Church of God Knowledge Encyclopedia

Life of Jesus

The life of Jesus is marked by key events such as His birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, central to the Christian belief in the forgiveness of sins and human salvation. According to biblical prophecy, Jesus, regarded as the Christ and Savior, was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to Mary in Bethlehem of Judea. At the age of 30, He was baptized by John the Baptist. During His subsequent three-year ministry, He proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom of heaven and established the New Covenant Passover through His precious blood shed on the cross, thereby opening the path to salvation for humanity.

The Birth of Christ by Italian painter Carlo Saraceni (1579–1620): Jesus was born on earth in the flesh as a child, fulfilling the prophecies of the Bible.

Although His earthly life concluded with His ascension from the Mount of Olives, His disciples, having received His teachings, spread the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Nearly 2,000 years later, His influence endures, affecting a significant portion of the global population, including roughly one-third who identify as Christians and regard Jesus as their Savior.[1]

Birth of Jesus

The exact date of Jesus’ birth is not recorded in historical documents, though scholars estimate it took place between 6 and 4 B.C.[2] The Gospel of Matthew notes that Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod, who ruled from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C.[3]

The birth of Jesus had been foretold centuries earlier. Around 700 B.C., the prophet Isaiah predicted that God Almighty would be born as a child,[4] while the prophet Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, prophesied that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem.[5] In fulfillment of these prophecies, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit through the Virgin Mary and born in a manger in Bethlehem.[6] Although Mary and her husband Joseph resided in the region of Galilee, they traveled to Bethlehem because of a census decree issued by the Roman Emperor Augustus.[7][8]

When Jesus, the Savior, was born in fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy, a multitude of heavenly hosts praised God. Shepherds near Bethlehem, while tending their flocks, heard the angels’ proclamation and hurried to worship the baby Jesus.[9][10] The wise men (Magi) from the east also came to honor Him, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh in celebration of the Savior’s birth.[11] Upon hearing of Christ’s birth, King Herod, feeling threatened, ordered the massacre of all male children under the age of two in Bethlehem.[12] However, God, through an angel in a dream, warned Joseph to take the child and His mother to Egypt for refuge.

Childhood

Jesus grew up as the son of Joseph, a carpenter, in the village of Nazareth in the region of Galilee. His childhood is briefly documented in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. Joseph and Mary traveled to Jerusalem annually to observe the Passover, and when Jesus was twelve years old, they also visited the Temple as part of this tradition. After celebrating the Passover, Joseph and Mary began their journey home, only to realize a day later that Jesus was not with their group. They returned to Jerusalem and found Him in the Temple, where He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. When Joseph and Mary expressed their concerns over His absence, Jesus replied, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[13]

The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry: Baptism

The public ministry of Jesus began with His baptism at the age of 30.[14] John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus, was a prophetic figure entrusted with the mission of Elijah to prepare the way for the Christ.[15][16][17] He wore garments made of camel’s hair with a leather belt, resembling the attire of the prophet Elijah.[18][19] During the reign of Herod Antipas, the son of King Herod, John proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!” and performed baptisms of repentance for those who confessed their sins.[20] Many came to him, and some even wondered if John might be the Christ. However, John clarified that his role was to prepare the way for the One who would come after him to baptize with the Holy Spirit.[21] When Jesus came to be baptized, John testified that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Christ. As Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and a voice from heaven declared, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”[22]

After His baptism, Jesus withdrew to the wilderness, where He fasted for 40 days. Following this period of fasting and prayer, He faced three temptations from the devil: to turn stones into bread, to test God’s power, and to accept the riches and glory of the world. In each instance, Jesus resisted by citing Scripture, declaring, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God,” “Do not put the Lord your God to the test,” and “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”[23]


When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying . . . And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.

