Jesus lived on the earth about 2,000 years ago. “Jesus” was a common name among the Jews, but the Jesus we have in mind sometimes is called “Jesus of Nazareth” in the Bible (John 18:7,8). Why? Because He grew up in that city.
Our reasons for believing in Jesus are based on what the Bible says, nothing else. While not everyone in the world is a believer in Jesus, it is undeniable that He really did live on the earth, He really did have devoted followers, He really did die, and His tomb really was empty on the third day after His death.
We would like to point out a few notable things from the life, teaching, and work of the one known as “Jesus the Christ.” The truth about Him really is great news!
01 Sinless
Jesus lived on the earth for more than thirty years, and the Bible’s clear message is that He never committed a single sin . . . not one time. The Scriptures tell us that He “committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). It would be impossible for you and me to go our whole lives without sinning, but that is exactly what Jesus did. In the Bible, sin is described as “lawlessness” or “transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). In other words, to sin means to violate God’s law/instructions. The Christ was tempted in every manner that all humans are, yet He never once violated God’s law (Hebrews 4:14,15). Jesus never had an inappropriate thought, never said anything wrong, never misbehaved, and never failed to do something that He should have done. That sounds like perfection, does it not?
02 Son of God
The Christ was the spotless Son of God. The Bible does not record everything that He did when He lived on earth as a human, but it does give us sufficient proof to support His claim to be the Father’s Son: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30,31).
What evidence is given in the Bible which shows Jesus truly was God’s Son? Please consider these matters:
- He was born from a virgin woman. Jesus had an earthly mother, Mary, but no biological father (Matthew 1:18-25). We might think of Mary’s husband, Joseph, as being Jesus’ adopted father, but the God of heaven was His real Father. No one has ever been conceived and born like Jesus was!
- More than once God, Who does not lie, made this declaration about Jesus: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
- Jesus did amazing miracles. He healed the sick . . . there were no diseases or bodily maladies that He could not cure immediately (Matthew 4:23). He raised people from the dead, and He could do it simply by saying, “Come forth” (John 11:38-44). He showed His power over nature, defying gravity by walking on the sea (Matthew 14:25-33). Another time He calmed a storm at sea simply by saying, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39). Jesus fed thousands of people by using a small amount of food, and when He got done feeding them, there was more food left over than when He started (John 6:3-14). Pretty amazing stuff!
- These three historical facts about Jesus changed the world: “. . . Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures . . . He was buried, and . . . He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). The Bible says that His resurrection took place “early on the first day of the week” (Mark 16:9), which was Sunday. Yes, He died, but death could not hold Him. As an old-time song says, “Up from the grave He arose.” Christians serve a risen, living Lord.
03 Servant
Before He ever went to the cross, Jesus was a teacher of God’s word. As He was teaching throughout first-century Palestine, He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). That was no accident: He did it on purpose. Speaking about Himself, the Christ said, “For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). When you observe what the Bible records about Jesus, you will see Him showing genuine concern for others . . . He showed compassion on those who were grieving, He paid attention to the needs of widows, He helped the sick, He lifted up those who were struggling. God’s Son was selfless, demonstrating the heart of a servant.
04 Savior
The Bible plainly states that “the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14). It also is written, “. . . Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). That is, He came to save/deliver all those who have sinned, which includes each one of us: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin separates those who practice it from the Lord God (Isaiah 59:2), but here is the greatest news we will ever hear in our whole life: through the blood/death of the Christ, we can be reconciled to the God who created us and have our sins forgiven (Romans 5:8-10). Thank God for providing such a wonderful Savior!
05 Shepherd
Jesus once said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). He is ready to be the Shepherd of our soul, guiding us through this life, with all of its trials and land mines, and on into heaven.
Jesus was amazing. Remember — He was Sinless, the Son of God, Servant, Savior, and the good Shepherd.
— An article written by Roger D. Campbell