Proper noun

Singular Jesus

Plural -

Jesus

1. Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish man whom Christians name Jesus Christ in belief that he is the Messiah.
2. A male given name in Spanish culture; an anglicized spelling of Jesús.

Derived terms

• Jesus Christ
• Jesus freak
• Jesus of Nazareth

Jesus of Nazareth (c. 4 BC/BCE – c. 30 AD/CE), also known as Jesus Christ, is the central figure of Christianity, which views him as the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament, with most Christian denominations believing him to be the Son of God who was raised from the dead. Islam considers Jesus a prophet and also the Messiah. Several other religions revere him in some way. He is one of the most influential figures in human history.

The principal sources of information regarding Jesus' life and teachings are the four canonical gospels, especially the Synoptic Gospels, though some scholars argue such texts as the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of the Hebrews are also relevant.

Most critical scholars in biblical studies believe that some parts of the New Testament are useful for reconstructing Jesus' life, agreeing that Jesus was a Jew who was regarded as a teacher and healer, that he was baptized by John the Baptist, and was crucified in Jerusalem on the orders of the Roman Prefect of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, on the charge of sedition against the Roman Empire. Aside from these few conclusions, academic debate continues regarding the chronology, the central message of Jesus' preaching, his social class, cultural environment, and religious orientation. Scholars offer competing descriptions of Jesus as the awaited Messiah, as a self-described Messiah, as the leader of an apocalyptic movement, as an itinerant sage, as a charismatic healer, and as the founder of an independent religious movement.

Christians predominantly believe that Jesus is the "Son of God" (generally meaning that he is God the Son, the second person in the Trinity) who came to provide salvation and reconciliation with God by his death for their sins. Other Christian beliefs include Jesus' virgin birth, performance of miracles, ascension into Heaven, and a future Second Coming. While the doctrine of the Trinity is accepted by most Christians, a few groups reject the doctrine of the Trinity, wholly or partly, as non-scriptural.

In Islam, Jesus (Arabic: عيسى‎, commonly transliterated as Isa) is considered one of God's important prophets, a bringer of scripture, and a worker of miracles. Jesus is also called "Messiah", but Islam does not teach that he was divine. Islam teaches that Jesus ascended bodily to heaven without experiencing the crucifixion and resurrection, rather than the traditional Christian belief of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

• Answers for Non-Christians (13)
• Art and Film (6)
• Christology and the Trinity@ (10)
• Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy (11)
• Jesus Seminar@ (10)
• Miracles (4)

• Near Death Experience Encounters With Jesus (11)
• Opposing Views@ (23)
• The Passion (10)
• The Resurrection@ (15)
• The Shroud of Turin (13)
• Source Material (10)

See also:

• Society: Religion and Spirituality: People: Spiritual Personalities: Jesus (29)

• Life of Jesus
  abu.nb.ca
  An analysis of the life and teachings of Jesus by Professor Barry D. Smith of Atlantic Baptist University.
• Studies in Apologetics
  themoorings.org
  Presents the towering mind and character of Jesus and discusses Old Testament prophecies concerning His Lordship.
• Who is Jesus?
  word4life.com
  Lists Christian resources that will help a person understand who Jesus Christ is and answer questions that they may have. Has resources for children, seekers, and mature Christians.