Bible Study
12
min read
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Jesus of Nazareth is a name that echoes across centuries and cultures, prompting admiration from some and scepticism from others. His profound influence on philosophy, ethics, and global history cannot be denied, yet opinions vary widely on who He really is. In this article, we’ll explore Jesus’ significance at the heart of Christianity and why billions regard Him as the Saviour for all. We’ll then glimpse how the claims about Him stand up to both logic and tradition, offering a solid foundation for deeper reflection.
Why Start with Jesus?
If you’re exploring Christianity—whether as a curious sceptic, a seeker from another faith, or someone interested in historical phenomena—it’s sensible to focus on Jesus first. Christians believe He is not merely a teacher, prophet, or wise man, but the very cornerstone of the faith. This conviction stands or falls on who Jesus is claimed to be.
Historical Existence
Reputable historians across belief systems agree that Jesus was a real historical figure who lived in first-century Palestine under Roman rule. Documents like the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), combined with external references by Roman and Jewish sources, affirm His existence.Central Claim of Divinity
The defining question is not whether He existed but whether He truly is the incarnate Son of God. This belief places Jesus at a unique intersection: fully human, yet fully divine. Early church leaders like St. Ignatius of Antioch, who lived shortly after the Apostles, described Jesus as “God existing in flesh,” underscoring how early and how firmly this conviction was held.Foundation of the Christian Faith
The Apostle Paul famously wrote: “If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty” (1 Corinthians 15:14, NKJV). Essentially, without Jesus’ resurrection, Christianity crumbles. That central event sets Jesus apart from all other historical or religious figures.
Jesus’ Life in Brief
Birth and Early Years
According to the New Testament, Jesus was born in Bethlehem—a detail that aligns with a centuries-old prophecy found in the Old Testament (Micah 5:2). Raised in Nazareth, He emerged publicly around age thirty, proclaiming “the Kingdom of God” and attracting followers from diverse walks of life.
Cultural Context: First-century Judea was a melting pot of Roman, Greek, and Jewish cultural influences. The expectation of a deliverer or Messiah was palpable among Jewish communities under Roman occupation.
Human Yet Unusual: By all accounts, Jesus grew up in a humble setting with a carpenter father, yet displayed remarkable insight and wisdom from a young age (Luke 2:46–47).
Teachings that Challenged Conventions
Jesus’ teachings were transformative, emphasising love, mercy, forgiveness, and justice. He used parables—short stories with moral or spiritual lessons—that challenged the status quo.
Radical Moral Vision
He urged His followers to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44) and care for the poor (Matthew 19:21). Such a standard of compassion often surprises those who explore His life for the first time.Kingdom of God
Jesus spoke frequently about the “Kingdom of God”—not merely an earthly domain but a transcendent reality where God’s will and compassion are paramount. His miracles, as described in the Gospels, are seen as signs pointing to this kingdom’s power.
The Crucifixion and Resurrection
The climax of Jesus’ earthly ministry is His crucifixion under Pontius Pilate—an event attested both in Christian and secular sources. Christians believe His death wasn’t just a tragic end but a sacrificial act for humanity’s sins. The resurrection on the third day (Matthew 28:1–10) is upheld as the ultimate proof of His divine authority.
Why Does Humanity Need a Saviour?
A Universal Predicament
To grasp why Jesus is central, it’s key to understand the Christian perspective of human brokenness. From a logical standpoint, look at the world’s moral failings—wars, injustices, personal betrayals. Christians explain this through the doctrine of sin, suggesting that humanity is fundamentally flawed and in need of redemption.
Not Just an External Evil
Christianity posits that evil or sin isn’t solely an external force but something that resonates within human hearts. This resonates with many who observe that no amount of social reform alone has eradicated human propensity for wrongdoing.Moral and Spiritual Gap
God is believed to be perfectly holy, while humans fall short. As a result, there’s a spiritual chasm requiring divine intervention. Jesus’ role in bridging this gap is at the core of the Christian narrative.
