Who is Jesus?
In the small town of Nazareth, nestled among rolling hills, a young woman received a startling announcement. Mary, a young woman and virgin, encountered the angel, Gabriel. He told her that she would give birth to a son and name Him Jesus. This child would be the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Mary, surely overwhelmed, humbly responded in trust. Joseph, her soon-to-be husband, also chose to trust God after an angel appeared to him. Mary and Joseph then returned to Bethlehem for a Roman census. Unable to find a room at the inn, they stayed in a stable where Jesus was born into a manger. It was surrounded by animals in this humble stable that a baby, the turning point for all of humanity, let out his first cry.
As Jesus grew, He displayed extraordinary wisdom and power. He spent his early years as a carpenter, working alongside His earthly father, Joseph. However, His true calling was to fulfill the many prophecies of the Old Testament and bring salvation to the world. Jesus established relationships and worked humbly throughout His life. He was an example of goodness to all around Him.
At the age of thirty, Jesus began his public ministry. He traveled throughout Galilee and Judea, preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. His message was one of love, forgiveness, and hope. He taught with authority, as one who spoke the words of God. His teachings were radical and challenged the religious and social norms of his time. He called people to repent of their sins and to turn to God and emphasized the importance of loving one's neighbor and treating others with compassion.
Jesus' ministry was marked by numerous miracles. To the awe of those around Him, He healed the sick, cast out demons, and even raised the dead. These miracles demonstrated His divine power and authority and many people began to believe in Him.
However, Jesus' ministry also stirred up opposition from religious leaders who felt threatened by His popularity and teachings. They accused Him of blasphemy and conspired to have Him arrested and crucified.
It was in the anger and pride of the Jewish religious leaders that Jesus was sentenced to death on a cross, the criminal’s death. Hung upon the cross, He endured torture and humiliation and had the whole weight of human sin laid upon Him. He bore the punishment that He never deserved to bear. And in His death, He paid the price that we deserved to pay.
The crucifixion of Jesus was a horrific event, but it was not the end of the story. Death could not hold Jesus. The Christian faith hinges on the belief in Jesus' resurrection. This event, a historical fact confirmed by multiple witnesses, marked the ultimate victory over sin and death.
After being crucified, Jesus' body was placed in a tomb covered by a large stone. But on the third day, the stone was rolled away and Jesus’ body was no longer in the tomb! He rose from the dead, proving His divine power and authority. His resurrection was not a mere resuscitation but a complete victory over death.
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ have profound implications for all who believe in Him. It signifies that death is not our end and we now have a way to eternal life. By believing in Jesus and accepting His sacrifice, we can be assured of a future with God.
What Does This Mean for You?
Jesus' life and teachings continue to inspire and transform lives today. His message of love, hope, and forgiveness is as relevant as ever. Whether you're struggling with a difficult situation, feeling lost, or simply seeking meaning in life, Jesus offers a way forward.
Through faith in Jesus, you can experience:
Forgiveness: Jesus offers forgiveness for your sins, past and present.
Hope: No matter what you're going through, Jesus offers hope for a better future.
Peace: Jesus promises inner peace and contentment, even in the midst of life's storms.
Eternal Life: Jesus offers the gift of eternal life, a life beyond this world.
If you're curious to learn more about Jesus, the Bible is a great place to start. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John provide firsthand accounts of his life and teachings.
A Personal Invitation
We invite you to explore the life and teachings of Jesus for yourself. You may find that He is the answer to the deepest questions of your heart.
You can learn more about Jesus at The Summit Church. Plan your visit here.