The Life and Teaching of Jesus

Each of these four gospels tells the life story of Jesus. Jesus’ ministry could be understood to have two basic purposes; his "earthly" ministry of teaching and healing, and his “divine” ministry of sacrificially giving his life for all humanity on the cross.

Raised as a faithful Jewish man, his life was lived almost entirely in Israel (the “Promised Land” of the Old Testament). He was born in the town of Bethlehem and raised in an area (like a county) called Galilee. He apparently lived a relatively ordinary life from birth to age 30, becoming a carpenter like his father.

The gospels focus on the last three years of his life, age 30-33. During this time he was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, then spent time alone in the wilderness before seeking out twelve disciples to follow him. For the next three years they went from place to place. Jesus healed people, performed miracles, and taught about many things. He frequently used short memorable sayings or told simple stories called “parables” which make an analogy.

The Death, and Resurrection of Jesus

Many of Jesus’ teachings challenged the religious leaders of his day. They increasingly were in conflict with each other, which eventually led to Jesus’ crucifixion. After he was crucified, Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples and other people over a period of 40 days. He then "ascended" into heaven, ending his bodily appearances on earth.

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