What Was Jesus Really Like? A Closer Look At His Life And Teachings

If you have ever wondered what Jesus was really like, you’re not alone. Jesus is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in human history, yet much about him remains shrouded in mystery.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Jesus was a Jewish teacher and prophet who lived in the 1st century CE. He traveled around preaching about the kingdom of God, performed miracles, gathered disciples, and was eventually crucified by the Romans.

His life and teachings form the basis for Christianity.

In this comprehensive article, we will examine Jesus’ life, character, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection in detail. We will paint a vivid portrait of this enigmatic historical figure and explore his lasting impact.

Jesus’ Early Life and Background

Jesus’ birth and childhood

Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod the Great around 4 to 6 BCE. His mother was Mary, who was a virgin, and his adoptive father was Joseph, a carpenter (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2020).

According to the Gospels, Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (History.com, 2020).

Very little is known about Jesus’ childhood. The Gospel of Luke recounts the story of 12-year-old Jesus teaching in the Temple courts in Jerusalem, astounding the Jewish teachers with his understanding.

This story illustrates that even at a young age, Jesus possessed great spiritual wisdom and knowledge of the Scriptures.

Jesus as a Jewish man living under Roman rule

Jesus was born into a Jewish family and would have been raised according to Jewish laws, customs, and traditions. He was circumcised on the 8th day after his birth and presented at the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days later for Mary’s purification ceremony (Bible Odyssey, 2020).

However, Jesus’ homeland of Galilee and Judea were under Roman occupation during his lifetime. Many Jews greatly resented Roman rule and taxes. Some Jewish resistance groups hoped that God would send a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and make Israel an independent kingdom again.

Yet Jesus took a very different approach—he did not come as a political revolutionary or military leader. Instead, he focused his teachings on the Kingdom of God and living according to God’s laws and ways.

Nonetheless, Jesus’ growing popularity and challenges to the authority of Jewish and Roman leaders put him on a collision course with authorities that would ultimately lead to his execution.

Jesus’ Character and Personality

Jesus’ compassion and kindness

Jesus was known for his great compassion and kindness towards people from all walks of life. He reached out to the poor, sick, and marginalized, embracing them when others shunned them. Numerous stories in the Gospels depict Jesus healing the blind, feeding the hungry, and defending social outcasts like prostitutes and tax collectors with love and mercy (Mark 6:34-44, Luke 7:36-50).

His compassion knew no bounds, as he forgave even those who crucified him (Luke 23:32-34).

Jesus’ wisdom and intellect

In his teachings, discussions, and debates, Jesus demonstrated remarkable wisdom and intellect that astounded even religious elites of his day. As a youth of 12, he engaged in deep discussion with scholars at the Jerusalem temple (Luke 2:41-52).

Throughout his ministry, the sophistication and insight of his parables and sermons amazed those who heard him (Matthew 7:28-29). When tested with tricky questions, he gave profound yet paradoxical answers that exceeded expectations (Mark 12:13-17).

His wisdom revealed a depth of understanding the heart of God’s law.

Jesus’ charisma and magnetism

Jesus possessed an incredible personal charisma that drew large crowds to him. Despite having no wealth or political power, huge crowds numbering 5000 to 20,000 regularly came just hear him speak (John 6:5-15).

His radical message delivered with eloquent words, compassionate deeds and courageous actions had an attractive, even magnetic quality. People felt accepted, loved and valued around him. Many felt their lives transformed after just one encounter, with several leaving everything to follow him (Mark 1:16-20).

Nearly 2000 years later, the magnetism and charisma of the historical Jesus continues to attract followers across the globe.

Overview of Jesus’ Teachings

The kingdom of God

Jesus often spoke in parables and metaphors about the “kingdom of God”, portraying it as a present spiritual reality but also a future hope. He taught that God’s reign had begun to break into the world through his life and message, but that it would be fully consummated in the future (Mark 1:15).

Jesus called people to repent and believe this good news. He promised that those who followed him would experience God’s grace and mercy.

Love, forgiveness, and serving others

The core of Jesus’ ethical teaching was the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). He emphasized forgiving others, showing mercy, caring for the disadvantaged, and treating all people with dignity.

Jesus redefined traditional notions of who counts as a “neighbor” by telling stories such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). His followers were to emulate his own example of humble service to others.

Criticisms of religious hypocrisy and legalism

Jesus often had strong words for the religious elites of his day. He criticized hypocrisy, pride, and oppressive religious legalism, especially when it led to marginalization of vulnerable groups. Jesus preferred sincerity of heart over rote rule-following, prioritizing love and justice over religious rituals (Matthew 23:23-28).

His teachings emphasized the inward transformation over outward religious posturing. Jesus invited people into a direct, transforming relationship with God not mediated by religious gatekeepers.