Luke 3:21–23


Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom

After His baptism, Jesus began His public ministry by proclaiming the message of the kingdom of heaven, stating, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”[24] He called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who were fishermen by the Sea of Galilee, to be His disciples. As He traveled throughout Galilee with His disciples, Jesus healed the sick and extended His saving hand to the marginalized. He rose early to pray and preached in every town, teaching the people about the eight blessings available to Christians and the conduct required to enter the kingdom of heaven.[25] The blessings He described were spiritual rather than merely physical. He also emphasized the importance of avoiding false prophets and acting in accordance with God’s will rather than engaging in iniquity. Because these teachings were delivered on a mountainside, they are commonly referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount.”[26]

Jesus occasionally sent His twelve disciples to different regions to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom, facilitating their development as gospel workers. He gave numerous parables, including the weeds and the wheat (Matthew 13) and the heavenly wedding banquet (Matthew 22), to help them understand the principles of salvation.

Jesus proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom not only through His words but also by demonstrating it through His actions, thereby providing a practical example for God’s people to follow. The aspects of the gospel He exemplified include baptism,[14] the Sabbath,[27] the Feast of Tabernacles,[28] the foot-washing ceremony,[29] and the New Covenant Passover.[30] After His crucifixion, Jesus instructed His disciples to continue proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom that He had taught them throughout His ministry.


“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

John 13:15


“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19–20


Passion Week

 
The Taking of Christ by Italian painter Caravaggio (Michelangelo da Caravaggio), 1571-1610: Jesus was arrested on the night He observed the New Covenant Passover and endured suffering until His death on the cross the following day.

The term “Passion Week” designates the week from the day Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a colt to the day of His death on the cross. During this week, Jesus celebrated the Last Supper of the New Covenant with His disciples and was arrested that same night, after which He endured immense suffering until the following day. His sufferings, prophesied by Isaiah, included being pierced, wounded, flogged, and subjected to torment and interrogation, all of which exemplify Christ’s love for the salvation of humanity.

Passion Week: Sunday—Entering Jerusalem on a Colt

As the three-year ministry of the gospel neared its conclusion and the final Passover approached, Jesus ascended to Jerusalem with His disciples to fulfill prophecy. Upon arriving at Bethphage and Bethany, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem, He sent two disciples into the village with instructions to retrieve a colt.[31][32] The disciples brought the colt, placed their cloaks on it, and Jesus sat on it. At this moment, the crowd that followed Him spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road, and waved palm branches while shouting in celebration. The people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem, proclaiming, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[33] thus fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy that the king of Zion would ride on a colt.[34] As evening approached, Jesus departed for Bethany with the twelve disciples.

Passion Week: Monday—Cursing the Fig Tree and Clears the Temple.

The following morning, as Jesus and His companions were leaving Bethany to re-enter Jerusalem, they came across a fig tree full of leaves. Feeling hungry, Jesus approached the tree but found no fruit, as it was not the season for figs. He then declared that the fig tree would never bear fruit again.[35]

Upon entering the temple, Jesus saw it filled with merchants and a great commotion. Disturbed by the commercial activities occurring in God’s house, He expressed His anger and rebuked them, stating, “You have made it a den of robbers.” He then drove out those who were selling within the temple. In the evening, Jesus left the city and returned to Bethany.[36]

Passion Week: Tuesday and Wednesday—Teaching Through Prophecy and Parables

  • Debate With Religious Leaders
As Jesus entered the temple, He was confronted by the religious leaders of the time, who sought to challenge Him with various controversies. The Pharisees questioned Him regarding the legality of paying taxes to the Roman emperor in an attempt to entrap Him. In response, Jesus declared, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s,” silencing them. When the Sadducees, who denied the existence of the resurrection, engaged Him in a debate on the topic, Jesus countered their arguments by stating, “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” Through these wise responses, Jesus addressed their challenges.[37] Jesus compared the scribes and Pharisees, who outwardly appeared righteous but were inwardly filled with lawlessness, to whitewashed tombs. He warned that they would not escape the judgment of hell.[38]
  • Prophecy of the Last Days and Second Coming
The disciples inquired of Jesus regarding the signs that would precede the end of the age and His second coming. Jesus indicated that wars, famines, and earthquakes would mark the onset of birth pains, and that numerous false Christs and prophets would emerge, deceiving many, while lawlessness would abound and love would grow cold.[39] He instructed them to observe the Parable of the Fig Tree as a sign of His return,[40] noting that the fig tree symbolizes Israel in Scripture. The revival of the fig tree, representing Israel’s restoration, is linked to the timing of Jesus’ second coming. Additionally, Jesus conveyed the faith that God’s people should embody in the last days through the Parables of the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and the Goats.
Meanwhile, the chief priests, scribes, and elders convened at the palace of the high priest Caiaphas to deliberate on how to execute Jesus. At that time, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, sought an opportunity to betray Jesus after accepting thirty pieces of silver from the chief priests.[41]

