Almost everyone has an opinion about Jesus, but fewer people have read what the earliest accounts actually say about him. That is a good place to start.
A real person in a real place
Jesus was a Jewish teacher in first-century Judea and Galilee, at a time when the land was ruled by Rome. The Gospels present him proclaiming God’s kingdom, teaching with unusual authority, healing people, welcoming outsiders and confronting the powerful. He was crucified by the Roman authorities.
He described his mission in simple terms:
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10
More than a teacher
Many people admire Jesus as a wise teacher. But the Gospels record him saying things a teacher would not usually say, such as forgiving sins and speaking of himself as the way to God:
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
John 14:6
Christians believe he was not only a prophet or teacher but the Son of God, and that his resurrection confirmed his claims.
The question he asked
Jesus once turned the question around and asked his own friends:
“But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
Mark 8:29
A helpful first step is to read one Gospel, such as Mark or John, and notice what questions his words and actions raise for you. If you would like to talk about what you find, we are here.