Jesus’ Miracles

Turning Water into Wine

One of Jesus’ most famous miracles was turning water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana. When the host ran out of wine, Jesus had servants fill six stone jars with water and then draw some out – amazingly, it had turned into high quality wine!

(John 2:1-11) This miracle revealed Jesus’ power over nature and signified the arrival of a new era marked by God’s presence and blessing.

Healing the Sick

Throughout his ministry, Jesus healed many people of various illnesses and disabilities – the blind, the paralyzed, lepers, the deaf, and more. He healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever (Mark 1:29-31), brought a young girl back from the dead (Mark 5:35-43), and cured a man’s wasted hand on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6), among other healings.

His miraculous power demonstrated his divine authority and compassion for those who suffered.

Feeding the Multitude

When a huge crowd had gathered to hear Jesus speak, he multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish to feed the entire multitude of 5,000 men plus women and children (Matthew 14:13-21). After everyone ate their fill, there were still 12 baskets of leftovers!

This miracle revealed Jesus’ divine ability to supply people’s needs. Later, Jesus also miraculously fed 4,000 men plus women and children with just seven loaves of bread and a few small fish (Matthew 15:32-39).

Walking on Water

Jesus astonished his disciples when he walked across the surface of the Sea of Galilee to meet them in their boat during a storm (Matthew 14:22-33). Peter initially walked on the water too, until he was overcome by fear and began to sink.

This miracle demonstrated Jesus’ authority over the laws of nature. His power over physics showed he was much more than just a wise teacher.

Raising the Dead

One of Jesus’ most extraordinary miracles was raising his friend Lazarus from the dead after Lazarus had been in the tomb four days (John 11:1-44). When Jesus commanded Lazarus to come out, he emerged still wrapped in his grave clothes!

This incredible demonstration of power led many to believe in Jesus (John 11:45). However, it also provoked fear among the religious leaders, leading to their plot to kill him (John 11:46-53). This miracle displayed Jesus’ authority even over death itself.

Jesus performed many awe-inspiring miracles that revealed his divine power and compassion for people in need. His miracles set him apart as someone very unique and special, challenging people to consider who he really was – the promised Messiah and Son of God.

Holy Week: Jesus’ Final Days

Entering Jerusalem – Palm Sunday

According to the Gospels (see Palm Sunday National Geographic article), Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey to fulfill the prophecy of the coming Messiah (Zechariah 9:9). The large crowd welcomed him by laying down their cloaks and palm branches on the road while shouting “Hosanna”, showing their belief that he was the Messiah.

This triumphal entry occurred on the Sunday before his death, now celebrated as Palm Sunday by Christians worldwide.

Cleansing the temple

After entering Jerusalem, Jesus went into the Jewish temple and drove out the merchants and moneychangers who were exploiting people (Matthew 21:12). He overturned their tables and referred to the temple as “my Father’s house”.

This shocking cleansing demonstrated Jesus’ authority and was likely offensive to both the Jewish leaders and the Romans.

The Last Supper

Jesus gathered his twelve disciples to eat a final meal together on Thursday night before his death. During this Passover meal, he took bread and wine and symbolically instituted them as ongoing sacraments to remember his sacrificial death (Luke 22:14-20).

He also predicted that one of the disciples would betray him, revealed to be Judas who turned him over to the authorities.

Betrayal and arrest

After the Last Supper ended, Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane late Thursday night. While he was praying, Judas arrived with temple guards and betrayed Jesus with a kiss (Luke 22:47-53). Jesus was then arrested, abandoned by his panicking disciples, and brought before chief priests Annas and Caiaphas for the initial trials.

Trials before the Sanhedrin and Pilate

• The Jewish Sanhedrin quickly found Jesus guilty of blasphemy and handed him over to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate Friday morning (Mark 14:53-15:1).
• Pilate did not find Jesus guilty and tried to release him, but eventually yielded to the crowd’s demands and sentenced him to crucifixion (Mark 15:6-15).

Crucifixion

Jesus was severely flogged by Roman soldiers, dressed in a purple robe with a crown of thorns, and mocked as the “King of the Jews” (Mark 15:16-20). He carried his own cross to the place of crucifixion called The Skull outside Jerusalem.

Jesus and two criminals were then crucified around noontime on Friday, facing a painful and slow death by asphyxiation (Mark 15:22-27).

Death and burial

The Gospels record that Jesus willingly gave up his spirit and died on the cross around 3pm Friday afternoon (Matthew 27:45-54). His shocking death sparked awe, fear, and mourning. Jesus was hastily buried before sundown in a donated tomb sealed with a stone (Matthew 27:57-61).

This marked the tragic end of Holy Week leading to Jesus’ victory on Resurrection Sunday three days later.

The Resurrection

Jesus’ empty tomb

The Gospels tell us that after Jesus was crucified, his body was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. On the third day after his crucifixion, Mary Magdalene and some of Jesus’ female followers went to his tomb but found it empty.

