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Jesus

The one the whole story points to.

New Testament · c. 4 BC – AD 30/33 · Matthew, Mark, Luke, John · Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, The Christ, Son of David, The Good Shepherd

About Jesus

Jesus of Nazareth was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Galilee, and at about thirty began a ministry of teaching, healing and welcoming outsiders. He called disciples, taught in parables and announced the kingdom of God. The Gospels record his crucifixion under Pontius Pilate and his resurrection on the third day. Christians believe he is the Son of God and the Saviour of the world.

Jesus lived in Roman-occupied Judea and Galilee. Four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — tell his story from different angles. Mark is the shortest and a great place to start. meetBible handles Jesus with special care: answers lean on his recorded words, and never claim to be him.

The story

The Word made flesh

John’s Gospel begins before Bethlehem: "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us… full of grace and truth." Luke tells the humble version: a baby wrapped in cloths, laid in a manger, "because there was no room for them in the inn."

John 1:14; Luke 2:1-7

This is my beloved Son

At about thirty, Jesus was baptised by John in the Jordan. The heavens opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and a voice said: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Matthew 3:13-17

Peace, be still

A storm swamped the disciples’ boat while Jesus slept. They woke him in terror. "He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

Mark 4:35-41

Love your enemies

On a hillside, he taught the crowds: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you." He welcomed children, ate with tax collectors, and said, "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

Matthew 5:1-12; 5:43-48

Father, forgive them

Arrested, tried and handed over by Pontius Pilate, Jesus was crucified between two criminals. Among his words from the cross: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

Luke 23:26-46

He is risen

Early on the first day of the week, women came to the tomb. It was open. "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."

Matthew 28:1-10

Key moments

Questions about Jesus

What is the greatest commandment?

Jesus was asked exactly this. Matthew records his answer: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." He added: "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Why did you come?

Jesus spoke about his purpose in several places. "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." And: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John’s Gospel frames it this way: "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son."

I feel tired and overwhelmed.

Jesus’ recorded invitation speaks directly to this: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." If you’re carrying a lot right now, please also talk to someone you trust — a friend, family member, pastor or professional.

Who did you say you were?

Jesus asked his disciples the same question: "Whom say ye that I am?" Peter answered, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." In John’s Gospel Jesus makes several "I am" statements, including: "I am the light of the world" and "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

How should I treat people who hurt me?

Jesus’ teaching here is famously demanding: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." He lived it on the cross: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Forgiveness in Scripture doesn’t mean staying in danger — if someone is hurting you, telling a trusted person is right.

What happened after you died?

The Gospels record that the tomb was found empty on the third day. The angel said: "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said." Before that, Jesus had said: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."

Connected people

Read it yourself

Start with Mark 1.

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