Who is Jesus?
Is Jesus a myth or did he really exist?
The most detailed evidence for Jesus' existence can be found in the four separate accounts of the Bible, written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Gospel of Mark was probably the earliest version, written about thirty years after Jesus died.
There are numerous other references to Jesus in the Bible and other religious books - eg the letters by St Paul, some of which were written earlier than the Gospels. The Qur'an [Surah 3:45] also mentions Jesus.
Can we believe from the Bible that Jesus really existed?
Among others there are thousands of Greek (biblical) manuscripts that still exist today, some date back to the early second century. These records are remarkably consistent about the life of Jesus.
What are the references for Jesus outside the Bible?
There are many references to Jesus outside the Bible, such as that by the Roman historian Tacitus and by Suetonius, who wrote the life of Claudius. The Jewish historian Josephus, born around AD 37, referred to Julius Caesar, Anthony and Cleopatra as well as Jesus in his writings. Other non-Christian religious books also mention Jesus.
Was Jesus just another revolutionary?
The word revolutionary normally conveys images of political leaders, trying to bring about governmental change through force. In that sense Jesus was not a revolutionary and consequently disappointed many people of his time. The people of that day lived in an occupied country and longed for a leader who would overthrow the Roman Empire. This was not Jesus' mission.
Jesus upheld the traditional Bible teachings of his time but also preached a new message, a message which included forgiveness and love of our enemies. [Matthew 18:21 & 5:44]
I can believe that Jesus was a great teacher but don't believe in God
That is a common view today and indeed everyone is entitled to have their opinion. However, it may be difficult to hold the two views simultaneously.
- The Bible tells us that the crowds were amazed at his teaching. [Matthew 22:46 & 22:33] When Peter declared Jesus was the Son of God, he was praised by Jesus. [Matthew 16:16-17]
- Jesus was sentenced to death because he publicly [Matthew 26:63-66] claimed he was the son of the most blessed God. [Mark 14:61-62 ]
- In Matthew chapter 11, Jesus claimed again that God was his Father. [Matthew 11.27]
What did Jesus teach?
Jesus taught many things about life, death, sin, God and himself. He clearly thought he was no ordinary person! Listed below are some of the extraordinary claims he made about himself:
- He claimed to be the Messiah or 'God's anointed one,' who came to save mankind. In order to 'save' mankind he had to fulfil a mission, that mission was to suffer, die and on the third day rise to life. [Mark 9:31] There is a compelling account in the Bible of Jesus' torment the night before his death. Jesus knew he was about to be tortured and die and he was in such anguish that his sweat poured down like drops of blood, falling to the ground. [Luke 22:44]
- Jesus claimed that he was the only way to God. He said "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me." [John 14:6] In other words his mission was unique, no one else could save mankind.
- He said if you want to see God, look at me. [John 14:9-11] If you are searching for God, a good place to start is with Jesus!
- He claimed the way we respond to him will determine how we are judged at the end of time. He spoke about sin and love, declaring that each person will be called to give an account of their life before the throne of judgement. Some will go to heaven and others to hell. [Matthew 25:31-46]
Aren't Jesus' claims about himself arrogant?
It all depends on whether the claims were true. To make the claims Jesus made means he was either much more than a good teacher, or he wasn't a good teacher at all. There is no middle ground. Of course we need to look at the whole of Jesus' life together with all the other evidence to assess his claims.
When the wise men from the East travelled to Jerusalem they asked Herod where they would find "the baby born to be king of the Jews". [Matthew 2:2] It was not just the wise men who thought Jesus was a king, but also many of his countrymen had the same view. Whilst travelling to Jerusalem for a Jewish festival, a large crowd assembled. Praising and thanking God they declared Jesus was King. [Luke 19:37-39] Jesus however, did not choose to make his entrance on a gleaming white horse, as you would expect from a highly honoured king. Instead he chose to ride on a donkey [Luke 19:37-39] - why? because of humility and a determination to serve and protect others. [Matthew 20:28] Is this the mark of an arrogant man? Jesus freely chose to suffer and die in agonising pain on the cross. He endured this while his mother watched. Was that self-seeking? You decide.