Passion Week: Thursday—The Last Passover

  • The Passover Celebrated With His Disciples
    As the Passover approached, Jesus instructed Peter and John to prepare for the feast.[42] In the large upper room that had been arranged, Jesus personally washed the feet of His disciples using water from a basin prior to the Passover Supper.[29] After completing the foot-washing ceremony, He said to His disciples that He had set an example for them to follow, encouraging them to do likewise.[43] During the observance of Passover, Jesus expressed His profound desire to share the meal, stating, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you.” He instructed His disciples to partake of the Passover bread and wine, symbols of His body and blood,[44] which offer the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.[45] Jesus further emphasized that the Passover signifies the new covenant established by His blood, urging His followers to celebrate it in remembrance of Him.[30] Just as God Jehovah liberated the Israelites from slavery in Egypt during the original Passover, Jesus similarly freed His followers, who were enslaved by sin and death, through the new covenant.[46][47] He concluded by commanding His disciples, united as one body in Christ through this Passover, to “love one another.”[48] On that night, Jesus foretold that one of His disciples would betray Him and that all the disciples would abandon Him. In response, Peter declared his commitment not to forsake Jesus; however, Jesus prophesied that before the rooster crowed, Peter would deny Him three times. All the disciples, including Peter, asserted that they would prefer to die alongside Jesus rather than deny Him.[49]
  • Arrested After Praying in Gethsemane
    After observing the Passover, Jesus went with His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane during the night. There, He prayed fervently, reflecting on the imminent suffering He would face, while His disciples fell asleep, unaware of the seriousness of the situation. At that moment, a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders, approached. Following a prearranged signal, Judas Iscariot identified Jesus by kissing Him, prompting the crowd to seize Him.[50] In the ensuing chaos, Peter drew a sword and severed the ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest. Jesus then told Peter that these events were in accordance with the Scripture, rebuked him, and miraculously healed the servant’s ear. While the crowd arrested and bound Jesus, all the disciples fled. Subsequently, Jesus was taken to Caiaphas, the high priest. The scribes and elders sought false testimony against Jesus to secure a death sentence, but they were unable to find any evidence. During this time, Caiaphas inquired, “Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God,” to which Jesus affirmed.[51] In reaction, Caiaphas tore his robes and accused Jesus of blasphemy. The crowd, stirred into a frenzy, demanded that Jesus be sentenced to death, spitting in His face, striking Him with their fists, and slapping Him.[52] Peter, who had followed Jesus at a distance, observed the events from the courtyard. When questioned about his association with Jesus, he became agitated and denied knowing Him three times. At that moment, the rooster crowed. Upon making eye contact with Jesus, Peter recalled Jesus’ prediction, “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” Peter went outside and wept bitterly.[53]