The Concept of Sacrifice
Sacrifice is often misunderstood as primitive or irrelevant in modern times. However, in the biblical context, it’s a powerful sign of atonement and love. Christians view Jesus’ death as fulfilling the sacrificial archetypes of the Old Testament, making a once-for-all offering that covers humanity’s moral debt.
Early Christian Witness: St. Ignatius of Antioch
A Direct Link to the Apostles
St. Ignatius of Antioch lived in the late first and early second centuries, putting him historically close to the Apostles. Tradition says he was taught by the Apostle John. His letters, written while en route to martyrdom in Rome, reveal the early Church’s unwavering belief in Jesus as both God and man.
“There is one Physician who is possessed both of flesh and spirit; both made and not made; God existing in flesh... Jesus Christ our Lord.” —Epistle to the Ephesians (Ignatius)
This testimony is significant. It shows that the doctrine of Jesus’ divinity is not a late invention but a core belief from the earliest stages of Christianity’s growth.
A Martyr’s Conviction
Ignatius willingly faced martyrdom, emphasising the depth of his conviction. For those exploring Christianity from an atheistic or interfaith viewpoint, such historical accounts invite a logical question: why would early believers endure death if they weren’t deeply convinced of Jesus’ true nature and resurrection?
Addressing Different Perspectives
For Atheists
Even if one doesn’t accept supernatural claims, the historical impact of Jesus is substantial. One can examine:
The continuity of early testimony.
The rapid spread of Christianity, despite persecution.
The moral teachings that continue to influence many global cultures.
While this may not prove divinity on its own, it provides a foundation for deeper investigation into the claims.
For Muslims
Muslims revere Jesus (Isa) as a prophet but not as the divine Son of God. Christianity sees Jesus as fulfilling Old Testament prophecy in a unique way. Dialogue across faiths often focuses on these different views of Jesus’ identity and the significance of the crucifixion.
For Curious Spiritual Seekers
Whether you identify as agnostic, spiritual-but-not-religious, or simply curious, Jesus’ message of hope, reconciliation, and love holds broad appeal. Understanding the logical underpinnings—from historical documentation to the moral argument for a Saviour—can shed light on why so many follow Him.
Logical Considerations
Cumulative Case
Rather than relying on a single proof, Christian belief in Jesus’ divinity and resurrection is undergirded by multiple lines of evidence: eyewitness testimony, historical documents, changed lives, and the consistency of early Church writings.The Transformation Argument
Scores of individuals throughout history—from the first-century disciples to modern converts—claim that encountering Jesus radically altered their lives. While experiential claims don’t constitute proof, they form a significant collective testimony.Scriptural Cohesion
The Bible is a collection of diverse writings spanning centuries, yet Christians perceive a thematic unity culminating in Jesus. This consistency, they argue, is evidence of a divine hand guiding the narrative from Genesis through the Gospels.
Conclusion
Jesus stands at the centre of Christianity, not simply as a revered figure but as the incarnate solution to humanity’s deepest moral and spiritual dilemmas. Whether approached from a historical, theological, or purely inquisitive angle, His life and claims challenge us to consider the possibility that the world is indeed broken and that divine rescue may be not just hopeful fantasy but a genuine solution.
Final Reflection
Christian teaching affirms that Jesus’ sacrifice is an open invitation, bridging the chasm between a holy God and a flawed humanity. Believers and seekers alike can find renewed purpose, moral direction, and enduring hope in His message. In the next article, we’ll step back in time to the Old Testament to see how centuries of prophecy and covenant paved the way for this extraordinary figure at the heart of the Christian faith.
Next Article Preview:
We’ll head back in time—way back—to the foundations laid in the Old Testament, exploring humanity’s predicament and why Christians see Jesus as the logical answer to an ancient cry for redemption.
David Wieseneck
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Expert-In-Residence, Ramp
With 15 years of experience as a finance operator and advisor across 7+ fast-growing tech startups, David’s career has rallied around 1 core purpose: building high-performance teams that scale operations with cutting-edge technology. Having previously ran the finance teams at Demostack, letgo, & Ollie Pets & as an advisor for Carta, Justworks, Navan, and Ironclad, he now serves Ramp as their first-ever Expert…
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