Who Is Jesus Christ and Why Does He Matter?
No single figure in human history has shaped civilisation more profoundly than Jesus of Nazareth. More than two billion people today call Him Lord. Historians, atheists, and scholars of every stripe acknowledge His extraordinary impact. But who was He really?
The Historical Evidence for Jesus
Outside the Bible, Jesus is mentioned by several independent ancient sources. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (c. 93 AD) refers to Jesus as "a wise man" and notes His crucifixion under Pontius Pilate. The Roman historian Tacitus (c. 116 AD) records that "Christus" suffered execution during the reign of Tiberius. Pliny the Younger (c. 112 AD) describes early Christians singing hymns to Christ "as to a god."
The historicity of Jesus is virtually undisputed among mainstream scholars. The question is not whether He existed, but who He was.
The Life of Jesus
Born in Bethlehem around 4 BC to Mary and Joseph, Jesus grew up in Nazareth, a small village in Galilee. At approximately age 30, He was baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan River — an event all four Gospels record. His public ministry lasted roughly three years.
During those years, Jesus healed the blind, the lame, and the leprous. He cast out demons, calmed storms, multiplied bread and fish, and raised the dead. But His miracles always pointed beyond themselves — to the Kingdom of God breaking into the world.
The Teachings of Jesus
Jesus taught in parables — simple stories with profound spiritual meaning. His most famous teachings include:
- The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) — "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) — Love knows no ethnic or religious boundaries.
- The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) — God's mercy is extravagant and unconditional.
- The Great Commandment (Mark 12:30-31) — Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbour as yourself.
Was Jesus Really God?
Jesus made claims that no mere prophet or teacher could make. He said: "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). "Before Abraham was born, I am" (John 8:58) — using the divine name God revealed to Moses. He forgave sins — something only God can do (Mark 2:5-7).
C.S. Lewis famously argued that Jesus left us only three options: He was either a liar (He knew His claims were false), a lunatic (He was deluded), or He was who He claimed to be — Lord. There is no room for the comfortable middle ground of "great moral teacher."
The Crucifixion and Resurrection
Around 30 AD, Jesus was arrested, tried before the Jewish Sanhedrin and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, scourged, and crucified. He died on a Friday afternoon and was buried in a borrowed tomb.
On the third day, the tomb was found empty. Over the following weeks, Jesus appeared to individuals, to groups, and to more than 500 witnesses at once (1 Corinthians 15:6). These encounters transformed terrified disciples into fearless apostles who spread the Gospel across the Roman Empire — most of them dying as martyrs rather than deny what they had seen.
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. As Paul wrote: "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:14). Christianity stands or falls on this claim.
Why Does Jesus Matter Today?
Jesus matters because His message addresses the deepest questions of human existence: What is the meaning of life? Can I be forgiven? Is there hope after death? His promise — "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25) — offers hope that transcends culture, century, and circumstance.