What do we know about the real, historical Jesus?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

“Who is Jesus?" is one of the most important questions you could ever ask. Yet many do not recognize the difference between the historical, biblical Jesus and the various views of Jesus presented today. For example, Jesus is mentioned in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, yet is represented much differently than in the New Testament. Various religious groups and cultural commentaries offer a wide variety of perspectives regarding the true identity of Jesus. The historical Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament, was born to Mary and Joseph, lived a life of teaching, healing, and miracles, and was crucified during Passover in Jerusalem. He rose from the dead on the third day, appeared to many over a forty-day period, and His resurrection led to the formation of the early church, which grew rapidly and spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. The biblical Jesus is confirmed by history. This historical Jesus was God in the flesh, who died and rose again; He calls us to respond to who He is.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The life of Jesus is recorded in the New Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus was born to a virgin woman, Mary from Nazareth (Luke 1:26–27), who was betrothed (similar to engaged) to a man named Joseph (Matthew 1:18), a descendant of David from the tribe of Judah (Matthew 1:1–16).
• When Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem for a census (Luke 2), Jesus was born and laid in a manger because there was no room for the family in the guest place.
• Jesus’ family was visited by shepherds who had been instructed by angels to go and see Jesus (Luke 2:8–20).
• Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day in accordance with Jewish law and custom (Luke 2:21). He was also presented at the temple as required by the Law of Moses (Luke 2:22–24).
• Likely at least a year after his birth, wise men from the east came to visit the family (Matthew 2:1–12). After their visit, Joseph was warned in a dream to take his family to Egypt to avoid Jesus' death at the hands of Herod (Matthew 2:13). The family fled the city, later returning to Nazareth after Herod's death (Matthew 2:19–23).
• At about thirty years of age, Jesus was baptized and began His public teaching ministry (Luke 3:21–23; Luke 4:14). He taught in the local synagogues (Luke 4:15), taught His disciples (Matthew 5—7), healed people (Luke 4:40), cast out evil spirits (Luke 4:33–36), and worked many miracles (John 2:11).
• After three or so years, the religious leaders plotted to have Jesus killed (Matthew 26:3–4; Mark 14:1–2; Luke 22:2).
• Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem during the time of the Passover (Matthew 26:2; Mark 15:25). He was buried in a new tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57–60), and rose from the dead on the third day (Matthew 28:1–6; 1 Corinthians 15:4). He appeared to many over a forty-day period before ascending to heaven and sending out His followers to make disciples (Acts 1:3, 9–11; Matthew 28:19–20).
• The disciples were greatly impacted by the historical Jesus, and the church was formed. On the Day of Pentecost, the promised Holy Spirit empowered the disciples in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1–4), who then shared the message of the resurrected Jesus with others (Acts 2:14–36). About three thousand were baptized that day and the church began (Acts 2:41).
• Through both persecution and missionary expansion, the early church quickly grew and spread to many locations throughout the Roman Empire and beyond (Acts 8:1, 4; 13:1–3). By the fourth century, Christianity was recognized as the official religion of the Roman Empire (Edict of Milan, AD 313). Still today, the message of Jesus goes forth across the world with the Bible being the world's most translated and best-selling book (Psalm 119:105; Matthew 28:19–20).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Unlike many other religions, the historical facts concerning Jesus Christ can be studied and verified through historical inquiry. Though salvation is by faith, it is not a blind faith. History and archaeology have frequently affirmed key facts noted in the New Testament that show the accurate nature of its contents. The historical Jesus is also mentioned in other ancient writings, ranging from those of the Jewish historian Josephus to the many early church fathers, to official Roman documents that refer to aspects of early Christianity. Jesus is not a myth, but rather is the Messiah whom many follow as Savior today. We are called to respond to the historical Jesus and what He did in dying for our sins and rising again, conquering sin and death. All who trust in Him will be saved, forgiven of their sins, and given abundant life both now and for eternity (John 3:16–18; 10:10; Ephesians 1:3–14).

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus was a real person born to Mary and Joseph, lived a life of teaching and miracles, and was crucified.
• Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and appeared to many. This historical event began Christianity and changed humanity forever.
• Jesus, affirmed by history, invites us to respond to His identity as the Messiah and Savior.

REFLECT

• How does understanding Jesus as a real, historical figure impact your personal faith and view of His teachings?
• How does the resurrection of Jesus, as a historical event, influence your daily life and faith?
• How do you personally respond to the call of Jesus as the Messiah and Savior in your own life?

ENGAGE

• What are some ways the historical reality of Jesus can be communicated effectively to those outside the Christian faith?
• How can we use the historical facts about Jesus to deepen our collective understanding and commitment to Christ?
• Many people view Jesus as a wise teacher or prophet, appreciating His moral and ethical teachings. However, this is missing the reality of who He is. Recognizing Jesus as God in the flesh who died and rose again to save humanity urgently calls us to respond to who He is and what He has done.