Catholics' Views on the Life of Jesus

This section explains Catholics' Views on the Life of Jesus. The Incarnation of Jesus refers to the Christian belief that God became human in the form of Jesus Christ. Catholics believe that Jesus was fully God and fully human at the same time, a mystery central to Christian theology.

The Virgin Mary plays a crucial role in this event. According to the Gospels, she was visited by the Angel Gabriel, who told her that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. This child, named Jesus, would be divine:

"For the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20–21)

This marks the moment when Jesus, the Son of God, took on human nature and entered the world as a baby. Catholics believe that the incarnation was an essential part of God's plan for salvation, as it allowed Jesus to be a perfect bridge between God and humanity.

Jesus as the Word of God

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is described as the ‘Word’ of God, also known as the Logos. The Word existed from the beginning and became incarnate to live among us:

"The Word became flesh and lived among us." (John 1:14)

Catholics believe that Jesus came to Earth to guide people, teach them how to live according to God’s will, and reveal God’s love in a tangible, human form.

Fully Human and Fully Divine

Catholics believe that Jesus was fully human, experiencing human emotions, suffering, and physical pain. He lived a life like any other human being, yet without sin. This aspect of Jesus’ humanity is important because it shows that he was able to empathise with human suffering. His crucifixion is seen as the ultimate demonstration of this, where he endured pain and hardship like any other human would.

Jesus' teachings, parables, and actions also show his divinity. Despite being fully human, he performed miracles, healed the sick, and forgave sins — all signs of his divine power. One of the most significant aspects of Jesus’ life is his unwavering declaration that he was the Son of God, especially evident during his trial and crucifixion. Christians believe that Jesus’ resurrection from the dead serves as the ultimate proof of his divinity.

Jesus' Death and Resurrection

The death and resurrection of Jesus are the central events of Christian belief. Each of the four Gospels in the New Testament provides an account of these crucial moments in Jesus' life.

According to Mark's Gospel, Jesus was betrayed by his disciple Judas Iscariot and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was put on trial before the high priests and accused of blasphemy, eventually being handed over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate, though reluctant, sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion. The crowds, influenced by religious leaders, called for Jesus to be crucified.

Jesus was flogged, humiliated, and then crucified at the hill of Golgotha. The inscription on the cross mockingly read: "King of the Jews." Jesus suffered on the cross for hours, and during this time, he cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34). At the moment of his death, the temple curtain was torn in two, symbolising that Jesus' sacrifice had opened a new way for humans to reconcile with God:

"The sky turned dark, and darkness fell over the land for the last three hours of Jesus' life."

Jesus’ death is understood by Christians as atoning for the sins of humanity. The belief is that Jesus’ sacrifice was necessary for atonement, making it possible for humanity to be reconciled with God.

The Resurrection

Three days after Jesus' crucifixion, Mary Magdalene and other women followers went to visit Jesus' tomb. To their astonishment, the stone blocking the entrance had been rolled away, and the tomb was empty. Inside, a man in white appeared, revealing 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 of Jesus is a pivotal moment in Christian belief. It is seen as a victory over death and sin, and it confirms Jesus' divinity. His resurrection gives Christians hope of eternal life and teaches them not to fear death.

Over the following 40 days, Jesus appeared to his disciples, teaching them and preparing them for his departure. The Ascension, when Jesus returned to Heaven, marks the end of this period:

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

Redemption and Life After Death

For Catholics, redemption is the belief that humanity can be saved from sin through Jesus’ actions. He is seen as the Example, the Restorer, and the Victor:

• The Example: Jesus demonstrated perfect human behaviour, living without sin. Even during his crucifixion, he showed compassion and forgiveness towards his executioners.
• The Restorer: Through his death, Jesus broke the barrier between God and humanity, repairing the relationship that had been broken by sin.
• The Victor: Jesus triumphed over death and suffering, not only through his healings during his lifetime but most significantly through his resurrection.

Catholics believe that Jesus’ death was necessary for salvation. His self-sacrifice allowed for the forgiveness of humanity’s sins, offering the possibility of eternal life with God. Salvation is a process, and Catholics believe that, although salvation was achieved through Jesus, individuals must still live in a way that is faithful to God’s teachings.

The Role of the Mass and the Eucharist

In Catholicism, the Mass serves as a way to remember and re-enact Jesus' sacrifice. During the Eucharist (Holy Communion), Catholics believe they are receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, which spiritually nourishes them. By participating in the Eucharist, Catholics are inspired to live lives that reflect Jesus’ teachings and work towards their own salvation.

Life After Death

Catholics believe in the immortality of the soul, meaning that, after the physical death of the body, the soul lives on:

"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." (John 11:25)

Catholics also believe in the resurrection of the body at the Day of Judgement, when each person will be judged individually by God and sent to either Heaven or Hell based on their actions during their lifetime.

For Catholics, Purgatory is a place or state where souls undergo purification before they are able to enter Heaven. Some Christians interpret Heaven and Hell as states of being, rather than physical places. Heaven is viewed as eternal happiness in God’s presence, while Hell is often depicted as separation from God.

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." (Matthew 25:46)

The Pope has stated that Hell may not be a literal place, but rather a metaphor for those who have chosen to reject God.

Personal Judgement

Catholics believe in personal judgement, where each individual is judged by God immediately after death. This personal judgement determines whether the soul will go to Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory. At the Final Judgement, all of humanity will be judged collectively, and the state of the soul will be fully revealed.