Life of Jesus

The life of Jesus is mainly known from the four canonical gospels. These books tell the story of Jesus, from his birth and early life to his teachings, miracles, and what happened after he passed away. They describe important events like his nativity, his public ministry, and his resurrection.

Jesus began his work after being baptized by John the Baptist at the Jordan River. After this, he spent time in the wilderness, where he fasted for 40 days and nights in the Judaean Desert. One of his first miracles happened during the Marriage at Cana.

Most of Jesus' work took place in Galilee and Judea, with some events also in nearby areas like Perea and Samaria. During his time in Galilee, Jesus performed many miracles and shared important teachings with people.

Genealogy and Nativity

Main articles: Genealogy of Jesus and Nativity of Jesus

The genealogy and Nativity of Jesus are told in two of the four canonical gospels: the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s story traces Jesus’ family back to Adam and God, while Matthew’s story shows the family line leading to Jesus. Both stories say that Jesus was not the child of Joseph, but was conceived miraculously by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary, mother of Jesus. Both stories also connect Joseph to King David and Abraham, though the family lines differ in some places.

Both Luke and Matthew agree that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in Judea, to a virgin mother. In Luke’s story, Joseph and Mary travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem for a census, and Jesus is born there and placed in a manger. Angels tell people that Jesus will save them, and shepherds visit to honor him. The family then returns to Nazareth. In Matthew’s story, The Magi follow a star to Bethlehem to give gifts to Jesus, who is called the King of the Jews. King Herod tries to harm Jesus by harming young boys in Bethlehem, so Jesus’ family flees to Egypt before settling in Nazareth. Scholars have different views on these stories, but they agree that the gospels were written to share important beliefs rather than exact timelines.

Ministry

The story of Jesus' time of teaching and helping people is told in four books called gospels. His work began near the Jordan River and ended in Jerusalem. Important events include his baptism, where he was preparing to start his work, and his time teaching in a place called Galilee.

During his time in Galilee, Jesus chose his first followers, known as disciples, and performed many miracles. Later, he traveled toward Jerusalem, where he spent his last week. This week included important moments such as entering Jerusalem, sharing a special meal with his disciples, and facing difficult times that led to his crucifixion. His story ends with his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Passion

Main articles: Agony in the Garden, Kiss of Judas, and Arrest of Jesus

See also: Holy Hour

After sharing a special meal, Jesus went to a quiet garden to pray. He asked three of his close friends to stay nearby and keep watch while he prayed. He felt very sad and asked if there was a way to avoid what was coming, but he also wanted to follow God's plan.

Soon, Judas arrived with a group of people, including leaders and guards. Judas greeted Jesus with a kiss to show who he was, and the guards arrested Jesus. One of Jesus' friends tried to stop them with a sword but Jesus asked him to stop, saying that this was part of God's plan.

Main articles: Sanhedrin trial of Jesus, Pilate's court, and Jesus at Herod's court

See also: Ecce homo

After his arrest, Jesus was taken to a group of Jewish leaders called the Sanhedrin. They questioned him and accused him of big claims, but he was not treated fairly. The leaders then brought him to a Roman officer named Pilate, who also questioned Jesus. Pilate saw that Jesus had done nothing wrong, but the crowd demanded that Jesus be punished. Pilate agreed to have Jesus crucified.

Pilate sent Jesus to another leader, Herod, but Herod sent him back to Pilate. Pilate tried to show he was not responsible for Jesus' punishment, but he still agreed to the crucifixion.

Main articles: Crucifixion of Jesus and Entombment of Christ

See also: Sayings of Jesus on the cross

Jesus was taken to a place called Calvary where he was crucified. On the way, a man named Simon helped him carry the cross. Once there, soldiers placed a sign above his head and mocked him. Jesus spoke several important words while he was on the cross, including asking God to forgive those who were treating him this way.

After Jesus passed away, a follower named Joseph asked to take his body down. They wrapped it in cloth and placed it in a new tomb, sealing it with a stone.

Resurrection and Ascension

Main article: Resurrection of Jesus

See also: Empty tomb and Resurrection of Jesus in Christian art

The stories about Jesus say that on the first day after he died, his followers found his tomb empty. They believed he had come back to life. Jesus then showed himself to his followers many times, talking and even having meals with them, before finally going up to heaven.

The stories about Jesus coming back to life differ a little, but they all agree on a few things: the tomb was empty, women were the first to find it, and Mary Magdalene played an important role in these events.

Main article: Resurrection appearances of Jesus

See also: Noli me tangere, Doubting Thomas, Great Commission, and Road to Emmaus appearance

See also: Overview of resurrection appearances in the Gospels and Paul

After coming back to life, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first. She didn’t recognize him at first but did when he called her name. Later, he appeared to his disciples and showed them the marks in his hands and side. One disciple, Thomas, wasn’t there and didn’t believe until Jesus showed him the marks and let him feel them.

Jesus also appeared to followers on a mountain and told them to share his message with everyone. He met two disciples on the road to a place called Emmaus and had a meal with them. He also appeared to his followers by a lake and talked to one of them, Peter.

Main article: Ascension of Jesus

See also: Ascension of Jesus in Christian art

The stories say that Jesus went up to heaven 40 days after coming back to life. This happened while his followers were watching. An angel told them that Jesus would come back in the same way he went up. The Bible describes this event as happening near a hill called Olivet, close to Jerusalem. After talking to his followers for 40 days about important matters, Jesus was taken up into the clouds. Two people in white clothes told the followers that Jesus would return just as they had seen him go.