Jesus of Nazareth

Everyone has heard of Jesus of Nazareth, but how many really understand who He is or what He taught? Many people think that He was a good man, a prophet perhaps, a man who taught many good things that people should consider. Maybe you believe something like that about Him. Have you ever looked into the Bible to learn of Jesus of Nazareth? Let's investigate a little of what it says about Jesus.

His Birth

Jesus was born to Mary through the Holy Spirit according to the prophecies in the Bible of the Jews, the Old Testament (Isaiah 7:14). He was the promised Messiah, or Christ, which means "anointed one". He was to be the King of the Jews, following after His ancestor David.

He was not born into a wealthy family, but to a carpenter's family in the backwoods of Galilee. His humble origins tell us much about Him and His purpose.

Scriptures: Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2.

His Life

When Jesus was about thirty years old, He began to do the work of His Father. After being baptized by John the Baptist, He began to preach good news to the people of Israel about the coming Kingdom of God.

Jesus performed many miracles to prove that He was of God and that the Kingdom was coming. He healed the sick, cast out demons, and was even able to raise the dead.

He spent most of His time teaching His twelve disciples and the multitudes of poor Israelites that would come to listen to Him. The twelve especially received insight about the Kingdom that was coming, although they did not truly understand it until later.

Jesus did not have a good relationship with the religious authorities among the Jews of the day-- the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and lawyers. Even though they often challenged Him, He always showed them God's truth.

Scriptures: Matthew 4-19, Mark 1-10, Luke 4-19, John 1-12.

His Death

In March or April of 30 CE, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem to observe the Jewish feast of the Passover. He had previously revealed to His disciples that He was going to be arrested, treated badly, and killed, and rise again on the third day. The disciples did not understand what He meant.

Jesus traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem often and taught the people there. The religious authorities were tired of His teachings and desired to have Him executed.

On the night of the Passover, one of Jesus' disciples, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Jesus into the hands of these religious authorities. After a show trial, He was handed over to the Roman authority, Pontius Pilate. Pilate agreed to the plans of the Jews, and Jesus was handed over to be scourged (lashed with a whip) and to be crucified (to hang upon a cross). Thus Jesus died, punished as a common criminal.

Scriptures: Matthew 20-27, Mark 11-15, Luke 20-23, John 13-19. For the resurrection: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21, Acts, 1 Corinthians 15.

The Resurrection

If the story of Jesus ended here, it would not be very notable. Yet unlike everyone who has ever lived, Jesus rose from the dead through the power of God on the third day, never to die again.

He appeared to some of the women who followed Him and then also to His disciples. They could not believe that Jesus was raised from the dead!

Jesus then explained to them the nature of His Kingdom. It was not, as was believed, an earthly kingdom, but a spiritual one. Jesus had died as the sacrifice for sin, as the prophets of old had seen, and He would now rule over heaven and earth. His disciples became the twelve Apostles, and they began to spread the good news of Christ's Kingdom to the ends of the earth.

The same message needs to be heard today: Jesus of Nazareth is not just a "good man" or even a prophet, but the Messiah and Lord of all. We encourage you to read your Bible and learn more of Jesus; if you seek to be part of His Kingdom, please feel free to contact us today!

This E-Tract Compliments of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio

We, the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio, are happy to present you
with this e-tract to promote the truth of God throughout the world.

386 North Edgewood Drive
(Right off US 250 North)
Norwalk, Ohio 44857

(419) 541-6254
norwalkchurch.org

Assemblies:

Sunday morning Bible Study: 9:30am
Sunday morning Assembly: 10:30am
Sunday evening Assembly: 6:00pm
Wednesday evening Bible Study: 7:00pm

Want more information? Please contact us here!

Distributing This E-Tract

E-tracts are also available in a HTML e-mail form. Please use the form below to request one.

Thank you!