Teachings and Life of Jesus Christ

Bethlehem

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from the line of David. Angels announced his birth to shepherds, who then went to see him in the manger.

Nazareth

Jesus grew up in Nazareth and was known as a carpenter's son. He returned there after his baptism and preached in the synagogue, where he was initially well-received but was later rejected by the people.

Capernaum

Jesus made Capernaum his home base during his ministry, and performed many miracles there, including healing a paralyzed man and calming a storm on the Sea of Galilee. He also called several of his disciples, including Peter and Andrew, while they were fishing in the Sea of Galilee.

Jerusalem

Jesus visited Jerusalem several times during his ministry, including for Passover. He famously drove out the money changers from the temple and taught in the temple courts. He was ultimately arrested, tried, and crucified in Jerusalem.

Jordan River

Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove. This event marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

Mount of Olives

Jesus often went to the Mount of Olives to pray, and it was there that he was betrayed by Judas and arrested by the temple guards. It was also from the Mount of Olives that he ascended into heaven after his resurrection.

Sea of Galilee

Jesus performed many miracles on the Sea of Galilee, including calming a storm and walking on water. He also called several of his disciples, including James and John, while they were fishing in the Sea of Galilee.

Gethsemane

Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane with his disciples to pray before his arrest. He prayed that God would let the cup of suffering pass from him, but ultimately submitted to God's will.

Emmaus

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. He explained to them how the Scriptures had foretold his death and resurrection, and then revealed himself to them in the breaking of bread.

Golgotha

Jesus was crucified on Golgotha, also known as the Place of the Skull. He was executed alongside two criminals, and died after several hours on the cross. His death was followed by his burial and ultimately his resurrection.

Angel Gabriel

The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).

Public Ministry

At around age 30, Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist and began his public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17).

Miracles

During his ministry, he preached and performed miracles, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and raising the dead (Mark 1:35-39, John 11:38-44).

Teachings

He taught his followers about God's love, the importance of repentance, and the coming of God's kingdom (Matthew 5-7).

Betrayal and Arrest

He was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, arrested by the religious leaders, and sentenced to death by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate (Matthew 26:47-27:26).

Crucifixion

Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried (Mark 15:21-47).

Resurrection

On the third day after his death, he rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples (Mark 16:1-14).

Ascension

He ascended into heaven 40 days later, promising to return one day (Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:9-11).

Pharisees

A sect of Judaism that adhered to strict adherence to Jewish law and tradition.

Sadducees

A Jewish sect that held more liberal views and denied the resurrection of the dead. They often challenged Jesus on theological matters.

Scribes

A group of Jewish scholars who were experts in Jewish law and tradition. They often worked closely with the Pharisees and were sometimes critical of Jesus' teachings.

Zealots

A group of Jewish nationalists who were committed to overthrowing Roman rule in Judea. Jesus may have had some followers who were sympathetic to their cause.

Samaritans

An ethnic group that lived in Samaria, a region between Judea and Galilee. They were despised by Jews, but Jesus showed kindness and compassion to them.

Women

Although women were often marginalized in Jewish society, Jesus frequently interacted with them, treating them as equals and valuing their contributions to his ministry.

Tax collectors

Jewish citizens who worked for the Roman government collecting taxes from their fellow Jews. They were often seen as traitors and were despised by many Jews, but Jesus reached out to them with love and compassion.

Lepers

People who suffered from leprosy, a contagious skin disease that caused them to be ostracised from society. Jesus showed compassion to them by healing them of their afflictions.

Children

Although children were often seen as insignificant in Jewish society, Jesus valued them and welcomed them into his presence.

Gentiles

Non-Jewish people who were often looked down upon by Jews. Jesus showed love and compassion to them, and even healed the servant of a Roman centurion.

Romans

The ruling power in Palestine at the time, known for their military might and often harsh treatment of the Jews. Jesus interacted with some Roman officials and soldiers, including the centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant.

Essenes

A Jewish sect known for their ascetic lifestyle and strict adherence to Jewish law. They were a separatist group and lived in isolation from the rest of society.

The Kingdom of God

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:15. Jesus continually stated that, 'the kingdom of God is among you' (Lk 17:21).

Agape Love

My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you.

Agape

Unconditional, self-sacrificing love demonstrated by Jesus through his sacrifice on the Cross.

Parables

Short stories with deep meanings and symbolisms used by Jesus to teach about the Kingdom of God.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Compares the Kingdom of God to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree, emphasizing how something small can become great through God's power.

The Parable of the Sower

Teaches that the Kingdom of God is like a farmer scattering seed on different types of soil, symbolizing how the message is received by different people.

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares

A story about a farmer who sows good seed, but an enemy sows weeds, emphasizing how the Kingdom of God will coexist with evil until the end of time.

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

A story about a man who discovers a treasure and sells everything to buy the field, emphasizing the value of the Kingdom of God.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

A story about a Samaritan who helps a beaten man, emphasizing the Kingdom of God's value of mercy and compassion.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

A story about a son who squanders his inheritance but is welcomed back by his father, emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation.

The Parable of the Rich Fool

A story about a man who hoards wealth for himself but dies suddenly, emphasizing the foolishness of trusting in earthly possessions.

The Beatitudes

A series of blessings pronounced by Jesus that describe the values of the Kingdom of God.

