The Godhead

Who Is Jesus?

Jesus of Nazareth was a first-century Jewish teacher and healer from Galilee whom Christians confess to be the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and God come among us in human flesh. He was born in Bethlehem near the start of the first century, taught and healed across Galilee and Judea, was crucified under Pontius Pilate around AD 30, and, Christians believe, rose bodily from the dead on the third day.

Who he was in history

That a Jewish teacher named Jesus lived in first-century Galilee, gathered disciples, was known as a healer, and was crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate is affirmed by nearly all historians, Christian and not. He is mentioned by the Roman historian Tacitus and the Jewish historian Josephus. He spoke Aramaic, kept the Jewish Scriptures, taught in synagogues and on hillsides, and drew crowds of the poor, the sick, and the outcast.

Who Christians confess him to be

Christians go further than the historians. They confess that this same Jesus is the eternal Son of God, the Word who was with God and was God, who became flesh and lived among us. Not a lesser god, and not simply a great prophet, but the one God come near, fully God and fully human.

The turning points of his life

When he asked his followers who they thought he was, Peter answered for them all.

He was handed over, crucified, and buried. Then his followers made the claim that changed the world.

Why this matters for you

If Jesus was only a wise teacher, you can admire him and move on. If he is who Christians say he is, then he is the clearest picture the world has of what God is like, and the door through which anyone can come home to God. He met the sick, the doubting, and the guilty with mercy, and he still does. The only way to know is to come close and look at him yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jesus in simple terms?

Jesus is a first-century Jewish teacher from Nazareth whom Christians believe to be the Son of God and the promised Messiah, God become human. Christians hold that he was crucified, rose from the dead, and offers forgiveness and eternal life to everyone who trusts him.

Did Jesus really exist?

Yes. Nearly all historians, including non-Christians, agree that Jesus of Nazareth lived in first-century Galilee, was known as a teacher and healer, and was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He is mentioned by the Roman historian Tacitus and the Jewish historian Josephus.

Do Christians believe Jesus is God?

Yes. Christians confess that Jesus is fully God and fully human, the eternal Son who became flesh (John 1:1,14), while still believing in one God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.