Jesus: Focal Figure of Christianity (7 B.C. - A.D.30)

The details about the life of Jesus come primarily from the New Testament of the Bible, particularly the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Here's a more detailed overview:

1. Birth and Early Life:

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea, during the reign of Herod the Great. The exact year of his birth is uncertain, but it is commonly believed to be around 4 to 6 BCE.
According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born to Mary, a virgin, through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, Mary's husband, was a carpenter. The birth took place in a stable, and the baby Jesus was laid in a manger.
2. Ministry:

Jesus began his public ministry around the age of 30, after being baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
His ministry included preaching about the Kingdom of God, repentance, forgiveness, and love for God and one's neighbor.
Jesus performed numerous miracles, such as healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, casting out demons, and even raising the dead.
He used parables, short stories with moral or spiritual lessons, to convey his teachings.
3. Disciples and Followers:

Jesus chose twelve disciples to be his close companions and to spread his message. Some well-known disciples include Peter, James, John, and Judas Iscariot.
He also had a larger group of followers who witnessed his teachings and miracles.
4. Teachings:

Jesus' teachings emphasized love, compassion, humility, and forgiveness. The Sermon on the Mount, found in the Gospel of Matthew, is a significant collection of his ethical teachings.
He often challenged established religious norms and practices, advocating a deeper, spiritual understanding of God's commandments.
5. Crucifixion:

Jesus' growing popularity and his challenges to religious authorities led to his arrest, trial, and eventual condemnation to death by crucifixion.
According to Christian belief, his crucifixion served as a sacrificial atonement for the sins of humanity.
6. Resurrection:

Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, an event known as the Resurrection.
The empty tomb and appearances of Jesus to his disciples are central to this belief, symbolizing victory over death.
7. Ascension:

After appearing to his disciples for forty days post-resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, as described in the Book of Acts.
These events, along with Jesus' teachings and their interpretations, form the foundation of Christian theology and belief. Different Christian denominations may place emphasis on various aspects of Jesus' life and teachings, and interpretations can vary. Additionally, perspectives on Jesus differ among other religions and in secular contexts.