2013-03-25

‎Life and teachings based on the Gospels:

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== Life and teachings based on the Gospels ==

== Life and teachings based on the Gospels ==





{{Gospel Jesus}}



As few of the details of Jesus' life can be independently verified, it is difficult to gauge the historical accuracy of [[Bible|Biblical]] accounts. The four [[biblical canon|canonical]] [[gospel]]s are the main sources of information for the traditional Christian narrative of Jesus' life.

As few of the details of Jesus' life can be independently verified, it is difficult to gauge the historical accuracy of [[Bible|Biblical]] accounts. The four [[biblical canon|canonical]] [[gospel]]s are the main sources of information for the traditional Christian narrative of Jesus' life.

=== Genealogy and family ===

=== Genealogy and family ===





The Gospels give two accounts of Jesus' genealogy in the male line through his legal father [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]] ({{niv|Matthew|1:2-16|Matthew 1:2–16}}; {{niv|Luke|3:23-38|Luke 3:23–38}}). Both accounts trace his line back to [[David|King David]] and from there to [[Abraham]]. These lists are identical between Abraham and David, but they differ between David and Joseph. Matthew starts with [[Solomon]] and proceeds through the kings of [[Kingdom of Judah|Judah]] to the last king, [[Jeconiah]]. After Jeconiah, the line of kings terminated when [[Babylonian captivity|Babylon conquered Judah]]. Thus, Matthew shows that Jesus is a legal heir to the throne of Israel. Luke's genealogy is longer than Matthew's; it goes back to [[Adam and Eve|Adam]] and provides more names between David and Jesus.

The Gospels give two accounts of Jesus' genealogy in the male line through his legal father [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]] ({{niv|Matthew|1:2-16|Matthew 1:2–16}}; {{niv|Luke|3:23-38|Luke 3:23–38}}). Both accounts trace his line back to [[David|King David]] and from there to [[Abraham]]. These lists are identical between Abraham and David, but they differ between David and Joseph. Matthew starts with [[Solomon]] and proceeds through the kings of [[Kingdom of Judah|Judah]] to the last king, [[Jeconiah]]. After Jeconiah, the line of kings terminated when [[Babylonian captivity|Babylon conquered Judah]]. Thus, Matthew shows that Jesus is a legal heir to the throne of Israel. Luke's genealogy is longer than Matthew's; it goes back to [[Adam and Eve|Adam]] and provides more names between David and Jesus.

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=== Nativity and childhood ===

=== Nativity and childhood ===







According to Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born in [[Bethlehem]] of Judea to [[Mary, the mother of Jesus|Mary]], a [[virgin]], by a [[miracle]] of the [[Holy Spirit]]. The [[Gospel of Luke]] gives an account of the [[angel]] [[Gabriel]] visiting Mary to tell her that she was chosen to bear the [[Son of God]] ({{niv|Luke|1:26-38|Luke 1:26–38}}). Catholics call this event the [[Annunciation]]. According to Luke, an order of [[Caesar Augustus]] forced Mary and Joseph to leave their homes in [[Nazareth]] and come to the home of Joseph's ancestors, the house of [[David]], to be counted in the [[census]]. After Jesus' birth, the couple used a [[manger]] for a crib because there was no room for them in the town's [[inn]] (or family guest room, depending on which translation from Greek is used) ({{niv|Luke|2:1-7|Luke 2:1–7}}). According to {{niv|Luke|2:8-20|Luke}}, an [[angel]] proclaimed Jesus' birth to shepherds who came to see the newborn child and subsequently publicized what they had witnessed throughout the area (see [[The First Noël]]). {{niv|Matthew|2:1-12|Matthew}} also tells of the "[[Three Wise Men|Wise Men]]" or "[[Magus|Magi]]" who brought gifts to the infant Jesus after following a star which they believed was a sign that the [[Messiah]], or [[King of the Jews]], had been born.

According to Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born in [[Bethlehem]] of Judea to [[Mary, the mother of Jesus|Mary]], a [[virgin]], by a [[miracle]] of the [[Holy Spirit]]. The [[Gospel of Luke]] gives an account of the [[angel]] [[Gabriel]] visiting Mary to tell her that she was chosen to bear the [[Son of God]] ({{niv|Luke|1:26-38|Luke 1:26–38}}). Catholics call this event the [[Annunciation]]. According to Luke, an order of [[Caesar Augustus]] forced Mary and Joseph to leave their homes in [[Nazareth]] and come to the home of Joseph's ancestors, the house of [[David]], to be counted in the [[census]]. After Jesus' birth, the couple used a [[manger]] for a crib because there was no room for them in the town's [[inn]] (or family guest room, depending on which translation from Greek is used) ({{niv|Luke|2:1-7|Luke 2:1–7}}). According to {{niv|Luke|2:8-20|Luke}}, an [[angel]] proclaimed Jesus' birth to shepherds who came to see the newborn child and subsequently publicized what they had witnessed throughout the area (see [[The First Noël]]). {{niv|Matthew|2:1-12|Matthew}} also tells of the "[[Three Wise Men|Wise Men]]" or "[[Magus|Magi]]" who brought gifts to the infant Jesus after following a star which they believed was a sign that the [[Messiah]], or [[King of the Jews]], had been born.

