For the past two thousand years, people all over the world have heard the name of Jesus. He has been and still is the source of much discussion, celebration and even controversy within society and religious groups. So, who is Jesus? Did he really exist? How is he different than any other person who has ever lived? Is he really who he claimed to be? Why is Jesus relevant to us today?
His Life
Let us first look at the evidence for Jesus’ existence. Outside of the Bible, there are over 39 ancient sources that substantiate Jesus’ life and many of its details.1 They document that he was honorable and wise, had a miraculous public ministry, won over both Jews and Greeks, was crucified by the Romans, and appeared to various people after his death. These writings include non-Christian accounts by Cornelius Tacitus, Flavius Josephus, Thallus, Pliny the Younger, Talmud and Lucian,2 none of who had any vested interest in proving that Jesus existed.
Moreover, the Bible’s Old Testament successfully predicts many realities about Jesus hundreds of years before his life on earth. Some examples are his ancestry (Genesis 22:18, 49:10, Jeremiah 23:5), his birth (Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2), his ministry (Psalm 78:2, Isaiah 35: 5-6), his death (Psalm 22:16-18, Isaiah 53:4-12, Zechariah 12:10) and his resurrection (Psalm 16:10, Isaiah 53:10). The amazing and accurate fulfilment of these and many other prophecies (predictions of the future) are substantiated in the different New Testament books of the Bible that speak of Jesus’ life and ministry3 and non-biblical sources, such as Tacitus, Josephus, Justin Martyr and Ignatius.4
According to the Bible, Jesus came into the world for a very specific purpose – as the predicted Messiah (Savior) sent by God. Many Jews hoped he would be a political savior who would free them from the oppressive Roman rule. However, Jesus came as a different type of savior, one who would free the people from their wrongful ways (sins), which separated them from God. The Jews expected a warrior and judge, but instead, Jesus offered peace, forgiveness and love.
Jesus lived an extraordinary life, one like no other man who has ever lived. To begin with, he was miraculously conceived in the womb of a young virgin5 and about nine months later, he was born in Bethlehem of Judea6 (Luke 1:26-2:21, Matthew 1:18-2:1). At the age of 12, Jesus had remarkable understanding and knowledge of the Old Testament, astonishing people during discussions with the temple teachers (Luke 2:42-47). He grew up in a family with his parents, Mary and Joseph, along with several younger brothers and sisters (Matthew 13:55-56). During his childhood and youth, Jesus lived in Nazareth (Luke 2:39, Matthew 2:23) and eventually became a carpenter by trade (Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55). It was not until about age 30 that Jesus began his public ministry (Luke 3:23). Throughout his entire life, Jesus lived without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).
His Ministry
Jesus’ public ministry was launched with his baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:16-17, Luke 3:21-22). John’s ministry, which was predicted in the Old Testament (Isaiah 40:3-5, Malachi 3:1), was to prepare the way for Jesus. Jesus began to recruit a small group of 12 ordinary men to serve as his closest disciples. Jesus taught them as well as his other followers profound, yet simple life-principles, displaying great wisdom and insight. Jesus guided his disciples in sharing his message and together, they ministered to people in Samaria, Judea, Galilee and other surrounding areas.
The Bible documents that Jesus exhibited unprecedented love and kindness to others. Some examples include serving others by washing their feet (John 13:1-17), caring for children (Matthew 19:13-15), being compassionate in times of loss (John 11:33-35), associating with the social outcasts (Mark 2:15-17), curing physical ailments (John 5:2-15, Matthew 8:1-14), teaching others how to love (Luke 10:25-37), showing empathy and forgiveness (John 8:1-11) and demonstrating sacrificial love in suffering and dying for sinners (Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 3:18).
