Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ was a Jewish preacher and religious leader who became the central figure in Christianity. Nearly all scholars agree that Jesus existed historically, that he was subsequently arrested and tried by the Jewish authorities, and executed by crucifixion on order of the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate. Of that, there is little doubt. Most Christians believe Jesus Christ to be the awaited Messiah, the Son of God, and a part of the Trinity that includes God the Father, Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Christians believe that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to Mary, a virgin, then went on to perform miracles, founding a church. They believe also, that He rose from the dead on the third day following His crucifixion, met with several of His disciples and was seen by other witnesses before ascending into Heaven. Most Christians believe that Jesus died to atone for the sins of those who will believe in Him, and that he will return one day to judge the living and the dead. The majority of Christian denominations today believe that Jesus is part of the Trinity, although a minority reject the doctrine as unscriptural. Islam considers Jesus to have been a prophet and the Messiah, but not the Son of God. Most Muslims do not believe that Jesus was executed, but that he was raised to heaven by God. Judaism rejects the belief that Jesus was the awaited Messiah, arguing that his resurrection was a Christian myth. As a child, Joseph and Mary probably referred to Jesus "Yeshua" or "Joshua," as "Jesus" was the Greek form of the Hebrew name. Although His was one of the more popular names for Hebrew boys at the time of His birth, His name was chosen by God and communicated to Mary at the time that she was told that she would be the mother "The Son of the Highest."
Recommended Resources
The major events in the life of Jesus Christ while He was here on earth are reviewed. Articles on each of the gospels are put forth, along with a Biblical description of Jesus, his choosing of the twelve disciples, the parables of Jesus, the miracles that he performed during his ministry, his crucifixion, resurrection, and transfiguration. Several videos are also presented. Several Bible study resources are included.
http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/
CARM: Jesus’ Two Natures: God and Man
In his series on Christian doctrine, published by Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry, Matt Slick examines the dual nature of Jesus Christ as being fully human and full divine simultaneously, which he labels as the Hypostatic Union. Slick also refers to the Communicatio Idiomatum, a related doctrine stating that the attributes of both the divine and human natures are ascribed to the one person of Jesus.
http://carm.org/jesus-two-natures
Christus Rex et Redemptor Mundi
Online since 1994, the Catholic resource features a large collection of articles, resources, and links proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as other topics, historical and contemporary. The Lord’s Prayer is presented in 1,817 languages, as well as news and releases from the Vatican, as well as regional and local Catholic authorities, information about the Holy Land, Scripture references, and documents.
http://www.christusrex.org/
A January 23, 2010 sermon by Rick Crandall, of Grayson Baptist Church, deals with the question of how we can be sure that it was Jesus Christ who was spoken of as being with God at the time of creation, and other appearances made by Christ in the Old Testament record. For example, John 1:18 tells us that “no one has seen God at any time,” so whenever the Old Testament speaks of someone seeing God, they must have been meeting the pre-incarnate Christ.
http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/how-do-we-know-it-was-jesus-rick-crandall-sermon-on-divinity-of-christ-143388.asp
Offering Biblical answers to common questions that Christians may have about the birth and life of Jesus Christ, his ministry and his disciples, crucifixion, and resurrection, offering several articles, podcasts and videos serving to make Christ known. Questions about the deity of Christ are answered, and the accounts of the four gospels are harmonized. Other topics include early church history and the names of Jesus.
http://www.jesus.org/
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints offers its view of Jesus Christ as Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Messiah of the New Testament, that he was born of Mary, preached for three years, was crucified and resurrected from the dead, and will come again to earth in glory. His life and teachings are outlined, and several articles, images and video are presented to help people know how to draw closer to Christ.
http://www.jesuschrist.lds.org/
Ken Palmer explores the life, history and teachings of Christ, as well as the account of the angels visiting Joseph and Mary, the birth of Jesus, Jesus being presented at the Temple, the magi bearing gifts,, and the childhood of Jesus. A map of places mentioned in the birth of Jesus, and charts of the miracles of Christ, his parables, sermons, gospel harmony, and crucifixion prophecies are included.
http://www.lifeofchrist.com/
Lois Tverberg is the author of “Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus,” which emphasizes the Jewish context of the teachings of Jesus, and the added power that comes from understanding Christ’s words in context, and how some difficult passages can make sense once they are placed in the correct historical and cultural setting. Articles shed new lights on the last week of Jesus’ ministry on earth.
http://ourrabbijesus.com/
The Life of Jesus: Bible Study
Using a graphic menu, the the site presents a study on the life of Jesus Christ, from the ancestors of Jesus, the angel coming to Mary, and the birth of Jesus, through what we know of his childhood, as well as his teaching ministry, miracles and parables. The story of his arrest, trial, death and resurrection. Other topics include maps of Jesus’ travels, information about Nazareth, and paintings from the Book of Hours.
http://www.jesus-story.net/
In his published book, “The Teachings of Jesus,” Dr. Vladimir Antonov presents an analysis of the teachings of Jesus during his earthly ministry, categorized according to the themes that Jesus touched on in his messages, with references to the New Testament and some apocryphal gospels. Included are the teachings of Jesus about himself, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Audio and video files are available, and the book may be ordered online.
http://www.teachings-of-jesus-christ.org/
Is Yeshua really the promised Messiah of Israel, who was spoken of in the Old Testament? Is Jesus Christ the Son of God, or were his claims that of a liar or a lunatic? Available in several languages, these and other questions are answered here, with diagrams and Scriptural references showing that Jesus is the only way to God, and he must be received through faith.
http://www.whoisjesus-really.com/
Owned and operated by Church of the Great God, a non-Trinitarian fellowship, the site offers the CGG view of Jesus Christ, whom it intends to define, including the historical Jesus, a warning against false Christs, and inflections on the pre-incarnate Christ. His ministry, gospel, and an overview of his sermons and parables are put forth. An archive of audio sermons on Christ are included.
http://www.biblicaljesus.org/