Passion Week: Friday—Dying on the Cross After the Passion

  • Repeated Trial and Suffering
    At the dawn of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the day after the Passover, the chief priests and elders conspired to have Jesus executed and brought Him before the governor, Pontius Pilate.[54] Observing these events, Judas Iscariot felt remorse for his betrayal and attempted to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests. However, as they rejected his plea, he threw the silver into the temple and went out to hang himself, ultimately ending his life. The chief priests and elders presented Jesus to Pontius Pilate, accusing Him of misleading the people by forbidding them to pay taxes to Caesar and claiming to be a king. Finding no evidence of wrongdoing, Pilate referred Jesus to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, who was in Jerusalem at that time. After interrogating Jesus and receiving no answers, Herod mocked Him before sending Him back to Pilate. Unable to find any grounds for a death sentence against Jesus, Pontius Pilate recalled the custom of releasing one prisoner during the Passover. He presented the crowd with the choice of freeing Barabbas, a notorious criminal, or Jesus. The chief priests and elders incited the crowd to demand Barabbas’ release and call for Jesus’ execution. Fearing a riot, Pilate symbolically washed his hands, declaring, “I am innocent of this man's blood, it is your responsibility!” The crowd responded, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!”[55] Ultimately, Pilate ordered Jesus to be crucified. Subsequently, the soldiers flogged Jesus, placed a crown of thorns on His head, spat on Him, struck Him with a staff, and mocked Him with various insults. They then compelled Jesus to carry His cross and led Him to Golgotha.[56]
  • Death on the Cross
    At approximately 9 a.m., Roman soldiers crucified Jesus by nailing His hands and feet to the cross. A sign inscribed with the words “King of the Jews” was affixed above His head. During this event, onlookers mocked Jesus, challenging Him with remarks such as, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross,” while religious leaders derided Him, stating, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself.” The spectators viewed Jesus’ suffering and bloodshed, resulting from the scourging and crucifixion, as a punishment appropriate for a sinner. However, the Old Testament attributes this suffering to the sins and transgressions of humanity.[57] In this context, Jesus accepted the punishment for the sins of humanity, thereby fulfilling the prophecy of the Scriptures. After enduring six hours of agony on the cross, Jesus died at approximately 3 p.m., proclaiming His final words, “It is finished.” At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.[58] This day coincided with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which commemorated the suffering of the Israelites during the Exodus, and it was also the preparation day for the Sabbath, indicating that it was Friday.
  • Burial in the Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea
    As evening approached, a wealthy man named Joseph, a follower of Jesus, approached Pontius Pilate to request the body of Jesus. He wrapped the body in a clean linen cloth and placed it in a new tomb that he had hewn from rock, rolling a large stone to seal the entrance.[59] By being crucified alongside criminals and interred in the tomb of a wealthy man, Jesus fulfilled the biblical prophecy that proclaimed, “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.”[60]

Resurrection and Ascension

At dawn on Sunday, three days after Jesus’ crucifixion, women who were followers of Jesus went to the tomb to anoint His body with spices.[61] At that time, an angel dressed in white appeared before them, proclaiming that Jesus had risen as He had foretold during His lifetime, and that He was no longer present in the tomb. When the women reported this news to the disciples, Peter ran to the tomb but was unable to find the body of Jesus.

On the evening of His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples gathered in Jerusalem. The disciples were startled and frightened, believing they were seeing a spirit. To reassure them and affirm His resurrection, Jesus showed them His hands and feet and ate food in their presence. Later, when He appeared to the disciples again by the Sea of Tiberias, He asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” Each time Peter affirmed his love for Jesus, to which the Lord responded, “Feed My sheep.”[62] Additionally, Jesus instructed the eleven disciples who had traveled to Galilee to meet Him to proclaim the gospel to all nations.[63]

Following His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples multiple times over a span of 40 days, offering them undeniable proof of His living presence and discussing the Kingdom of God. On the fortieth day, He instructed the disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the gift promised by the Father, specifically the Holy Spirit. He emphasized that once they received the Holy Spirit, they would be empowered to serve as His witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. After leaving this instruction, Jesus ascended into heaven in the presence of the disciples.[64]