Blessed are the poor in spirit

Refers to spiritual humility, recognizing that everything we have is from God.

Blessed are those who mourn

Acknowledges emotions and hurts, encouraging seeking help when needed.

Blessed are the meek

Refers to material humility, discouraging boasting about wealth and possessions.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

For they will be filled. Pursuing righteousness is as basic as eating, drinking and breathing.

Blessed are the merciful

For they will be shown mercy. We should be compassionate to anyone who suffers, as it shows respect for their dignity.

Blessed are the pure in heart

For they will see God. This means to be authentic in our relationships - to be true to ourselves.

Blessed are the peacemakers

For they will be called children of God. To pursue fairness and respect, one must always pursue peace.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness

For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. This means to stay true and faithful, no matter what challenges come along.

The Lord's Prayer

Matthew 6:9-13 - A prayer that captures the essence of the Gospel message, asking for daily needs and forgiveness.

The Our Father

A version of the Lord's Prayer that emphasizes holiness and the desire for God's will to be done on earth.

The Lord's Prayer as a perfect prayer

It teaches us not only to ask for things but also in what order we should desire them.

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:16-20 - Jesus commissioned the Apostles to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.

Pentecost

Acts 2:1-4 - The day when the Holy Spirit filled the Apostles, enabling them to speak in different languages.

Date of Pentecost

33 AD - 50 days after Passover (or 10 days after the Ascension and Great Commission).

Holy Spirit arrival

The Holy Spirit arrived as wind and tongues of fire, filling the Apostles.

Discipleship

The act of following Jesus' example and teachings as instructed by the Great Commission.

Authority of Jesus

Jesus stated that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him.

Worship of Jesus

The eleven disciples worshiped Jesus upon seeing him, although some doubted.

Teaching obedience

The command to teach disciples to obey everything that Jesus has commanded.

Promise of Jesus

Jesus promised to be with his followers always, to the end of the age.

Compassion through action

Demonstrating compassion to those who suffer, showing respect for their dignity.

Authenticity in relationships

Being true to ourselves and seeing the goodness in everyone in any situation.

Peacefulness over violence

It is through peacefulness that love and compassion can be practiced.

Standing up for righteousness

Staying true and faithful to what is right, even if it is not popular or easy.

Disciple

a follower of Jesus

Apostle

a disciple specifically chosen by Jesus to spread the Gospel

Peter

Leader of the early Church; preached at Pentecost; performed miracles

James the Great (son of Zebedee)

Early Church leader; first apostle martyred

John (brother of James)

Evangelist and theologian; authored Gospel of John and Revelation (traditionally)

Andrew

Evangelized in the Greek world; strong missionary zeal

Philip

Preached to Greeks and other Gentiles; baptized the Ethiopian eunuch

Bartholomew (Nathanael)

Preached in difficult regions; tradition says he went to India and Armenia

Matthew (Levi)

Authored the Gospel of Matthew (traditionally); ministered to Jews and Gentiles

Thomas (Didymus)

Evangelized in the East; strong faith after initial doubt

James the Less (son of Alphaeus)

Possibly a leader in the Jerusalem Church

Thaddeus (Jude)

Spread the Gospel in tough regions; linked to healing stories

Simon the Zealot

Preached zealously in foreign lands

Judas Iscariot

Betrayed Jesus; ended his own life

Matthias

Chosen to replace Judas Iscariot; upheld apostolic mission

Paul (Saul of Tarsus)

Major evangelist to the Gentiles; wrote many Epistles; defined early theology

Peter's Authority

Peter was given authority over the church as the First Pope.

Peter's Martyrdom

Tradition holds that Peter was martyred in Rome around the 60s AD under Emperor Nero.

Peter's Baptism of Cornelius

Peter baptized Cornelius, a Roman Centurion, and many Gentiles in Acts 10.

Council of Jerusalem

Peter, along with Paul of Tarsus, pushed for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community without forcing them to follow Jewish customs.

Peter's Denial

Peter denied Jesus three times during his arrest and crucifixion.

Paul's Background

St Paul was originally called Saul of Tarsus.

Paul of Tarsus

Originally called Saul of Tarsus, he was a Jewish Roman citizen who became an apostle to the Gentiles after converting to Christianity.

Apostle to the Gentiles

Title given to Paul for his role in spreading Christianity to non-Jews.

Persecution

Hostility and discrimination against someone, especially on religious, racial, cultural grounds.

Martyrdom

To be killed for one's beliefs.

St Stephen

The First Christian Martyr, stoned to death by Jewish authorities in Acts 7.

Acts 7

The chapter in the Bible where St Stephen is stoned to death.

Christianity Persecution Timeline

30s to 300s AD, Christianity was persecuted by the Roman Empire.

Nero

Emperor during the 60s AD who persecuted Christians in Rome.

Diocletian

Roman Emperor from 300s to 310 AD known for empire-wide persecution of Christians.

St Lawrence

A deacon from Rome martyred in the 220s AD for donating the Church's wealth to the poor.

St Valentine

A bishop/priest in Rome during the 260s AD, martyred on 14 February for conducting Christian weddings.

Edict of Sophia

Issued by Emperor Galerius in 311 AD, allowing tolerance for Christians in the eastern half of the empire.