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Jesus

the Messiah

Who was Jesus?

The name
In Hebrew, “Jesus” means “God saves.” The angel told Joseph that the child would save his people from their sins. Catechism 430; Matthew 1:21
Also called
Emmanuel, which means “God with us” Matthew 1:23 · The Messiah, or the Christ: both words mean “anointed” John 1:41; Catechism 436 · The Nazarene Matthew 2:23 · The Lamb of God John 1:29 · The Son of Man: the name he used for himself Mark 8:31 · Rabbi, which means Teacher John 1:38
From
Nazareth, in Galilee. He was born in Bethlehem of Judea Mark 1:9; Matthew 2:1
Occupation
Carpenter: that is what people in his hometown called him Mark 6:3
Feast day
December 25: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Jesus, an artistic recreation

What the Bible says

Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:7

When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.

Matthew 16:16

Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.

Luke 24:27

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures, the things that were concerning him.

Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.

The path of Jesus

  1. His childhood and Nazareth. He was born in Bethlehem when Herod was king. He grew up in Nazareth, obedient to Mary and Joseph. Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:51
  2. His public life. John baptized him in the Jordan River. Jesus was about 30 years old. Mark 1:9; Luke 3:23
  3. His public life. He traveled all over Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and curing the sick. Matthew 4:23
  4. His public life. He chose 12 of his disciples and named them apostles. Luke 6:13
  5. His public life. At the Last Supper he broke the bread and said it was his body, given for them. Luke 22:19
  6. His public life. He was crucified at the place called Calvary, and there he died. Luke 23:33, 46
  7. Easter and the Ascension. On the third day he rose from the dead, as he had said he would. Luke 24:6-7
  8. Easter and the Ascension. For 40 days he appeared to his apostles. Then, as they watched, he went up to heaven. Acts 1:3, 9

Words of Jesus

“Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you.” Matthew 11:28

While teaching, right after he gave thanks to his Father.

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

At the Last Supper, when Thomas said the disciples did not know where Jesus was going.

“A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34

At the Last Supper, as he said goodbye to his disciples.

“I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live: and every one that liveth, and believeth in me, shall not die for ever.” John 11:25-26

To Martha, before he raised her brother Lazarus.

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

On the cross, just after he was crucified.

What they were like

The greatest thing they did

Not to be confused with

In the Church today

Feast day: December 25, The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) (solemnity). General Roman Calendar; Liturgical Calendar for the Dioceses of the United States of America (USCCB)

In art, recognized by: The fish: in Greek, the letters of “fish” are the first letters of “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), “Symbolism of the Fish”; The Greek letters X and P joined together: the first two letters of “Christ” in Greek Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), “Monogram of Christ”; The lamb, because John the Baptist called him “the Lamb of God” John 1:29; Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), “The Lamb (in Early Christian Symbolism)”

Jesus in art

The Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci
The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci, 1495-1498. Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan
The Sermon on the Mount, by Carl Heinrich Bloch
The Sermon on the Mount, Carl Heinrich Bloch, 1877. Museum of National History, Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød (Denmark)

What people ask

Did Jesus have brothers?

The Bible calls James, Joseph, Simon, and Jude brothers of Jesus. The Church teaches that they were close relatives. Matthew 13:55; Catechism 500

How old was Jesus when he died?

The Bible doesn’t say. He was about 30 years old when he began his ministry. Luke 3:23

Where was Jesus born?

In Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king. Matthew 2:1

What does INRI mean?

They are the Latin initials of the sign Pilate put on the cross. It read: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” John 19:19-20

What does “Christ” mean?

It is the Greek word for “Messiah,” which means “anointed.” John 1:41; Catechism 436

Daily life His trade: in his hometown they called him “the carpenter.” Mark 6:3 He often went off to deserted places to pray. Once he got up before dawn to…

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Who Jesus is connected to

More people

All the people of the Bible · The Twelve Apostles · Women of the Bible

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