| Early Life | Very little known; at age 12, found in Jerusalem Temple discussing with elders (Luke 2:41-52). |
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| Ministry Start | Baptized by John the Baptist as young adult, fasted 40 days in Judean Desert. |
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| Public Ministry | Itinerant preacher and healer in Galilee, taught in parables, appointed 12 apostles, debated Jewish law. Attracted large crowds and was accompanied by followers including fishermen and women. Taught through evocative parables emphasizing repentance, generosity, forgiveness, love, and justice. |
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| Death | Crucified in Jerusalem c. 30 CE on order of Pontius Pilate. After resurrection, spent 40 days with disciples speaking of the Kingdom of God. |
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| Central Teaching | Preached the gospel of the Kingdom of God as his primary message. Taught that the kingdom of God had come and that he, as the incarnate and divine Lord, was its ruler. This kingdom challenged the standards of earthly kingdoms and called citizens to live in radically different ways. |
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| Key Teachings | Emphasized love without boundaries, including loving one's enemies and praying for persecutors. Taught about God's love and plan of salvation (John 3:16-17). Delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), establishing basic themes of his teachings including the beatitudes, fulfillment of law, and the command to love God with all heart, soul, mind, and strength and one's neighbor as oneself. Taught that what is needed is a new attitude of heart, not just outward obedience. |
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| Miracles | Healed the sick, cast out demons, brought the dead back to life, and performed other miracles demonstrating his divine authority. |
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