Jesus, however, was more than just a moral person and good teacher. He claimed to be God’s son and equal with God. And he proved it! He did things that can only be explained by him truly being God. In addition to his virgin birth and sinless life, there are over 30 documented miracles by Jesus in the Bible, including when he multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish to feed over 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), walked on the water (Mark 6:45-52), raised persons from the dead (Luke 7:11-17, John 11:38-44), restored sight to the blind (Mark 8:22-26, John 9:1-41), calmed a storm (Luke 8:22-25), healed the sick (Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 1:40-45) and produced an astonishing catch of fish (Luke 5:3-9). The details of Jesus’ public ministry are documented in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Furthermore, a variety of non-biblical writings, such as those of Quadratus, Barnabas and Justin Martyr, verify that Jesus performed miracles.7
Jesus proclaimed that he was the fulfilment of messianic prophecy. He taught that the way to God and forgiveness of sins is by faith in him, not through outward obedience to rules or good deeds. Jesus also explained that punishment will come to those who do not repent and believe. He and his disciples urged the people to acknowledge and turn away from their sins and obediently follow Jesus. The Jewish religious authorities despised Jesus and his teachings because their beliefs and traditions were being threatened. They denied that Jesus was the predicted Messiah, whom they had read about, and that he was truly both a man and God. Significant opposition from these religious leaders eventually led to Jesus’ capture and death.
Jesus knew his purpose for coming to earth. It was to fulfill God’s plan to save those morally separated from him because of sin. Jesus would ultimately die on a cross as a sacrifice for humanity’s sins. The Old Testament predicted this in the book of Isaiah as did Jesus many times to his disciples as recorded in the New Testament. Jesus willingly submitted to torture, mocking and crucifixion by Roman soldiers around AD 33 outside Jerusalem. His crucifixion is validated by sources outside the Bible, including Tacitus, Josephus, Thallus, Talmud, Lucian, Valentinus and Ignatius.8 Jesus suffered and died for us because he loved us so much. He chose to pay the penalty for our sins even though he was completely without sin.
What is even more amazing and significant than what took place before Jesus’ death is what happened after it. Following his death, he was placed in a nearby tomb that was sealed with a large stone and secured by Roman guards. On the third day, as predicted in the Old Testament and by Jesus himself, he overcame death. Jesus’s body was gone from the tomb, despite the stone seal and continuous guard. Non-biblical writings from Tacitus, Josephus, Ignatius, Clement of Rome, and Justin Martyr also reference his resurrection.9 Everyone dies – but only Jesus had the power to raise himself from death. He later appeared to his disciples and over 500 other witnesses before he rose again to heaven. (John 19:38-21:25).
When Jesus rose from the dead, he conquered both sin and death. He, in turn, offers the same opportunity to his followers – to be saved from our sins, enter into a personal relationship with him and one day live in heaven with him eternally. Jesus transforms lives!
His Message to Us Today
God sent his only son to earth to save us from sin: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The Bible is clear that God loves us and wants us to have a relationship with him. However, the reality is that all people fall short of God’s standards (we all sin). Being perfect and holy, God hates any kind of sin. What we deserve for our sin is to be separated from him and face eternal punishment after we die. But God loves us and does not want that for anyone, so he provided a way that we can know him personally.
Because he was one of us and also perfect (without sin), Jesus was able to serve as the ideal sacrifice for our sins. By truly believing that Jesus died on the cross for us and rose again, confessing and turning from our wrongful ways, and committing to follow him, we can have a relationship with Jesus and a life in heaven after we finish our time on earth! Jesus clearly stated that he is the only way to God: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father (God) except through me” (John 14:6).
Jesus is still changing lives today! Do you feel guilty about things you have done? Have you been hurt? Jesus can forgive you of your past, heal your pain and bring you true peace. Do you struggle with the challenges of life? Jesus wants to have a relationship with you and help guide you through today’s difficulties. Do you worry about what the future holds? Jesus can give you hope here on earth and eternity with him in heaven.
Knowing Jesus is the most life-changing, satisfying experience a person can ever have. Do you know him personally? He wants to have a relationship with you. The “Know God Personally” page explores this essential topic.
1 Campbell, Charlie H. “Can We Trust the Bible?” Always Be Ready Apologetics Ministry. Always Be Ready Apologetics Ministry, 2000-2016.
2 Habermas, Gary R. The Historical Jesus. Joplin: College Press Publishing Company, 1996, p. 187-207.
3 The ESV Study Bible. Wheaton: Crossway, 2008. [utilized for all Bible references]
4 Habermas, Gary R. The Historical Jesus. Joplin: College Press Publishing Company, 1996, p.187-196, 231-238.
5 Ignatius, Smyrneans, 1. and Martyr, Justin. First Apology, XLVII.
6 Martyr, Justin. First Apology, XXXIV.
7 Habermas, Gary R. The Historical Jesus. Joplin: College Press Publishing Company, 1996, p. 233-235.
8 Ibid., p.187-210, 231-233.
9 Ibid., p. 187-193, 230-236.
