation was completed.
* He died, but then was resurrected.
The resurrection of Jesus is a key aspect of the Christian faith.
* It is believed to be what inspired the disciples to spread his teachings around the world.
* It is believed that he is alive today.
Ultimately, people must decide for themselves who Jesus is.
* If Jesus claimed to be God knowing he was not, then he was a liar.
* If Jesus thought he was God but was mistaken, then he needed mental help.
* The third option is that he was who he claimed to be, God in the flesh.