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=== Baptism and temptation ===

=== Baptism and temptation ===







The [[Gospel of Mark]] begins with the [[Baptism of Jesus]] by [[John the Baptist]], which Biblical scholars describe as the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. According to Mark, Jesus came to the [[Jordan River]] where John the Baptist had been preaching and baptizing people in the crowd. After Jesus had been baptized and rose from the water, Mark states Jesus "saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased'" ({{niv|Mark|1:10-11|Mark 1:10–11}}). [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] adds the chronological details that John the Baptist had begun preaching in the fifteenth year of [[Tiberius|Tiberius Caesar]], c. 28 AD/CE ({{niv|Luke|3:1|Luke 3:1}}) and that Jesus was about thirty years old when he was baptized ({{niv|Luke|3:23|Luke 3:23}}). [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] adds to the other accounts by describing an attempt by John to decline the baptism, saying that it is Jesus who should baptize John. Jesus insisted however, claiming that baptism was necessary to "fulfill all righteousness" ({{niv|Matthew|3:15|Matthew 3:15}}).

The [[Gospel of Mark]] begins with the [[Baptism of Jesus]] by [[John the Baptist]], which Biblical scholars describe as the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. According to Mark, Jesus came to the [[Jordan River]] where John the Baptist had been preaching and baptizing people in the crowd. After Jesus had been baptized and rose from the water, Mark states Jesus "saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased'" ({{niv|Mark|1:10-11|Mark 1:10–11}}). [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] adds the chronological details that John the Baptist had begun preaching in the fifteenth year of [[Tiberius|Tiberius Caesar]], c. 28 AD/CE ({{niv|Luke|3:1|Luke 3:1}}) and that Jesus was about thirty years old when he was baptized ({{niv|Luke|3:23|Luke 3:23}}). [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] adds to the other accounts by describing an attempt by John to decline the baptism, saying that it is Jesus who should baptize John. Jesus insisted however, claiming that baptism was necessary to "fulfill all righteousness" ({{niv|Matthew|3:15|Matthew 3:15}}).

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=== Ministry ===

=== Ministry ===





The Gospels state that Jesus is the [[Messiah]],
{{bibleverse||Luke|2:11}}; {{bibleverse||John|1:41}}; {{bibleverse||John|20:31}}
"[[Son of God]]",
{{bibleverse||Mark|1:1}}; {{bibleverse||John|20:31}}
and "Lord and God"
{{niv|John|1:1|John 1:1}}, {{niv|John|1:18|1:18}}, {{niv|John|20:28|20:28}}
, sent to "give his life as a ransom for many" and "preach the good news of the kingdom of God." ({{bibleverse||Mark|10:45}}, {{bibleverse||Luke|4:43}}, {{bibleverse||John|20:31}}). The Gospels also state that Jesus performed various [[Miracles of Jesus|miracles]], including healings, [[exorcism]]s, [[walking on water]], [[turning water into wine]], and raising several people, such as [[Lazarus]], from the dead over the course of his ministry ({{niv|John|11:1–44|John 11:1–44}}).

The Gospels state that Jesus is the [[Messiah]],
{{bibleverse||Luke|2:11}}; {{bibleverse||John|1:41}}; {{bibleverse||John|20:31}}
"[[Son of God]]",
{{bibleverse||Mark|1:1}}; {{bibleverse||John|20:31}}
and "Lord and God"
{{niv|John|1:1|John 1:1}}, {{niv|John|1:18|1:18}}, {{niv|John|20:28|20:28}}
, sent to "give his life as a ransom for many" and "preach the good news of the kingdom of God." ({{bibleverse||Mark|10:45}}, {{bibleverse||Luke|4:43}}, {{bibleverse||John|20:31}}). The Gospels also state that Jesus performed various [[Miracles of Jesus|miracles]], including healings, [[exorcism]]s, [[walking on water]], [[turning water into wine]], and raising several people, such as [[Lazarus]], from the dead over the course of his ministry ({{niv|John|11:1–44|John 11:1–44}}).

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=== Arrest, trial, and death ===

=== Arrest, trial, and death ===



According to the Gospels, Jesus came with his followers to Jerusalem during the Passover festival where a large crowd came to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" (quoting {{niv|Psalms|118:26|Psalms 118:26}}; {{niv|John|12:13-16|John 12:13–16}}). Following his [[triumphal entry]], Jesus created a disturbance at [[Herod's Temple]] by [[Jesus and the Money Changers|overturning the tables of the moneychangers]] operating there ({{niv|John|2:13-17|John 2:13–17}}). Later that week, he enjoyed a [[The Last Supper|meal]], possibly the [[Passover Seder]], with his disciples before going to pray in the [[Garden of Gethsemane]].

