Who was Jesus?
Jesus was a Jewish teacher and spiritual leader who lived in Judea (modern-day Israel) around 2,000 years ago, roughly from 4 BCE to 30 CE. He taught people about love, forgiveness, and living ethically. Jesus travelled around teaching in synagogues and outdoor spaces, gathering followers called disciples who listened to his message and learned from his example.
The main sources we know about Jesus come from the four Gospels (accounts written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. These were written by followers after his death, recording his teachings, miracles, and life events.
What do Christians believe about Jesus?
Christians believe Jesus was more than just a teacher—they believe he was the Son of God. This is called the Incarnation: the idea that God became human in the form of Jesus to live alongside people and show them how to live.
Think of it like a parent writing a story and then stepping into that story as a character to show their children exactly how the tale should unfold.
Christians also believe that Jesus died on a cross (called the Crucifixion) as a sacrifice for human wrongdoing, and that he rose from the dead three days later (the Resurrection). This is the most important event in the Christian calendar, celebrated at Easter.
Why is Jesus important to Christians?
Jesus is central to Christianity because Christians believe his death and resurrection offer salvation—a spiritual rescue or forgiveness for all people. By believing in Jesus and following his teachings, Christians believe they can have a relationship with God and live better, more loving lives.
Think of it like a bridge: Jesus connects humans to God, allowing them to be forgiven and find peace.
Jesus' teachings on love, compassion, and forgiveness form the foundation of Christian ethics. His most famous teaching is the Sermon on the Mount, which includes the Beatitudes (blessings for the humble, merciful, and peaceful) and the Golden Rule: treat others as you would want to be treated.
Today, about 2.4 billion Christians worldwide follow Jesus' teachings and see him as God's greatest gift to humanity. He remains the central figure of their faith, inspiring how they live, worship, and treat one another.