This astonishing discovery launched Christianity, as Jesus’ disciples came to believe he had risen from the dead.

Modern scholars debate what actually happened to Jesus’ body after his death. Some believe his disciples stole the body to fake his resurrection. But Jesus’ followers were profoundly changed after discovering the empty tomb, going from dejected and afraid to emboldened and willing to die for their faith.

It’s hard to imagine what could inspire such a transformation except a real experience of the risen Jesus.

Appearances after his resurrection

All four Gospels record that Jesus appeared to his followers after his resurrection. The apostle Paul also refers to Jesus appearing to Peter, the Twelve, 500 followers, James, and finally Paul himself (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).

The Gospel accounts record Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene, other women, two disciples on the Emmaus road, the Eleven (minus Judas), and later to Thomas and Peter.

Some scholars believe these were hallucinations or visions, but the number and variety of witnesses make this unlikely. The resurrection appearances ceased after 40 days, around the time of Jesus’ ascension.

The sudden halt to these experiences suggests they were real events outside the disciples’ control.

Meaning and significance of the resurrection

For Christians, the resurrection is the cornerstone of their faith. As Paul said, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). The resurrection proved that Jesus was who he claimed to be – the Son of God and Messiah – and that his sacrifice for sins was accepted.

It launched Christianity, inspiring the disciples and shaping basic Christian beliefs.

The resurrection also provides hope of eternal life for believers. Just as Jesus was raised bodily from death, Christians believe they too will be resurrected to an imperishable physical body (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 42-44).

The resurrection assures Christians that death is not the end and that Jesus has conquered sin and death on our behalf.

Today, the majority of scholars believe the resurrection is a historical event based on the evidence. The resurrection remains central to Christian doctrine and experience. Christians celebrate and find hope in Jesus’ resurrection, which points ahead to the resurrection of all who put their faith in Christ.

Jesus’ Enduring Legacy

The growth of early Christianity

In the decades after Jesus’ death, his followers spread his teachings far and wide, leading to the rapid growth of early Christianity. Though originally a small Jewish sect, Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond in the 1st century CE.

By 300 CE, over 6 million people identified as Christians, and by 400 CE that number grew to over 33 million. This meteoric rise is a testament to the inspirational nature of Jesus’ life and message, which offered hope, redemption, and a close relationship with God to people from all walks of life.

Jesus’ influence on ethics and culture

Jesus’ moral teachings have indelibly shaped the ethics and values of countless cultures and societies. Concepts like loving one’s neighbor, caring for the poor and marginalized, forgiveness, and judging not lest ye be judged remain guiding philosophies for many around the world.

Christian values emphasizing charity and compassion laid the foundation for many humanitarian efforts throughout history. Additionally, Jesus’ example as a teacher and embodiment of divine wisdom inspired countless schools, universities, hospitals, and other institutions aimed at serving humanity.

On a cultural level, Christianity influenced everything from art and architecture to literature, philosophy, and politics. From Michelangelo’s frescoes to Dante’s Divine Comedy to Victorian cathedrals, Jesus and Christian themes played a huge role in shaping Western creative expression.

Holidays like Christmas and Easter are now globally celebrated by believers and non-believers alike. Indeed, our calendars, music, and languages all bear the indelible imprint of Christian tradition and Jesus’ cultural legacy.

Debates and interpretations throughout history

Understanding who Jesus truly was and what he represented has been debated for over 2,000 years. In the first centuries CE, early Church councils convened to establish orthodox Christology and battle heretical views.

Questions about Jesus’ divinity, his humanity, and the nature of the Trinity have occupied theologians through the ages. Different perspectives on Jesus’ life and purpose led to denominational splits within Christianity.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Biblical scholars using tools of higher criticism analyzed Jesus’ life more historically. They debated details about his birth, ministry, miracles, death, and resurrection. Some saw Jesus as an apocalyptic prophet, others as a wisdom teacher or social reformer.

People continue wrestling with these questions up to the present day. Whether orthodox, heterodox, secular, or sacred, perspectives on Jesus abound in theology, literature, popular culture, and more. His life and legacy remain a wellspring of discussion, debate, and creative reinterpretation.

Conclusion

In this extensive examination of primary sources and scholarly research, we have tried to construct a holistic view of who Jesus was and what he accomplished. While many details remain open to interpretation, it is clear that he left an indelible mark on human civilization.

Jesus’ teachings on God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and compassion served as the catalyst for a worldwide religion. His courageous example of self-sacrifice inspired countless followers. Even skeptics and non-Christians recognize Jesus as an exemplar of wisdom, virtue, and profound spiritual insight.

Ultimately, the most important question is a personal one – what does Jesus mean to you? How do his life and teachings inform your own spiritual journey? We invite you to continually reexamine and rediscover Jesus through study, contemplation and putting his wisdom into practice.