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Who Is Jesus?
For more than two thousand years, people have debated the nature of Jesus.
“Was he a teacher? A prophet? A revolutionary? A legend? The Son of God? Or something beyond our imagination?”
Jesus of Nazareth is the central figure of the New Testament and holds a unique place throughout the entire Bible. Many believe the Old Testament prepared for his coming, and everything after was profoundly shaped by him.
Fully God, Fully Human
Fully Human
- • Wept with sorrow-
- • Angered by injustice-
- • Thirsted while suffering-
These details show that he truly shared human life, rather than standing outside it.
Fully God
- • Performed miracles and commanded nature-
- • Had authority to forgive sins-
- • Raised the dead-
Because of this, many believe he was not merely a teacher or prophet, but the Son of God.
His Death and Resurrection
According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate. For many believers, his death was not only a historical event, but an act of redemption.
According to the New Testament, on the third day he rose again. This is not only a symbol, but the foundation of hope and faith.
Prophecy & Fulfillment
Prophecies Often Compared
In the Old Testament, many passages are understood by believers as pointing toward the Messiah. This section presents several prophecies often compared with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Some connections are seen as very clear, while others are still discussed in different ways.
Born in Bethlehem
Micah speaks of where the long-awaited ruler would appear, and Matthew records Jesus being born in Bethlehem.
Prophecy
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel...”
Born of a virgin
Isaiah 7:14 speaks of the Messiah's extraordinary birth, and Luke records the birth of Jesus.
Prophecy
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son...”
Fulfilled
“...to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.”
Entering Jerusalem on a donkey
Zechariah describes a humble king riding a donkey; the Gospels record Jesus entering the city in the same way.
Prophecy
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey...”
Fulfilled
“When they brought the donkey to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.”
Betrayed for thirty pieces of silver
Zechariah describes wages being weighed out; Matthew records Judas receiving thirty pieces of silver.
Prophecy
“I told them, 'If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.' So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.”
Hands and feet pierced
Psalm 22 depicts suffering that closely echoes the crucifixion, and Luke records Jesus inviting his disciples to see his wounds.
Prophecy
“Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.”
Rising from the dead
The psalm says the soul is not left in the realm of the dead forever, and Acts quotes it when speaking of the Messiah's resurrection.
Prophecy
“Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”
Why Does This Still Matter?
Quick Glossary
Messiah
From Hebrew, meaning “anointed one.” In Scripture, this term refers to the king and savior Israel awaited. The New Testament presents Jesus as this Messiah.
Incarnation
The belief that God came in human form in Jesus. Not merely a messenger, but God entering human history.
Resurrection
The belief that Jesus physically rose from the dead on the third day after crucifixion. For Christians, this is central to faith and a decisive turning point in history.