Jesus of Nazareth - The Man

One of the most famous stories ever written was that of the birth and death of Jesus Christ. The stories, miracle healing and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth are the main doctrine of the Christian beliefs. But who was Jesus? The average person knows very little about the history of the man at the center of Christianity. In fact it has been a subject of much debate over the centuries. Oddly there are no observer detailed accounts written or told about Jesus during his lifetime. So how do we know about the stories? Over the centuries historians have depended upon interpretations of the four key gospel writings. And many if not all of these texts were written well after the death of Jesus, some as much as a hundred years later. However, we have uncovered more about Jesus the man than most people realize. We do know Jesus was born late 5 B.C. He grew up in the Galilee village of Nazareth His family was not a member of the privileged class but a part of the peasant group. Jesus' father was indeed a carpenter (as every Christian school child knows). Jesus followed in his father's footsteps and became a carpenter as well. In that period of time a carpenter was an occupation that stemmed from an event that happened previously to the family. It is believed Jesus' family probably lost their agricultural land at some point. Drought and land seizure but the authorities are the most likely reasons. Jesus left Nazareth as an adult. He met the prophet John who subsequently baptized Jesus at the edge of the Jordan River. Most scholars and historians believe during this baptism, Jesus experienced a heavenly vision. Jesus was raised Jewish and he remained deeply Jewish for the remainder of his life. He never intended to form a new religion. In fact he saw himself as doing great work within Judaism. After he understood and recognized his "calling" Jesus began his famous preaching in public which was based out of Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The main focus of his message was the world could be transformed into a "Kingdom of God." It is believed he did become a renowned teacher, prophet and performed many miracle healings during this time period. It is clear Jesus was executed by Roman imperial authority as they were against anyone promoting more authority than the Roman Empire. It is equally clear many of his supporters experienced him after he died. It is well documented they had visions of Jesus as they had known him during his life. It was only after his death did they say publicly Jesus was "Lord" or "the Son of God." The events that occurred In between the above are difficult to verify. Many parts of the Bible are believed to have wandered from history to highlight points that were being communicated to the masses. The general public's negative response to Jesus' preaching of forgiveness is a great example. Many of the public's reactions as outlined in the Gospels may have been overstated because it is unlikely a first-century Jew would have thought of the declaration of forgiveness. This would have been considered sacrilegious. Many historians believe the debate over Jesus' proclamation of clemency is not based on history but was used for teachings and emphasis. There is great debate over Jesus' execution as well. We do know crucifixion was a punishment consistent with Roman Empire law during this time period. Historians disagree over the state of affairs of Jesus' crucifixion. It is believed the execution has been greatly transformed in the decades and centuries following his death. Jesus was executed by the Roman Imperial authorities most likely with the support of the high ranking priests. That is very clear. It is believed by historians he did not 'die for the sins of the world,' but he was killed by the Roman powers that ruled that part of the Holy Land. Historians believe the followers of the faith found meaning in his death.