The Life and Teachings of Jesus

This section explains Christians beliefs on the life and teachings of Jesus. The section includes: Jesus’ Birth, The Incarnation, Jesus’ Final Days, The Last Supper, the Trial and Crucifixion and The Resurrection and Ascension.

The Incarnation of Jesus

Jesus’ Birth

According to the Bible, the Virgin Mary was visited by the Angel Gabriel, who announced to her that she would conceive a son named Jesus. He would be a divine child, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah.

"The holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."
— Luke 1:35

The Gospels teach that Jesus had a human birth, the story of which is known as the Nativity. This event is celebrated by Christians at Christmas to remember that God the Son was born in the person of Jesus.

"The Word became flesh and lived amongst us."
— John 1:14

The Incarnation

The doctrine of the Incarnation states that when Jesus was born, God became present on Earth in human form as the second person of the Trinity—the Son. This means that Jesus was fully God and fully human at the same time.

Jesus is referred to as Christ or Messiah, meaning “anointed one.” His life serves as a model for how Christians should live.

Jesus grew up in a Jewish family in Nazareth and worked as a carpenter like his earthly stepfather, Joseph. At the age of 30, he was baptised by John the Baptist and began his public ministry. This ministry involved teaching, preaching, and performing miracles, such as healing a blind man and walking on water.

One of his most famous teachings was the Sermon on the Mount, in which he delivered moral instructions, including the Beatitudes. He also taught through parables, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which emphasises the importance of loving one’s neighbour (Luke 10:30-37).

Jesus’ Final Days

The Raising of Lazarus

Before his final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus performed one of his most significant miracles: raising Lazarus from the dead. This act strengthened the belief among many that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, but it also increased hostility from religious authorities, who saw him as a threat.

The Last Supper

Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, with crowds welcoming him as the Messiah. He then shared a Passover meal with his disciples, known as the Last Supper. This event is commemorated by Christians through the Eucharist (Holy Communion). At this meal, Jesus shared bread and wine, instructing his disciples to do this in remembrance of him.

"This is my body. … This is my blood."
— Mark 14:22-24

Different Christian denominations interpret the Eucharist in varying ways. Catholics believe in transubstantiation, meaning that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus. Protestants, such as Baptists, view them as symbolic reminders of Jesus' sacrifice.

Jesus also washed his disciples’ feet, teaching them humility and the importance of serving others. He then predicted that Judas Iscariot would betray him.

"What you are about to do, do quickly."
— John 13:27-28

The Garden of Gethsemane and Jesus’ Arrest

Following the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. His disciples, tasked with keeping watch, fell asleep. Soon after, Judas arrived with soldiers, identifying Jesus with a kiss. Jesus was arrested and charged with blasphemy for calling himself the ‘King of Israel.’

Trial and Crucifixion

Jesus was taken before the Sanhedrin (Jewish Council) and later presented to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate, reluctant to condemn Jesus, offered to release him, but the crowd, influenced by religious leaders, demanded his crucifixion.

"Crucify him!"
— Mark 15:13

Jesus was scourged and taken to Golgotha, where he was crucified. A sign above him read “King of the Jews” in mockery. He endured hours of suffering before crying out:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
— Mark 15:34

At the moment of his death, the sky darkened, and the temple curtain tore in two—symbolising that his death atoned for humanity’s sins.

The Resurrection and Ascension

The Resurrection

Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb sealed with a heavy stone. On Easter Sunday, women followers, including Mary Magdalene, found the tomb empty. An angel told them that Jesus had risen from the dead.

"Why do you look for the living amongst the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"
— Luke 24:5-6

The Resurrection is central to Christian belief as it demonstrates God's power over death and offers hope of eternal life to believers. Jesus appeared multiple times over the next 40 days, reassuring his followers.

The Ascension

After his resurrection, Jesus blessed his disciples and ascended to heaven.

"While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven."
— Luke 24:51

Christians believe that Jesus’ ascension confirms his divine nature and role as the Son of God. His sacrifice is seen as the ultimate act of redemption, granting salvation to those who have faith in him.