According to the Gospels, Jesus came with his followers to Jerusalem during the Passover festival where a large crowd came to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" (quoting {{niv|Psalms|118:26|Psalms 118:26}}; {{niv|John|12:13-16|John 12:13–16}}). Following his [[triumphal entry]], Jesus created a disturbance at [[Herod's Temple]] by [[Jesus and the Money Changers|overturning the tables of the moneychangers]] operating there ({{niv|John|2:13-17|John 2:13–17}}). Later that week, he enjoyed a [[The Last Supper|meal]], possibly the [[Passover Seder]], with his disciples before going to pray in the [[Garden of Gethsemane]].

While in the garden, Jesus was [[Arrest of Jesus|arrested]] by [[Roman Empire|Roman]] soldiers on the orders of the [[Sanhedrin]] and the high priest, [[Caiaphas]] (cited later in {{niv|Matthew|26:65-67|Matthew 26:65–67}}). The arrest took place clandestinely at night to avoid a riot, because Jesus was popular with the people at large ({{niv|Mark|14:2|Mark 14:2}}). According to Luke, [[Judas Iscariot]], one of his apostles, betrayed Jesus by identifying him to the guards with a kiss. By John's account, Jesus identified himself to the guards with the words, "I am he." ({{niv|John|18:4-6|John 18:4–6}}) Another apostle (identified as [[Saint Peter|Simon Peter]] in {{niv|john|18:10|John 18:10}}) used a sword to attack one of the captors, cutting off his ear, which, according to Luke, Jesus immediately healed ({{niv|luke|22:51|Luke 22:51}}). Jesus rebuked Peter, stating "all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword" ({{niv|Matthew|26:52|Matt 26:52}}). After his arrest, Jesus' apostles went into hiding. The high priests and elders asked Jesus, "Are you the Son of God?", and upon Jesus' reply of "You say that I am" ({{niv|luke|22:70-71|Luke 22:70–71}}), [[Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus|Jesus was condemned]] for [[blasphemy]] by the [[Sanhedrin]]. The high priests then turned him over to the Roman Prefect [[Pontius Pilate]], based on an accusation of [[sedition]] for claiming to be King of the Jews ({{niv|Matthew|27:11|Matt 27:11}}; {{niv|Mark|15:2|Mark 15:12}}).

While in the garden, Jesus was [[Arrest of Jesus|arrested]] by [[Roman Empire|Roman]] soldiers on the orders of the [[Sanhedrin]] and the high priest, [[Caiaphas]] (cited later in {{niv|Matthew|26:65-67|Matthew 26:65–67}}). The arrest took place clandestinely at night to avoid a riot, because Jesus was popular with the people at large ({{niv|Mark|14:2|Mark 14:2}}). According to Luke, [[Judas Iscariot]], one of his apostles, betrayed Jesus by identifying him to the guards with a kiss. By John's account, Jesus identified himself to the guards with the words, "I am he." ({{niv|John|18:4-6|John 18:4–6}}) Another apostle (identified as [[Saint Peter|Simon Peter]] in {{niv|john|18:10|John 18:10}}) used a sword to attack one of the captors, cutting off his ear, which, according to Luke, Jesus immediately healed ({{niv|luke|22:51|Luke 22:51}}). Jesus rebuked Peter, stating "all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword" ({{niv|Matthew|26:52|Matt 26:52}}). After his arrest, Jesus' apostles went into hiding. The high priests and elders asked Jesus, "Are you the Son of God?", and upon Jesus' reply of "You say that I am" ({{niv|luke|22:70-71|Luke 22:70–71}}), [[Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus|Jesus was condemned]] for [[blasphemy]] by the [[Sanhedrin]]. The high priests then turned him over to the Roman Prefect [[Pontius Pilate]], based on an accusation of [[sedition]] for claiming to be King of the Jews ({{niv|Matthew|27:11|Matt 27:11}}; {{niv|Mark|15:2|Mark 15:12}}).