What did Jesus Do?
At the beginning of Jesus' three-year mission, he stood up in the synagogue and read a passage written by the prophet Isaiah. He read: 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to set free the oppressed.' Jesus claimed that passage, written approx. 800 years earlier, was about him. [Luke 4:18] He then spent the next 3 years fulfilling that prophecy, demonstrating his authority with miracles. He gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf; he even set people free from the control of demons and brought back to life some who had died.
The culmination of Jesus' ministry was his death on the cross, as recorded in the Bible and in other books. We know that this was the climax to his ministry, for while Jesus suffered he exclaimed "it is finished" (or accomplished) [John 19:30] just before he died. He came to die so we might receive forgiveness from God for our wrongs.
The bible gives four separate accounts that Jesus rose again on the third day (as he promised to do). About 500 people saw him and his opponents were unable to produce his body to challenge this miracle. Many of Jesus' followers were so convinced that he had risen that they themselves were willing to die horrible deaths, rather than deny him. Historically sects or cult groups tend to lose popularity; even disbanding after the leader is removed. In spite of severe persecution Christianity grew phenomenally after the death and resurrection of Jesus - it still continues to grow today!
What is the point of Jesus?
The main point is that we have all done wrong and because of this we are separated from God. [Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 6:23] Jesus lived and died so we could be forgiven. [1 John 4:10, Matthew 26:28] If we believe in him we can:
1. Have life in abundance now - living life to the full [John 10:10]
Living life to its fullest doesn't mean that life will become easy if we follow Jesus. Jesus told his followers that in the world they would have tough times. [John 16:33] However, he promised that God would give us a helper, his Holy Spirit who would stay with us [John 14:16 ] and help us to:
- understand God [John 14:15]
- deal with all kinds of difficult situations eg pain, sorrow, guilt, suffering or addictions etc
- live a holy life [Galatians 5:22]
Those who believe in Jesus become God's children and joint heirs with Jesus, inheriting eternal life.
2. Have eternal life - for ever [John 3:16, John 17:3]
After we die we will have to face judgement; those who put their trust in Jesus will have eternal life. These people will be with God forever and will never again experience pain or suffering, hunger, thirst or death. [Revelation 21:4] Those who reject Jesus will be eternally separated from God. [John 3:36, Luke 12:5]
After we die we will have to face judgement; those who put their trust in Jesus will have eternal life. These people will be with God forever and will never again experience pain or suffering, hunger, thirst or death. Those who reject Jesus will be eternally separated from God.
What is Christianity?
The early followers of Jesus were not called Christians since that word had not been invented. It was some time after Jesus' death, in a place called Antioch (in South-East Turkey) that people first became known as Christians. The name means Christ's people, or followers of Christ. Of course that doesn't mean that Christians are always right, but as followers Christians should continually aim to imitate Jesus' example, throughout their lives. Sadly this isn't always the case.
If you are interested in becoming a follower of Jesus some items below might be helpful:
- Recognise that Jesus really did die on the cross to save you
'God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.' [John 3:16] - Tell God the key things you have done wrong, and turn away from them
'But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right; he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all wrong doing.' [1 John 1:9] 'Repent then, and turn to God, so that he will forgive your sins.' [Acts 3:19] - Ask God to come into your life
Jesus said: "Listen, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and eat with him, and he will eat with me." [Revelation 3:20] - Believe that he has answered your prayer
Jesus said: "I will never turn away anyone who comes to me." [John 6:37]
It would be useful to tell someone what you have done. Jesus said "If anyone declares publicly that he belongs to me, I will do the same for him before my Father in heaven." [Matthew 10:32] If that other person is a mature Christian they may be able to help you.
To find out more about Jesus, it would be helpful to join a study group or your local church. We recommend the Alpha Course (you don't have to be a Christian to join!). There are however many other good study courses in existence. These first steps will help you find a church that can give you support.
How do I find out more?
If you have any particular questions or want to find out more about Christian courses in your area please contact us using the Contact Us page or call our church office on 0113 258 4506.