What was the historical Jesus like? Who was Jesus as a person?

from the old testament

• While the Old Testament doesn’t describe Jesus directly by name, it provides prophecies and patterns that He fulfilled, helping us understand His character and role as God who took on flesh. Prophecies like Isaiah 11:1–5 and Jeremiah 23:5–6 describe a righteous, wise, and just king from David’s line who will lead with integrity, humility, and compassion.
• Isaiah 53 portrays the “Suffering Servant” who bears the pain and sins of others, showing that Jesus would live a life of humility, service, and self-sacrifice.
• The Old Testament repeatedly emphasizes that God desires to be with His people (Genesis 3:8–9; Exodus 33:14; Isaiah 7:14). This anticipates Jesus’ life as Immanuel—God dwelling among humanity.
• Throughout the OT, God promises a Savior (Genesis 3:15) and establishes sacrificial systems (Exodus 12; Leviticus 16) pointing to someone who would ultimately save His people from sin—a role Jesus fulfills personally as the Savior.

from the new testament

• Jesus was a great teacher. Following His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, we are told, "And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" (Matthew 7:28-29).
• Jesus was a healer. Numerous healings by Jesus are recorded in the Gospels. Matthew 14:14 notes, "When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick."
• Jesus was a miracle worker. The Gospel writers record at least 35 miracles by Jesus. Many additional miracles were clearly not mentioned (John 21:25).
• Jesus was a person of compassion. He saw the people as sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36), met their needs for hunger (Matthew 15:32), and wept at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35).
• Jesus was perfect in wisdom. Even at a young age, the religious teachers recognized this attribute, "And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers" (Luke 2:47).
• Jesus was perfect and never sinned as a person, despite temptations from the devil (Matthew 4:1-10). Jesus quoted God's Word to resist temptation and avoid sin. Hebrews 4:15 teaches Jesus was "one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."
• Jesus was a servant. Mark 10:45 teaches, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Philippians 2:6-7 says, "though he was in the form of God, [he] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant."
• In His humanity, Jesus cared for those in need (Matthew 25), taught God's truth, followed God's will, served as a faithful friend (John 13), and offered His life on behalf of others. His life provides a perfect example for us today to live as those focused on God's priorities and honoring the Lord with our lives.

implications for today

Jesus was not just a good person. He was not just a good teacher. He was God who took on flesh, entering the world as fully human while remaining fully divine. He willingly gave His life as a ransom for humanity, taking the punishment for our sins so we could be reconciled to God and receive eternal life. This truth reminds us that Jesus’ identity and mission are unlike anyone else in history—He is the Savior of those who trust in His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. What Jesus was like and who He was calls us to respond to Him. It calls us to place our faith in Him, first and foremost. If we have done that, it also calls us to follow His example and to let His love and teachings shape the way we live each day. Our salvation through Jesus transforms our priorities, our choices, and the way we treat others.

Jesus is the ultimate example of God’s character and love in action. Seeing what Jesus was like also gives us a model of how we are called to be and live. His life teaches us to love others selflessly, to serve those in need, and to pursue righteousness even when it is difficult. By studying His compassion, humility, and faithfulness, we gain guidance for our own choices, relationships, and priorities. Following Jesus’ example challenges us to put God and others first, living not for ourselves. It also calls us to live for righteousness, seeking first the kingdom of God and living in a way that honors Him. Jesus’ life and mission challenge us to reflect His character through our actions and attitudes in a world that desperately needs hope and redemption.