Main Events in Life

Main Events Content Verse
Born Born as a child in Bethlehem according to the prophecies of the Old Testament. Mt 1:24–25
Baptism Began His public ministry after being baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Mt 3:13–17
Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom Proclaimed the gospel to teach humanity the truth of eternal heaven and salvation. Mt 4:12–17
Entering Jerusalem Fulfilled the prophecy that the king of Israel would enter Jerusalem on a donkey. Mt 21:2–11
The Last Supper (Passover of the New Covenant) Established the New Covenant Passover in the Mark’s upper room, which contains the promise of forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Mt 26:17–28
Sacrifice on the Cross Atoned for the sins of humanity through the blood shed in His sacrifice on the cross. Mt 27:27–50
Resurrection Was resurrected three days after His death on the cross. Mt 28:1–8
Ascension Appeared to His disciples for 40 days after His resurrection, urging them to spread the gospel before His ascension. Ac 1:3–9

See also

References

  1. ↑ World Population by Religion: A Global Tapestry of Faith, Population Education, January 12, 2024
  2. ↑ Craig L. Blomberg, Jesus and the Gospels, B&H Publishing Group, 2009, p. 222, Paradoxical as it sounds, the date of Christ's birth was probably somewhere between 6-4 BC.
  3. ↑ S. Michael Houdmann, Questions About Jesus Christ: The 100 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Jesus Christ, WestBow Press, 2013, p. 70
  4. ↑ "Isaiah 9:6".
  5. ↑ "Micah 5:2".
  6. ↑ "Matthew 1:18–23, 2:1".
  7. ↑ "Luke 2:1–7".
  8. ↑ What was the Census that took Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem?, CHRISTIAN TODAY, December 24, 2023
  9. ↑ "Luke 2:13–14".
  10. ↑ "Luke 2:20".
  11. ↑ "Matthew 2:9–11".
  12. ↑ "Matthew 2:16–18".
  13. ↑ "Luke 2:41–50".
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Luke 3:21–23".
  15. ↑ "Isaiah 40:3".
  16. ↑ "Malachi 4:5–6".
  17. ↑ "Matthew 17:12–13".
  18. ↑ "2 Kings 1:8".
  19. ↑ "Matthew 3:4".
  20. ↑ "Luke 3:1–3".
  21. ↑ "Mark 1:6–8".
  22. ↑ "Matthew 3:16–17".
  23. ↑ "Matthew 4:1–11".
  24. ↑ "Matthew 4:17".
  25. ↑ "Mark 1:35–39".
  26. ↑ "Matthew 5:1–2".
  27. ↑ "Luke 4:16".
  28. ↑ "John 7:2–37".
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "John 13:1–5".
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Luke 22:19–20".
  31. ↑ "Matthew 21:1–2".
  32. ↑ "Mark 11:1–2".
  33. ↑ "Mark 11:7–11".
  34. ↑ "Zechariah 9:9".
  35. ↑ "Mark 11:12–14".
  36. ↑ "Mark 11:15–19".
  37. ↑ "Luke 20:21–40".
  38. ↑ "Matthew 23:27–28".
  39. ↑ "Matthew 24:3–8".
  40. ↑ "Matthew 24:32–33".
  41. ↑ "Mark 14:10–11".
  42. ↑ "Luke 22:7–13".
  43. ↑ "John 13:15".
  44. ↑ "Luke 22:15".
  45. ↑ "John 6:53–54".
  46. ↑ "John 8:32–34".
  47. ↑ "Revelation 1:5".
  48. ↑ "John 13:34".
  49. ↑ "John 13:36–38".
  50. ↑ "Matthew 26:47–48".
  51. ↑ "Matthew 26:63–64".
  52. ↑ "Matthew 26:59–68".
  53. ↑ "Luke 22:60–62".
  54. ↑ "Matthew 27:1–2".
  55. ↑ "Matthew 27:24–25".
  56. ↑ "Matthew 27:11–31".
  57. ↑ "Isaiah 53:3–8".
  58. ↑ "Matthew 27:45–53".
  59. ↑ "Matthew 27:57–61".
  60. ↑ "Isaiah 53:9".
  61. ↑ "Mark 16:1–2".
  62. ↑ "John 21:15–17".
  63. ↑ "Matthew 28:19–20".
  64. ↑ "Acts 1:3–9".
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