Nature of Jesus in Christianity

• Jesus Christ


  The central figure of Christian history and devotion, the second person of the Trinity
• Christ


  A title given to Jesus meaning Messiah or Anointed One
• Incarnation


  The belief that God took human form in Jesus Christ. It is also the belief that God in Christ is active in the Church and in the world.
• Christians believe that God chose to reveal himself as a human being to spread his teaching, to teach humans how to live good lives by following his laws, and to offer human beings the chance of salvation
• The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.: '(John 1:14)'
• Virgin Mary


  Mary, the mother of Jesus
• Holy Spirit


  The third person of the Trinity. Active as God's presence and power in the world.
• Annunciation


  The announcement of the incarnation by Angel Gabriel as read in the Bible (Luke 1: 26-38)
• Jesus' birth is believed to have been a miracle, because Mary was a virgin and was made pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Jesus had no biological father on Earth.
• Mary's husband, Joseph, can be seen as Jesus' earthly stepfather
• Christians celebrate the incarnation of Jesus at Christmas
• Messiah


  The promised deliverer of the Hebrew nation at the end of times
• Anoint


  To rub water or oil on a person as a ceremony of blessing. Typically an honour reserved for royalty.
• Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah because through his crucifixion and resurrection he brought salvation to humankind
• Jesus did not describe himself as the Messiah, but his apostles did many times
• In the Gospel of Matthew (16:13–17), one of Jesus’ disciples, Simon Peter, says to him: 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God'.
• Jesus as the Son of God


  Most Christians believe that Jesus, as well as being fully human, is also fully God. Most Christians believe that Jesus is the second person of the Holy Trinity.
• Lord


  A term of respect used when referring to a male ruler with power and authority over others
• The Gospel of Matthew states that Jesus is 'Lord' and has all authority in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18)
• Sin


  Act of rebellion or disobedience against the known will of God in Judaism, Christianity or Islam
• Agape


  The unconditional and enduring love that God has for humanity and that Jesus taught people to show towards one another
• Omnibenevolent


  The belief that God is all loving
• Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, given as a sacrifice so that humans would have the possibility of eternal life in Heaven
• Atone


  A person atones when they show they are sorry for doing something wrong
• Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension are key events that shape Christian beliefs
• Jesus' mission


  • Based on agape
• Christians believe that Jesus' resurrection from the dead proved that he was indeed the Son of God. They also believe that his death was sufficient to pay the penalty for the sins of humanity
• Examples of agape in the Bible


  • The greatest commandment (Matthew 22:36–9)
  • The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)
  • Jesus heals a man with leprosy (Matthew 8:1–3)
  • Jesus raises a dead girl and heals a sick woman (Mark 5:21–42)
• Jesus encouraged people to love others unconditionally, even when it was difficult to do so
• Jesus Christ


  The Son of God, given as a sacrifice so that humans would have the possibility of eternal life in Heaven
• Key events in Christianity

  • Jesus' crucifixion
  • Resurrection
  • Ascension
• Sermon on the Mount


  A speech given by Jesus to his followers on a mountainside
• The Sermon on the Mount

  1. Jesus taught his followers the Lord's Prayer

  2. Told them several parables

  3. Explained the Beatitudes

  4. Taught about God's laws
• Beatitudes


  A set of proverb-like blessings that Jesus listed in the Sermon on the Mount
• People blessed by God according to the Beatitudes


  • The meek (humble people)
  • Those who make peace
  • Those who show mercy to others
  • Those persecuted because of their faith
• Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount


  Expanded on Old Testament teachings, explaining God had ever higher expectations of how people should behave
• Jesus Christ


  The Son of God, given as a sacrifice so that humans would have the possibility of eternal life in Heaven
• Old Testament teachings vs Jesus' explanations in the Sermon on the Mount

  • Do not murder vs Do not even be angry with another person or insult them. Try to forgive people and mend broken relationships.
  • Do not commit adultery vs If a married person even looks at another person lustfully, they are guilty of adultery in their heart.
  • Divorce is allowed vs Divorce is still allowed but only on the grounds of 'sexual immorality'. Anyone who divorces and re-marries is committing adultery with their new partner – they are not really married at all.
  • Love your neighbour vs You must also love your enemies and pray for people who persecute you.
• Jesus told his followers that their love for one another must be unconditional and that they must never seek revenge, even though the Old Testament allows it
• Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension are key events that shape Christian beliefs