While before Pilate, Jesus was questioned "Are you the king of the Jews?" to which he replied, "It is as you say." According to the Gospels, Pilate personally felt that Jesus was not guilty of any crime against the Romans, and since there was a custom at Passover for the Roman governor to free a prisoner (a custom not recorded outside the Gospels), Pilate offered the crowd a choice between Jesus of Nazareth and an insurrectionist named [[Barabbas]]. The crowd chose to have Barabbas freed and Jesus crucified. Pilate washed his hands to display that he himself was innocent of the injustice of the decision ({{niv|Matthew|27:11-26|Matthew 27:11–26}}). All four Gospels say Pilate then ordered Jesus to be crucified with a charge placed atop the cross (known as the ''titulus crucis'') which read "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." (The titulus crucis is often written as [[INRI]], the [[Latin]] acronym.) According to {{niv|Matthew|27:46|Matthew}} and {{niv|Mark|15:34|Mark,}} his last words were "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is [[Aramaic]] for  "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (taken from {{niv|Psalm|22|Ps 22}}); according to {{niv|John|19:30|John}}, "It is finished"; and according to {{niv|Luke|23:46|Luke}}, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." Luke states that all the multitudes who had witnessed Jesus' crucifixion were sorrowful ({{niv|Luke|23:48|Luke 23:48}}).

While before Pilate, Jesus was questioned "Are you the king of the Jews?" to which he replied, "It is as you say." According to the Gospels, Pilate personally felt that Jesus was not guilty of any crime against the Romans, and since there was a custom at Passover for the Roman governor to free a prisoner (a custom not recorded outside the Gospels), Pilate offered the crowd a choice between Jesus of Nazareth and an insurrectionist named [[Barabbas]]. The crowd chose to have Barabbas freed and Jesus crucified. Pilate washed his hands to display that he himself was innocent of the injustice of the decision ({{niv|Matthew|27:11-26|Matthew 27:11–26}}). All four Gospels say Pilate then ordered Jesus to be crucified with a charge placed atop the cross (known as the ''titulus crucis'') which read "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." (The titulus crucis is often written as [[INRI]], the [[Latin]] acronym.) According to {{niv|Matthew|27:46|Matthew}} and {{niv|Mark|15:34|Mark,}} his last words were "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is [[Aramaic]] for  "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (taken from {{niv|Psalm|22|Ps 22}}); according to {{niv|John|19:30|John}}, "It is finished"; and according to {{niv|Luke|23:46|Luke}}, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." Luke states that all the multitudes who had witnessed Jesus' crucifixion were sorrowful ({{niv|Luke|23:48|Luke 23:48}}).

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=== Resurrection and Ascension ===

=== Resurrection and Ascension ===



According to the Gospels, Jesus was [[resurrection of Jesus|raised from the dead]] on the third day after his [[crucifixion]].
{{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Matthew |chapter=28|verse=5|range=-10}}; {{niv|mark|16:9|Mark 16:9}}; {{niv|luke|24:12-16|Luke 24:12–16}}; {{niv|John|20:10-17|John 20:10–17}}; {{niv|Acts|2:24|Acts 2:24}}; {{niv|1Cor|6:14|1Cor 6:14}}
The Gospel of Matthew states that an angel appeared near the tomb of Jesus and announced his resurrection to the women who had arrived to [[anoint]] the body. According to Luke it was two angels, and according to Mark it was a youth dressed in white. The sight of this angel had apparently left the Roman guards unconscious ({{niv|Matthew|28:2-4|Matt 28:2–4}}). (According to {{niv|matthew|27:62-66|Matt}}, the high priests and Pharisees, with Pilate's permission, had posted guards in front of the tomb to prevent the body from being stolen by Jesus' disciples.) {{niv|Mark|16:9|Mark}} states that on the morning of his resurrection, Jesus first appeared to [[Mary Magdalene]]. {{niv|john|20:11-18|John 20:11-18}} states that when Mary looked into the tomb, two angels asked her why she was crying; and as she turned round she initially failed to recognize Jesus until he spoke her name.

According to the Gospels, Jesus was [[resurrection of Jesus|raised from the dead]] on the third day after his [[crucifixion]].
{{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Matthew |chapter=28|verse=5|range=-10}}; {{niv|mark|16:9|Mark 16:9}}; {{niv|luke|24:12-16|Luke 24:12–16}}; {{niv|John|20:10-17|John 20:10–17}}; {{niv|Acts|2:24|Acts 2:24}}; {{niv|1Cor|6:14|1Cor 6:14}}
The Gospel of Matthew states that an angel appeared near the tomb of Jesus and announced his resurrection to the women who had arrived to [[anoint]] the body. According to Luke it was two angels, and according to Mark it was a youth dressed in white. The sight of this angel had apparently left the Roman guards unconscious ({{niv|Matthew|28:2-4|Matt 28:2–4}}). (According to {{niv|matthew|27:62-66|Matt}}, the high priests and Pharisees, with Pilate's permission, had posted guards in front of the tomb to prevent the body from being stolen by Jesus' disciples.) {{niv|Mark|16:9|Mark}} states that on the morning of his resurrection, Jesus first appeared to [[Mary Magdalene]]. {{niv|john|20:11-18|John 20:11-18}} states that when Mary looked into the tomb, two angels asked her why she was crying; and as she turned round she initially failed to recognize Jesus until he spoke her name.

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